Page 58 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

OC Maj Paul Goddard CSM WO2 Thomas CQMS CSgt Watts
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Section Commander’s Battle Course – Cpl Martin
Upon arriving at Dering Lines, I was flooded with all sorts of feelings and emotions; apprehension, nervousness, fear and excitement all at once. I was open minded as to what the next 4 months was going to throw at me but would grasp it with both hands.
The first 8 weeks were skill-at-arms which was a busy 8 weeks of learning. It focused on giving lessons on the different weapon systems used by the infantry. There were evening lessons throughout this phase, which made for long days but really helped
prepare you for the lessons you would be giving the following day.
After skill-at-arms we were straight
into the tactics side of the course where
we would deploy for 4 nights to either a woodblock or a barn, then through the week taking it in turns for the roles of Section Commander and Section 2IC. You would be put through different scenarios throughout the course from Ambushes, Raids, Recce Patrols to Deliberate Attacks. Each day threw a fresh challenge to the Section, which was good. There was also a complex week that was broken down to Trench Warfare,
FIBUA and FIWAF, which really helped me learn more about those parts of training we don’t normally do much of.
The final exercise incorporated everything we had previously done and put it all to the test, with the final attack being a Company attack onto the urban area called Cellini Village. I enjoyed my course down in Brecon and came away not just a better soldier but a better person. I would recommend any aspiring Section 2IC to go down and do the course to further their skills within the army. It is a brilliant course where you will learn a lot about the man you really are.
was a fascinating time to be in Afghanistan which saw the country hold a successful and democratic parliamentary election, a positive sign prior to the presidential election in April 2019.
Upon return from Afghanistan,
the Company took some well-earned leave before training for readiness operations in 2019, where we will secure strategic assets on the island as well as provide a reserve force for other emergencies on the island.
Finally, it is important to note the changing of the guard during this year. Company Sergeant Major (WO2) Thomas took over from Company Sergeant Major (WO2) Hollingworth who has moved to CSM HQ Coy. Capt Thomas Yaxley took over as OC Atks from Capt Russ Jones and CSgt Collins came in as his second in command. CSgt Watts has also moved up to assume Company Quartermaster Sergeant from OC Snipers, succeeded by CSgt Orton.
Capt Price delivers a brief to a multi- national audience on Op TORAL
D (Dragon) Company
Dragon Company Headquarters
It has been another challenging and diverse year for DRAGON Company. The initial emphasis of the year was the fire support and
specialist cadres from January to Easter. This saw the Company split in many directions; from Otterburn to Brecon to Germany where the Mortars deployed in support of a NATO exercise. Following the cadres, the focus quickly switched the readiness and ensuring the Company was as prepared as we could be to respond to current and emerging threats. This included expanding our conventional training through live fire exercises in Warcop, public order training in Lydd and humanitarian relief operations from the Dale Barracks.
During this frantic training, the company was preparing for the imminent move
to Cyprus where the Company would form the tip of the spear and assume the
Lead Company Group at 48 hours-notice to deploy upon our arrival in Cyprus.
The Company was activated to commence force preparation for Op TORAL (Afghanistan) one week prior to our planned move to Cyprus. This saw a rapid change of direction and a few trips between Lydd and Cyprus, deploying just 4 weeks after activation. The role which we assumed was providing Advisor Force Protection across Kabul, primarily within the International Zone (Green Zone). Essentially the Company
was providing bodyguards for the mentors to the highest level of government and Afghan National Security Forces. As well
as this role, the Company took in a large contingent from across the Battalion who would be stationed across Kabul providing force protection and base security.
In keeping with the mission, the Company also assumed command of a platoon of Estonians and a section from Finland. Although only a 3-month deployment, it
Major Goddard receiving a commendation
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