Page 34 - RSDG Year of 2021 CREST

32 EAGLE AND CARBINE
defensive battle would eventually be overwhelmed and have their position overrun by B Company, 1 R Irish.
After the finale of Ex KO, B Squadron’s 1st Troop and supporting elements, deployed on Ex MUSANDAM FORT (MF). The aim of the Exercise was to provide a reconnaissance element, for the Musandam secu- rity forces, finding and fixing enemy positions. The Exercise began with an epic journey by road and sea, from Duqm up to the Musandam region of Oman.
The Royal Navy of Oman transported the crews and vehicles from Wudam to Khasab port, where the final road move would be conducted. The route consisted of extremely rugged and mountainous single-track roads,
up until the wadi of Salhad was reached. We received a warm welcome into Salhad camp, from the Defence force, where we were fed and accommodated. The camp was small and basic; however, the setting and surrounding scenery was spectacular. Once the pleas- antries where over and the vehicles had cooled down, we carried out halt checks. The terrain had taken its toll on several cv boots, so the afternoon was spent repairing the damage. That evening was consumed by sharing food, games and stories with the Omani troops, who are a very warm and friendly bunch. The next day started early with a group run, followed by Exercise orders. The rest of the day was spent delivering several capability demos to the Omani forces, demonstrating how the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards do business.
The following morning Ex MUSANDAM FORT was to begin. 1ST Troop where given their objective, to find and fix three enemy positions, in order to allow the Oman Defence Force to push forward and clear the positions. The LAD Coyote in support, remained at the rear to provide ES to the forward platforms. After a successful day of operations, the Troop remained in a hide until the following morning, where the final attack would take place. The attack was a success, and this was the end of the combat phase. The vehicles had performed excellently up until now, but the final challenge was still to come. After a hearty breakfast of bread and Dal, the journey back to Khasab begun. The first section of the journey was a steep climb out of the Wadi, ascending over 1500m in 10km. We followed the exposed mountain road and eventually descended into