Page 73 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

C (Kohima) Company
Exercise LOMBARD EAGLE 18 – 2Lt Sam Russon
This year has seen the Company go through several changes and has been kept extraordinarily busy. The OC, Maj Rob Spalton has moved on as SO1 G9 at 7 Inf Bde on promotion to Lt Col in July, with
Maj Gaz Dixon stepping in. On top of this, WO2 (CSM) Glenn Woodward has been confirmed as the Company Sergeant-Major,
with CSgt Adam Leverton taking over as CQMS. We’ve said another goodbye, as Capt Lloyd Watts has returned to his roots at EMUOTC, providing a strong tie-in for the regiment there. Soldiers and Officers of the Coy have been all over the world this year, with exercises in: Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Canada, Oman and of course the
usual ones in the UK. The pace of growth in the support from the local communities of Bulwell (and indeed the wider Nottingham area) and Mansfield has been fantastic. Especially in the manner of which the people of Mansfield showed their support on hundredth anniversary of the Armistice this year.
Earlier this year in May, two teams of four from the 4th Battalion’s Patrols Team, entered the Italian Raid Commando military competition, better known as
the LOMBARDIA, similar in scope to
the Cambrian Patrol. This is the most prestigious military competition in Italy, and a total of thirty-eight teams from nine NATO nations entered the competition. Held in the beautiful, yet mountainous area of Campo del Fiori, north of Milan,
over the course of
around twenty hours, 28
miles and over 5,000 ft
of elevation, it is no walk
in the park.
where the differences in doctrine and methodology quickly became apparent, with a broad spectrum of approaches on display. Some nations would be particularly intensive, whilst others adopted a far more laissez-faire attitude. Also included were
an ambush and a raid, both of which could be said to be the epitome of hasty. The ambush was conducted at night, with additional teams (from other nations – the
Knife fighting! / Pte Tim Robinson and / Italy / 26 May 18
the difficulty of the language barrier and time pressures necessitates the need for simplicity – maintaining that momentum necessary. And finally, the greatest challenge, which
also provided for its greatest value (and is the nadir of all commanders), was navigating in mountainous and wooded terrain with little features.
Despite being unable to take part in
the shooting element of the competition (the highest point scoring stand), this is a fantastic exercise for junior commanders to lead and as preparation for more intensive exercises. Would we go again? Most definitely, and we hope to post a much better score next year!
The calm before the storm / Italy / 25 May 18
Consisting of over
20 different stands of
varying difficulty, some
are attempted as a
team, while others bring
together a number of teams for an activity
– this makes for an interesting dimension. Of all the stands, the VCP provided possibly the best insight into how other NATO forces operate. As we watched on, teams were required to conduct stop and searches,
Of all the stands, the VCP provided possibly the best insight into how other NATO forces operate.
odd language difficulty) and the need to have a plan, brief and get into position in seven minutes.
The most valuable aspects of this exercise were the continued opportunity to work with soldiers from other NATO nations.
Firstly, through sharing knowledge and experience, we were able to quickly compare approaches and methods to gain the best action – collaboration provides for the common approach, vital for NATO. Secondly, and in particular for low-level commanders,
Quick break on the way to the top / Italy / 26 May 18
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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