Page 18 - LBV 2017

COMPANY TRAINING
Stormberg Platoon strike again!
CUOTC’s Module A consolidated course runs for another consecutive year and a new wave of keen OCdts join the CUOTC!
On Friday 7th April 2017 Stormberg platoon, affectionately known as ‘The Stormbergers’, formed up at Coldham’s lane in readiness to embark upon their 10 day Module A consolidated course in the wilds of Norfolk. The Stormbergers arrived in good spirits and were ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead of them!
After some initial administration
and icebreakers (including some
utterly bizarre stories from the
doctors and medical students
within the group that I will not
place within this article for fear of
incurring the wrath of the RSM) the
platoon began to bond and form
into a unified group of enthusiastic
OCdts. The first challenging phase of the course was the initial exercise where the platoon
were taught key elements of field craft and administration, including Capt. Wickman’s lesson on the ‘Officers’ Ration Pack’ which included such delights as Buck’s Fizz and smoked trout... the disappointment set in pretty quickly when the OCdts could not find these decadent delights in their issued ration boxes.
Stormberg Platoon
Capt Blayney briefs the troops
Other lessons included camouflage and concealment by WO2 Smith (looking absolutely terrifying), individual fire and movement, graduating to pairs later on in the day. Cpl Adams also delivered several lessons throughout the day, however, most of these had to be re-taught due to OCdts not understanding his dulcet Norfolk tones!
Upon completion of the exercise it was clear that Stormberg platoon were a highly competent
and enthusiastic group who
could tolerate, and rise to, some additional challenge. It was therefore decided by the training team that the next exercise would attempt to enhance the level
of challenge whilst remaining informative and educational. WO2 Smith and I would deploy as
platoon sergeant and platoon commander, and lead a final 2 night validation exercise.
Stormberg platoon deployed into a hasty harbour and slept under the stars, the following morning the platoon undertook a series of clearance patrols and re-assurance operations, occasionally coming into contact with the enemy. After occupying a platoon harbour, the evening was spent conducting recce patrols for a final
OCdt Murgatroyd’s plan of action
...it was clear that Stormberg platoon were a highly competent and enthusiastic group...
16 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER