Page 49 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

2 Platoon – Lt Kettles
It’s been a busy 2018 for 2 Platoon with plenty of development and experience gained by the whole Platoon.
After 4 months at Brecon completing the Platoon Commanders’ Battle Course, I was straight onto LFTT in Warcop. As a Range Conducting Officer for the week, I had the opportunity to observe the low level skills and drills of the soldiers I was about to take command of.
stepped up to Pl Sgt for another Platoon in the Grenadiers and Pte Hillman who got top shot out of the all the Grenadiers!
The Public Order exercise in Lydd was
a great experience and excellent training value for all involved. It was great to be able to command the lads in that environment so early on. The most memorable part
was seeing LCpl Edwards, 5 ft something, charge in and breach a shield wall, have
his shoulder dislocated and still be fighting when forcibly ejected from the fray by numerous members of D Company. Once again, it gave a great measure of the lads’ fighting spirit, grit and how they react under pressure. Training together in such a hectic and charged environment is beneficial for
During a brief stay on camp in Chester, I conducted the initial round of interviews with the soldiers in the Platoon. It’s a necessary, if not slightly formal, way to get to know the soldiers. However, it
is very insightful and certainly gave an indication of the characters that were now under my command.
The diverse and
varied backgrounds,
personalities and levels
of experience of the
lads was a welcomed
and significant change
from the training
establishments that I
had come from.
Exercise is an exceptional way to get to know those you work with. It immediately gives an indication to how the Platoon operates, and which personalities rise to
the forefront; who gives sound advice, who is physically robust, who switches on when others might be switching off, who is fit and who is not. Ex WESSEX STORM was a particular highlight. 2 Platoon were assigned ever more important roles as the exercise progressed. There were many stand out performances including Cpl Grove who
2 Platoon, Range day practicing both Rifle and Pistol firing to prepare the Battalion for the multitudes of missions and tasks it will conduct
bringing the Platoon together.
Before our move
to Cyprus, 2 Platoon gained a new Pl Sgt. Sgt Rafferty immediately made a positive impact on the Platoon. His big character, experience and seemingly unlimited
energy immediately made an impression. All the lads and myself took a lot of reassurance that he was deploying on tour with us.
We also had the return of two Pte soldiers to 2 Platoon, Pte Salt and Pte Green,
who had both successfully completed the Divisional JNCO cadre. Pte Salt performed particularly well and was ranked in the top three of all those who attended the course.
After our arrival in Cyprus, 2 Platoon, along with many other Grenadiers, were
Exercise is an exceptional way to get to know those you work with.
2 Platoon, A Coy experience the colder side of Cyprus in the Troodos mountains
quickly deployed to Afghanistan alongside D Company on Op TORAL 6. Many of
the junior soldiers and I were fortunate to deploy on an operational tour so early on
in our careers. It seemed a fitting end to a very busy year where we’d had a plethora of diverse and exciting training. The lads
felt very prepared before deployment and did themselves proud whilst representing their cap badge alongside their international partners.
After some scheduled leave, the Platoon are looking forward to enjoying all of the opportunities that Cyprus has to offer.
2 Platoon, The public order Company practicing their drill in Lydd
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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