Page 31 - RSDG Year of 2021 CREST

shake out, in preparation for the regiment’s future commitments.
The main training event of the year was undoubtedly Exercise WESSEX STORM, which provided some significant challenges. Before the regiment could cross the start line a large portion of the LAD deployed to breakout the platforms from Land Training Fleet in Warminster under the control of the ASM and QM(T). This was no mean feat as all the platforms required inspection and subsequent faults repaired within a tight timeline. Once these vehicles where at the required standard, the team moved to STANTA for the first phase of the Exercise. With the Advanced Party set in STANTA, the main body deployed from Leuchars via checkpoints in Warcop and Cottesmore, this was provided by 102 Log Brigade.
On arrival at STANTA, the regiment moved into a Battle Group (BG) leaguer, the location was not ideal for conducting ES. The lack of hard standing made it near impossible to conduct any major repair action therefore, the LAD moved to Bodney camp to provide support to this phase of the exercise.
As the Squadrons shook out and training began, the LAD worked centrally as this provided the opportu- nity to develop the junior members of the LAD as well as maintain the correct balance across the fitter sec- tions ensuring there was no drop off in vehicle avail- ability. The mounted live fire ranges would see the armourers deploy for pre firing checks and subsequent ES taskings. The Recovery mechanics were also kept on their toes with taskings, due to numerous vehicles driving through bogs and getting stuck. During this period, Cfn Doherty and Cfn Jackson undertake some intense class 3-2 training under the tutelage of SSgt Will, they each subsequently delivered a very well delivered presentation on a technical subject.
With the STANTA phase complete, the fitter Sections returned to their parent squadrons and we deployed forward to the Salisbury Plain. Arriving at Old Fowler barracks, safety inspections were conducted on all vehicles to ensure they were roadworthy and to iden- tify and preventive maintenance required after the road move from STANTA. This action ensured the fleet was ready for the subsequent training serials.
The Squadrons took in turns to conduct further train- ing serials and undertook some arduous training in the extreme heat. To support us on the life firing package, an Armourer from Babcock was brought in to support the ES activity. With all the pre-training serials com- plete, we moved location to a BG leaguer at an old rifle range in Perham Down. Here, we received orders and
then deployed out on the different missions and tasks given to the Regiment. The LAD maintained a pres- ence at Old Fowler Barracks utilising the hard stand- ing, as well as deploy a section to the rear at A2s loca- tion at Barton Stacey. This ensured thar the regiment could be supported as far forward as possible.
The exercise would repeatedly see our forces deploy from the east of the training area, to the west, cross- ing the water obstacles and taking on the enemy. The highlight of the exercise saw the BG go up against a sig- nificant number of armoured vehicles including CR2 and CVRT. On ENDEX the unt moved to Rollestone camp and conducted post Ex admin. The LAD came together again centrally to maximise ES effect. The final phase of the exercise saw SSgt Entwistle oversee the return of the platforms back to LTF.
In summary, despite Ex WESSEX STORM being a long and tiring exercise, all LAD personnel worked hard within their Sections and when centralised as one LAD.
Post summer leave the LAD reinvigorated the annual Golf Tournament for the first time in 14 years. This was the perfect event to build team cohesion and inte- grate the new members within the LAD as the post COVID restrictions are eased. The event took place at
Proof that Sgt Hagen does have a toolbox!
EAGLE AND CARBINE 29