Page 53 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Manouevre
Being an Armoured Infantryman I am somewhat biased. Warrior is far more manoeuvrable than any other vehicle currently in theatre.
Due to the Enemy’s adverse attitude to combating WR it was found to be especially effective in giving dismounts the freedom
to move with enough firepower in an overt overwatch position to deter any offensive action. When inserted covertly, then triggered on a contact WR was especially effective in closing with INS firing points as well as pushing into depth to block possible withdraw routes. A swift and aggressive approach threw the INS into panic,
the firefight ceased and INS attempted
to escape immediately. As has been recommended by light role commanders, manoeuvre against the INS forces them to extract and gives us a victory (without the need to utilise fires or aviation).
The Warrior AFV is armed with a 30mm Raden Cannon which given a good gunner can engage point targets at 1000m+
with HE. It is also equipped with a 7.62 Chaingun which, although an area weapon can engage targets up to 900m accurately.
The BGTI (Thermal Imaging System) is a battle winning asset. A Warrior turret stag can dominate an enormous amount of real estate even in low mililux conditions. The WRs have twice spotted INS at distance attempting to lay IEDs on ISAF extraction
routes or set up ambush positions at night. The INS does not have any idea of the range or accuracy BGTI provides. On both occasions ROE was requested and INS engaged with 7.62mm. The firepower is formidable and unlike PM does not require a top-cover soldier
capable and can transport, under armour, 2 x stretcher cases and 3 x walking wounded simultaneously.
The maintenance burden that comes with Warrior is huge compared to PM. The arduous nature of the Afghan terrain
to expose himself to engage.
Warrior provides an excellent communications platform from which to operate
constantly wears against the running gear. Warrior is
an aggressive yet versatile vehicle, its utility is limited by the imagination (the OC is currently investigating the use of pipe fascines to cross large drainage ditches).
The new iteration
of WR (WR TES(H)) is
focused primarily for
Op HERRICK and as
such is IED protected.
One Warrior was
destroyed by an IED
during the tour (the
IED was assessed to be in the region of 200lbs of HME). The blast flipped the WR onto its side and tore the running gear apart, however the crew were subject to cuts bruises and one broken elbow. The new protection and seating system are impressive.
Warrior can deliver a fully armed 35 man Infantry Platoon onto an objective under armour, before pulling off and providing an effective deterrent. Should the Insurgent
be willing to fight, Warrior provides the manoeuvre to force him to withdraw without bringing its formidable weapons to bear. Warrior is not frequently used as more often than not the image it portrays is too ‘heavy’ for conventional COIN doctrine. It provides a mobile security bubble (with its own ECM and Comms) that enables CF to conduct the Key Leader Engagement we can not in the light role.
A TTP we practiced yet thankfully were not required to use was ‘WEDRO’ (Warrior PEDRO). In case of a casualty still under fire a Warrior would drive directly, cross fields, cross ditches etc to the casualty, the casualty could be loaded into the WR which could then extract all conducted under armour. There is also the WR515 ambulance variant which is extremely
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