Page 34 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

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Machine Guns Perspective
We deployed to Kenya in Oct 10 on Ex ASKARI THUNDER 3 in order to provide fire support for the three Rifle Companies and to bolster the fire power of Recce Platoon. While in FOB Simba the FSG conducted section level training from field craft lessons to section attacks, and culminating in a Company live attack integrating both the Javelin and GPMG SF. The Battalion moved to Torako Farm in preparation to deploy on the final phase of the exercise. The terrain proved to be a challenging obstacle for
the FSG moving the support weapons and ammunition into fire positions with suitable elevation and arcs to engage the enemy positions, whilst the companies advanced. The FSG proved they were up to the task of providing fire support as well as assaulting and destroying enemy positions when the need arose. Kenya proved to the younger soldiers especially that they would need both physical and mental fitness to operate in the heat of Afghanistan.
At the start of the New Year the FSG
7Platoon enjoying the Kenyan sunshine, Oct 2010
began cross training on the two primary weapon systems that we would be using (the GPMG and Javelin) in the form of mini
support weapon cadres conducted within Palace Barracks. This then progressed onto learning the skills and drills of the 40mm GMG and .50cal HMG including ranges
in Magilligan. The NCOs of the FSG then passed on their knowledge of the weapons to the remainder of the Battalion and also other units within the Brigade. Concurrently to the heavy weapons training a number
of the FSG were sent on Jackal driver
and commander/gunner courses to train on the vehicles that were to be used on future exercises and our deployment to Afghanistan.
By mid June the Battalion had deployed to Thetford on the mounted Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise which served to familiarise the FSG on the tactics and use of Jackal vehicles they would be using
to support the Rifle Companies mounted
in Mastiff vehicles. This was the first Afghanistan orientated exercise and was
a good learning curve for both the soldiers who had been on operations previously and those who had not been deployed before.
At the beginning of July we moved to Otterburn to conduct the dismounted Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise which would further enhance the FSGs readiness for operations. The FSG was able to demonstrate its effectiveness with a number of weapon systems, bringing heavy and accurate fire onto various targets in different scenarios in both day and night conditions. The IED and ambush lanes practiced us on the relevant drills and in conjunction with the Amputees in Action provided a very realistic training experience for the casualty evacuation procedure. Further to this, we were able to practice vehicle recovery under contact as well as firing on the move with the heavy weapons.
The final training hurdle came in the form of the Final Training Exercise on Salisbury Plain where the FSGs were able to put into practice everything that had been learned over the previous exercises in readiness for our upcoming operational tour of Afghanistan.
FSG Sp to A Coy asslt on OBJ GOLD
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