Page 57 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

8 Platoon – Lt Darkings
8 Platoon, C Company have also had a
busy year since returning from Iraq on
Op SHADER. After a period of POTL the Platoon went on LFTT at Warcop Ranges. Here the Platoon retrained; from the basics of Individual Shoots to conducting live fire Section Attacks.
The Platoon was attached to B Company for a Multinational Overseas Exercise in Lithuania, part of Ex THUNDERSTORM,
a part of Op CABRIT. The exercise was designed to display NATO’s resolve to defend and support the Baltic States, therefore we would be high-profile throughout our time overseas. Training for this started with a week-long exercise on Otterburn Training Area.
The Platoon honed their skills with some challenging serials, tactically inserting in to FUPs before perfecting their skills and drills for fighting through woods and forests. This training allowed us to practice working alongside Support (Dragon) Company attachments such as the Recce Platoon.
8 Platoon arrived in Lithuania fully prepared for the upcoming exercise, thanks to the sterling efforts of Coy HQ.
Working alongside the Lithuanian
Armed Forces was an excellent learning experience, with enemy being provided
by an American Striker Brigade, making
a challenging, dynamic and professional enemy force. At the end of the exercise we
were able to explore the local Lithuanian city of Kaunas, which was great fun.
After returning from
Lithuania we began
preparing for and
conducting the move to
Cyprus from Chester.
Since being in Cyprus we have done several exercises, conducted a number
of activity days including a snorkelling trip and held Platoon Socials. The exercises have ranged from Section up to CT2 level. The CT2 exercise is a Company strength exercise where the Company works as
one unit – ensuring we are ready to deploy anywhere in the Middle East or North Africa on Lead Company Group. While we are
in Cyprus, we are on standby to support British foreign policy in the region.
Our training has taken place in completely new environments, clearing through quarries and Mediterranean villages, specifically
one called “Paramali”, this has allowed
us to face and beat new challenges. This new terrain has ensured that soldiers and commanders are challenged and best prepared for any situation they may find themselves in.
8 Platoon has made the maximum use of the variety of training opportunities here in Cyprus. It is the Adventurous Training and
opportunities outside of work, that makes Cyprus what it is. The snorkelling trip along the coast of Paphos allowed the Platoon to take a guided tour of the best snorkelling locations, allowing the
Platoon to view some of the local marine life.
Being in Cyprus also allows the Platoon and Company socials to be unique.
8 Platoon spent a day in the local water park as part of one of our socials and finished it off with a BBQ and beers in the Cypriot sun.
The Company social involved going down the local beach where the MTWC provided us with a speed boat and driver, and variety of towables. With no limit to the number
of times we could go on the towables, much of the Company spent the day being sped along the coast of this Mediterranean paradise. The day concluded with a BBQ for both soldiers and their families, cooked by the Junior Officers and SNCOs.
So far Cyprus has been a fantastic experience, with opportunities to explore Cyprus at the weekend, and Ayia Napa an hour away, this place is second to none!
Since being in Cyprus we have done several exercises...
8 Pl C (Kohima) Company 8 Platoon C (Kohima) Company
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