Page 28 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

OC Mortars: Capt Zeal 2IC: WO2 Moitt
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Mortar Platoon – Capt Zeal
Impressively lethal, the 81mm Mortar is
an aggressive weapon. Success during warfighting is predominately attributed to the concentration of fire support massed to destroy enemy forces prior to ground troops closing with and defeating our adversaries. 1 MERCIAN’s 81mm is truly a battle winning asset that strikes fear into our enemies. Deploying on two of the British Army’s largest exercises of 2018, the 1 MERCIAN Mortar Platoon is an extensively trained expeditionary force that is ready to deploy in the most demanding of environments.
The year began with realistic and challenging live fire tactical training. Rifles, pistols and grenades were all used during a progressive programme that included increasingly complex tactical scenarios during both day and night. Mounted drills were also practiced that incorporated the General-Purpose Machine Gun. Pre- deployment training also encompassed three Number Cadres that developed and tested the men in mortar specific training. A highly effective but technical weapon. The numbers perfected their weapon handling drills on the 81mm within a tactical construct. Cadres covered specific themes such as urban doctrine, mounted combat, live firing and
interoperability with
4 MERCIAN.
A real highlight of 2018 was the platoon’s successful deployment to Canada on
Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1. Within a combined arms manoeuvre context,
81mm going downrange in BATUS / Canada / Jun 18
mortars effectively supported the KRH BG with timely, accurate and safe indirect fire. 1 MERCIAN is one of the only British Army groupings that have had the opportunity to
contribution to indirect fires. In September the platoon deployed on the strategic exercise, SAIF SAREEA 3, hosted by
our Omani partners. The desert was an extremely harsh environment and severely demanding for both man and machine. Administration, equipment and tactics were adapted over two months of training in an extremely austere setting.
Long term investment in individual qualifications has also featured heavily in our training programme. Battlefield casualty drills have been a priority, with most soldiers completing Team Medic and the majority of
A real highlight of 2018 was the platoon’s successful deployment to Canada on Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1.
fire Illum rounds during complex coordinated fire plans including High Explosive. Many individuals were commended on their performance and Mortars in particular were recognised
for their significant
81mm going downrange in BATUS / Canada / Jun 18
Members of Mortar Platoon take a moment to relax in a rare oasis in the Omani desert / Oman / Oct 18
THE MERCIAN EAGLE