Page 30 - LBV 2017

INTER-COMPANY TRAINING & VISITS
Land Combat Power Visit 2016
The British Army: “Be The Best”, says it all. It’s an incredible organisation to help defend the interest of the UK, during both peace and war around the world. In conventional battle, a massive firepower is needed to support boots on the ground, that can range from: artillery guns and tanks; to attack helicopters. It was a unique opportunity for me to see those in action at the Land Combat Power Demonstration on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire.
On reaching the venue, we were met with enthusiastic spectators, including some from foreign Armed Forces. There were dozens of camouflage armoured and utility vehicles on display. The scene was set and the event started with a telecast on two giant screens, describing the role played by various land force units in
a battle group formation. The theme was to show simulated assault and manoeuvres on an adversary’s positions in trenches, flanked by
two Russian tanks. The British assault on this position was provided by 1 MERCIAN Regiment, consisting of: one company of armoured infantry in Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles; and one company of mechanised infantry in Mastiffs. ISTAR group (Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) performed
a recce on the enemy’s minefield using UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), this was followed
by an advance-to-contact in main battle tank formation. The earth roared with a boom and the sky blazed, as Challenger 2 tanks rolled down, firing on the move. One could really feel its effect in: sound; flash; heat; and destruction, from a few hundred feet away. Excitement reached its peak when apache helicopters flying overhead, engaged targets with cannon rounds.
The demonstration continued with the firing of varying equipment, such as AS-90 guns, Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Javelin anti-tank weapons. It was a great experience to see what it takes to destroy the enemy on a battlefield. All the manoeuvres were well coordinated, with live commentary that gave us rare insight into the incredible firepower of the British Army.
OCdt Nayal, DEResPO
28 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER