Page 53 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

B (Malta) Company
5 Platoon – Griffiths
B (Malta) Company’s first task since moving
to Cyprus was taking over as Op SHADER force protection at RAF Akrotiri, 15 minutes down the road from the rest of the Battalion in Episkopi. As a Company our main effort was to man the Main Entry Point to camp and provide security to the airfield. The
RAF and other nations were using the airfield to provide air support for troops deployed in Iraq. On the MEP we assisted the local airfield security force and manned 2 positions, one being a vehicle checkpoint and the other close support to the RAF planes.
Between the 2 platoons in B Company, we rotated through this task and a training programme; using the excellent facilities provided on RAF Akrotiri. B Company focused on Urban Operations as our main training objective. We progressed our
training through this
period, from individual
to section level lessons.
Our instructors are well
trained in this area, so a
lot was learnt, especially
for the more junior
private soldiers amongst
the company who
had not touched on Urban Operations at Battalion. This training will be put into effect on future exercises as we look to develop and test what we have learnt so far.
Our PT training was extremely varied,
and we made use of the beach and sea as much as possible. This included circuits, swimming and cool downs following running sessions. This made for a great change from any PT training we had conducted previously in Chester and was well enjoyed
by all members of the Company.
We also made use of the RAF’s capabilities and assisted them
with their training. Three of us were given the chance to do
some training with 84
They used us as casualties and practiced winching us up into the helicopter...
Squadron, who are
service based at RAF Akrotiri. They used us as casualties and practiced winching
us up into the helicopter to train for rescue situations. It was good to work closely
with the RAF and see how they operate in comparison with ourselves and provided us with an experience we would have been unable to gain had we not been based on the airfield during this period.
the helicopter rescue
First Impressions on Cyprus – Pte Yarwood
Before moving to Cyprus, I was nervous
– this was my first move overseas with
2 MERCIAN. On arriving in Cyprus there was a lot to take in, new accommodation, new people, different surroundings, weather change and more! The temperature was
an average of 30oC every day and the surroundings are completely opposite to back in the UK.
The accommodation was a good change. In Cyprus as a Single Liver In; I am in a single man room with an en-suite bathroom,
which is a bonus. In Chester it was 4-man rooms, so it’s nice to have your own space.
The people are very different compared to back in the UK, however it’s nice to talk to locals and the Cypriots that work on the Main Entry Point on camp give an insight to what their life is like here in Cyprus. Since being here we have been given leave with the opportunity to go back to the UK and leave on island. While on island leave, I have explored the island further. I went to Ayia Napa for a short break and did some
Yarwood, Quick lessons whilst in the field
Yarwood, B Coy recreating famous scenes from Top Gun
cliff jumping nearby. There’s also Paphos and Limassol which offer plenty to do with waterparks and shopping centres.
Adventure training is big in Cyprus and the Battalion pushes for you to get out there and get some done. I’ve recently completed a kayaking course in Dhekalia and I’m also booked in to do rock climbing later this year.
Overall since being in Cyprus I have now settled in to the new environment I have been exposed to. I am now looking forward to the rest of my time here and exploring more of what the island has to offer.
Yarwood, B Coy enjoy football on the beach during PT
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
51