Page 25 - RADC 2016

MILITARY MATTERS
Ex ZULU TIGER 2016
LCpl Nanda Taylor RADC
At the beginning of March 2016 I was informed by my SDO that I had been chosen to represent the RADC on the EX ZULU TIGER. Initially concerned that he was sending me to the zoo I was curious to learn more!
EX ZULU TIGER was a Battle eld Study of the Anglo-Zulu War focusing on the battles of Isandlwana, Blood River and Rorke’s Drift. Thankfully attendance on this study involved ying to South Africa with Emirates!
This exercise was a once in a career opportunity to study the Army Leadership Code and Mission Command through the retrospective lens of the Anglo-Zulu war.
On receiving the Admin Instructions for
EX ZULU TIGER I was extremely excited about this amazing opportunity but at the same time I was very nervous because I was the lowest rank attending, and I didn’t really know much about Mission Command. I had some doubts as to what I could possibly offer/contribute to the Exercise.
The Battle eld Study took place over the period of 23-30 April 16:
On the 23rd of April I made my way to ATR (Winchester), where we did some pre-deployment study and were given instructions as to how the next week would unfold.
We departed from Heathrow Airport for Durban (South Africa) via Dubai. On the 24th of April we drove to Fugitives Drift Lodge
from Durban and conducted an initial brief for the subsequent days. Upon arrival at
the Lodge, I felt extremely emotional and overwhelmed. The place was just stunning, and I was given my own room which meant I didn’t have to share with anyone; BONUS!!
On the 25th of April, we studied the battle of the Isandlwana in the morning. We also visited the site of the rst ever posthumous VCs awarded. Both Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill received the posthumous VCs for attempting to save the Queen’s Colours against erce Zulu attack.
On the 26th of April, we studied both
the Battle of Blood River and Rorke’s Drift. This involved tabbing for several miles in 32 degree heat through African Savannah. The team from the ATR were a t bunch, but it did make me re ect on how dif cult it must have been to ght out there, particularly without any shoes!
Each evening the syndicates consolidated knowledge and conducted a short brief. Each syndicate was tasked with a subject to present to the Commanding Of cer of ATR (Winchester). Whilst initially a little daunting this taught me how to work well within a multi-rank, multi-cap badge team and built my con dence at presentation (It was also pretty scary brie ng the CO directly initially!)
On the 27th of April we departed for Durban. Where in the evening we all went out for a lovely Portuguese meal.
On the 28th of April, we were given the opportunity to have some cultural immersion in Durban. I choose to do shark diving; it was absolutely AWESOME!
During the ight back to London, I had the chance to re ect on the amazing experiences that I had and what ultimately I gained from it all. The aim of the Battle eld Study was to develop individuals’ understanding of the Army Leadership Code/ Mission Command, and how to apply this into current and future operating environments.
Having served in the Army for just 23 months at the time, I gained far more than I expected: I learned to have more con dence in myself. I learned that I can achieve anything I wish with the right discipline, determination and attitude. Most importantly I realised that team work will take you much further than working on your own. I feel far more able to voice my opinion and feel that my attendance has strengthened my links with in the training Regiment. This has in turn made my job at Winchester easier and more enjoyable.
No personal nancial contribution was required. Making this an even more worthwhile opportunity.
I’d like to thank the CO ATR (Winchester), my SDO Maj McLean and PDO(South) for agreeing to my attendance.
RADC BULLETIN 2016 23