Page 18 - Mercian Eagle Year of 2023

2 Platoon
While wet and windswept training
areas of the UK provide a formidable training environment for any infantry company, a quick glance at world events demonstrates the British Army must
be able to fight and win in complex urban environments. In late October, as Storm Ciaran battered the Southwest,
A (Grenadier) Company deployed to Copehill Down Village for a week’s urban training, integrated with the Warrior IFV. After a busy summer operating at the Battle Group level, the exercise gave Grenadiers the chance to strip back
to basics; adopting a crawl, walk, run approach under the guidance of our own urban operations instructors.
Beginning with movement in the urban, through to building entry and room clearance, NCOs had the time and space to fine tune their section’s SOPs creating well-drilled small unit teams capable of dealing with the complexities of the urban environment. This culminated in a counter IED exercise, complete with battlefield casualty serials and supporting armour.
A further highlight to the week, the use of Marker Round Training System (MRTS). The experience of a 2-way range proving the efficacy of the doctrine and teaching Grenadiers to trust the techniques they are shown. Fortunate to be training
on a large section of Copehill Down, training serials were varied and creative providing a unique challenge each time with different floor plans and methods of entry; and for a final attack, the company conducted a deliberate attack on to a large hotel with intimate support and insertion provided by the Warrior IFV.
As the Company looks forward to a busy 2024, the lessons learned from
the exercise will prepare Grenadiers for success whatever the task or environment.
A Warrior AFV supporting troops on Shrewton Street – SPTA Oct 23
A Warrior AFV supporting troops on Shrewton Street – SPTA Oct 23
Grenadiers prepare to enter a building in Troops preparing to enter a building in Copehill Down Village – SPTA Oct 23 Copehill Down Village – SPTA Oct 23
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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