Page 36 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

OC Capt Bell
2IC CSgt Kennedy
34
The Reconnaissance Platoon
After several personnel had attended the Light Reconnaissance Commanders Course (LRCC) and internally run weapon cadres, the Platoon was in a good state to go forward into the culmination of our Hybrid Foundation Training package with Exercise ASKARI THUNDER 3. For many, it was
their first visit to Kenya, and for those who had been before the changes to the old
Ex GRAND PRIX set-up were to come as
a surprise. Instead of the whole Battalion working from Nanuki Showground we were now based from the salubrious surroundings of Turacco Farm which, due to the weather, did tend to resemble the Somme.
Thankfully the Platoon did not spend long in Turacco and quickly found themselves re-roled as part of the ISTAR group (formed around the Recce Pl with the added capability of Guns and Javelin Platoons) and moving up to the much warmer climes of MOB SIMBA in Archer’s Post for training prior to the start of the Bn level exercise. This was an excellent opportunity to come together as a Platoon and cross train on the expected capabilities we were likely
to deliver. All reports from previous Battle Groups suggested that we were in for a challenging time, setting the conditions in a manner more resembling conventional warfare than the operations in Afghanistan that most were used to. Hopes that the stories were being
Capt Ed Brown MC briefs BG multiple comds
Recce that followed.
Another new element to several members
of the Platoon was working closely with the Kenyan Armed Forces who were embedded throughout. Experience of some of HERRICK 10 OMLT was put to good use and shared lessons were put into practice to good effect. While it was
Brecon on their cam and concealment and regaling tales of heroism from Nawa, Op HERRICK 10. Also moving on were Sgt Breakspear, LCpls Gilby, Bryant, Taylor, Nichols, Airey and Walters. In their place have arrived LCpls Cromwell, Jowett and Mackenzie-Bell. We also look forward to welcoming back Cpl Webb from PSBC, who will hopefully promote shortly after. It was also the turn of Capt Bell to discover the joys of the LRCC as he attended the last 10 week (and therefore the hardest) course to be run at Warminster. The new Recce Division CSM set about thoroughly ‘training’ the course and the 30% pass rate is a testament to the skills required of today’s Recce soldiers and commanders.
The ORBAT change of D Coy into the new Manoeuvre Support Groups has been another challenge through a very busy MST period and had to be woven into a rich programme of driving, cultural awareness, J2, UOR and specialist surveillance courses as well as the collective exercises. Deployment is now looming but the wealth of experience and quality now represented across the Bn means that we look forward to another successful tour.
exaggerated were soon dashed by the reality. Long insertion tabs
Hopes that the stories were being exaggerated were soon dashed by the reality
always demanding, sometimes over truly horrific ground, it was a rewarding exercise none the less.
The pace of life did not abate, and the Platoon plans of some down time and
ahead of the Forward
Line of Troops,
identifying Battle Group
RVs and crossing
points, marking and
securing FUPs and Fire Support Group locations, Observation Posts and many other core skills, generally not conducted on operations as a matter of course, became the bread and butter of the Platoon. There is no doubt that attendance on the LRCC and other internally-run cadres had a
possibly some adventurous training before Christmas were scuppered by the forward loading of Mission Specific Training (MST) for HERRICK 15. This meant that some creative scheduling was needed to make the most
of Bn Christmas week, while still achieving firing competencies on the HMG and GMG and attendance on the All Ranks Briefing.
It was at this time that the Platoon bid farewell to Capt Brown MC who can now be found debriefing the Junior Division at
direct effect on the ability of the Platoon
to conduct these tasks. There is also little chance of anyone who was there forgetting the final 35km insertion and Close Target
PUMA dropping off JULIET 24 during build up training near MO Cpl Webb with Cpl Charles and Pte Dixon (both Kenyan Armed Forces)
THE MERCIAN EAGLE