Page 27 - The Light Dragoon 2024

The first quarter of 2023 saw the year kick started with the Regiment deploying to Castlemartin to complete regimental ranges. Shortly following this, Pte Fenn deployed to Kenya to support C Squadron on British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK). During this period WO2 Alderman (RAWO) was trawled to support 1CG in BATUK and Cpl Vakacegu supported a 6-month trawl to BATUK. Meanwhile, Sgt Bradder was deployed to Op SHADER for 6 months, returning in Jun 23.
Exercise SPRING STORM (Ex SS)
In May 2023 the Light Dragoons deployed on Ex SPRING STORM 23 in Estonia. This Exercise saw a collective Task Force from multiple units pull together to achieve the objective. This also gave the Regiment the perfect opportunity to conduct Adventurous Training (AT). Members of the detachment were able to participate in the AT package which included Mountain Biking, Canoeing and Sea Kayaking.
The Exercise offered excellent learning opportunities working with external unit SP, building relationships outside of the unit.
Shortly after Ex SPRING STORM, when all those who had deployed returned to unit, it wasn’t long before we were deploying again, this time on CATT which this year was to take place in Germany in mid-July. It was a great chance for us all to work hard but then enjoy some sports and a Regimental BBQ. Not long after
Germany, there wasn’t much time to rest on our laurels as preparations would begin for PDT, starting with the ARB and MRX, then Range packages prior to personnel deploying.
Deploying on operations to Eastern Europe has been the Regimental main effort this year, the detachment has been hard at work getting its members trained, ready to deploy. The detachment has conducted weapon handling tests, team medic training, pre-operation exercises and range packages. All at the same time proving accurate J1 & J8 support.
The advance party and main body flights left the UK for Operations in November. Names were put to tasks and so heading into the festive period and New Year, there will be those who will be coming back to the UK for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) and other BCRs replacing those that are due to deploy back to the UK upon rotation. Meanwhile, the UK support staff are maintaining the high standards with regards to J1, covering for the Detachment element who have been deployed. The work routine has been very busy with preparing deployable docs and conducting Regimental Administrative Checks (RAC’s) for those personnel who are deploying elsewhere and also with the usual high standard of daily MPA tasks being completed to meet specific deadlines along with the regular MPA work that is required to be completed.
It’s been a hugely successful year regarding promotions, we have congratulated WO2 Alderman on her selection for promotion to WO1. LCpl Lee promoted into the position of Headquarter Squadron Junior MPA and LCpl Rai who will depart on promotiontoCpl,to12RegimentRoyal Artillery after successful completion of his ALDP in January 2024. Sgt Bradder and Sgt Yao promoted to SSgt and are awaiting their new assignment locations.
The forecast of events for the entirety of 2024 is yet to be confirmed, but we look forward to hearing what will be in store post the operational leave window. LCpl Rai will attend his ALDP MT in Jan 24 before being deployed to Kenya alongside A Sqn personnel. There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon with Regimental Day, more Adventure Training opportu- nities and challenges before the year of 2024 is over and done with.
Other Commitments
The Light Dragoons UK element partici- pated in the Poppy March in Durham and Newcastle for Remembrance Sunday which consisted of marching through the town centre, participating in the Mass service and then meeting afterwards at the Battalion’s respective ex-service persons’ clubs to converse with Veterans, which was an amazing experience. Cpl Butler was the AGC representative in Durham for this tasking.
The Detachment also participated in the Poppy Appeal in Nov 23 to raise money for the Royal British Legion at Tesco in Durham raising £7,000, a great effort by all.
Sport
Cpl Vakacegu was busy in 2023 competing in Army Rugby while Pte Roscoe-Sampson was on the winning BISMARK team for The Light Dragoons. During the busy year of 2023, LCpl Rai has utilised his expertise as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) to take both Sqn and Regimental PT and assisted in taking acclimatisation training in Kenya.
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Regimental Admin Office
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