Page 13 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

3 Platoon – Sgt Gilham
2018 saw 3 Platoon deployed on multiple large-scale exercises at home and overseas. A challenge that was both demanding and rewarding for all involved.
Our first deployment was to BATUS
in early May. The exercise started well
for 3 Platoon with a smooth Handover Takeover of the fleet, overseen by the Warrior Sgt and his team. This allowed us to focus on preparing the Warriors for the upcoming exercise, as well as practise low- level training that would prepare us for the 36 days on Ex PRAIRIE STORM.
Prior to deploying, the platoon underwent a large re-ORBAT, meaning that all had
to grasp their new roles and bond as a team. The relatively junior, but strong, section commanders quickly and effectively adapted; which helped us form effective new SOPs. It was these SOPs that developed our confidence in one another and helped us gel as a team collectively
– something that had not gone unnoticed by the Safety Staff, who commended
our efficiency and professional output.
3 Platoon prides itself on a shared ethos
of doing the basics well, which ultimately boiled down to how well we could perfect our low-level skills and drills. Mirroring the hard efforts of the dismounts, 3 Platoon’s mounted crews performed excellently throughout this exercise. Again, under strong junior leadership, the Warrior crews achieved the highest vehicle availability across the exercise and were praised highly for operating as a determined, hard-working and efficient team. Everyone performed to an excellent standard, as demonstrated by junior soldier, Pte Geeves. Entrusted with the NLAW, Pte Geeves destroyed a tank target with a perfect hit. Pte Geeves is a shining example of the platoon’s buy-in to “empowering” others.
Upon recovery from BATUS, it was with heavy hearts the platoon said goodbye
to two strong leaders; Lt Dyson and Sgt Doyle who both moved onto challenging positions within the Battalion. After some well-earned leave, A (Grenadier) Coy was temporarily broken up and used to reinforce the Battalion’s deployment to Oman on
Ex SAIF SAREEA 3. We discovered a totally
new environment in which to become masters of, and in true Grenadier spirit we took it in our stride and pushed ourselves to the limit. The desert was unforgiving
and relentless, and tested the platoon’s robustness in a totally unique way. Lessons learned in BATUS earlier that year set us up for success, and the Battalion subsequently had an excellent exercise.
A short rest for 3 Platoon saw us come back to Battalion to reset, re-ORBAT and begin our pre-deployment training for Op CABRIT in Estonia. We look forward to Castlemartin gun camp in January 2019 and further PDT before deploying. Having been tested in the plains of Canada and the deserts of Oman, the platoon now look forward with confidence to the challenges Estonia brings, during Op CABRIT, starting in March 2019.
Pl Comd Pl Sgt
WR Sgt
Lt Dyson
Sgt Simmonds/
Sgt Doyle/Sgt Gilham
Sgt Lord
3 Platoon attached to B Coy / Oman / 22 Oct 18
LCpl Caling gives a fire control order / BATUS, Canada / 13 May 18
Cpl Chambers section conducting an assault / Copehill Down Village / 6 Feb 18
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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