Page 49 - The Light Dragoon 2024

for a winning time over a 14-mile course in full fighting order with additional burdens added into each section’s kit to further add to the struggle. The event is designed to test the troops’ physical stamina, leadership, and navigation. Stand out performances were delivered by Tprs Fox, Porter-Nash, Matthews, and Robinson, all being noted to be the highest performers of the event by their Section Commanders.
Following their day on the hills, the troops deployed onto SENTA to conduct the initial development phase of their training. This was delivered by their Section Commanders, LCpls Harrold, Davies, and Baker, and provided a voice of experience to the potential NCOs. The troops learnt all the dismounted tactical actions conducted by Light Cavalry units as well as basic infantry tactics with a focus on those relatable to reconnaissance. Sgt Waters, being the dismounted tactical subject matter expert, also included the occasional battle PT session to allow for further assessment of how the troops operated whilst fatigued. This phase culminated with a true Brecon style fireteam attack lane, set in a deep valley housing a water feature of varying depths, allowing the troops to test their aquatic skills whilst leading fireteam attacks. Tpr Olsen, as the enemy IC for the attack lane, led from the front darting in and out of the water feature putting down supressing fire onto the advancing troops. Stand out performances were conducted by Tpr Fox, Tpr Walton and Tpr Giles who were all noted by the DS as being the highest performing of the troops.
As the fireteam attack lane closed for the day, the rain started pouring into the Welsh hills, however, this only marked the end of the learning phase of the exercise. The troops had 4 further days where they would be tested on all they had learnt. The phase consisted of various command appointments where the troops were tested as section 2ICs during the tactical phase of the exercise. During the phase, the platoon was tasked with close target reconnaissance, advance to contacts, ambushes, and raids onto enemy positions throughout the training area. The deployed troops performed admirably and finished
the exercise with a 2-mile multiple casualty extraction to the Drovers Arms where they were met by Sgt Punton awaiting them with a hot breakfast. The weather throughout the exercise remained as one would expect when visiting the Brecon Beacons however this did not stop the sheer determination of those involved to complete the course.
The final week of the cadre was completed in Gaza Barracks. This week was a chance for the troops to showcase all that they had learnt on the exercise about leading their subordinates and to also command in a range of command tasks. As seemed to be a running theme, Sgt Waters started each day with a leg burning physical training session before the troops took to the classroom to be taught a range of topics by the directing staff. The topics covered included discipline, command and control, force protection measures and principles, security, and leadership modules. In the week, they were also tested on their physical fitness, completing the 2 miler and 5 miler whilst carrying 25kg. Tpr Rooke was the standout performer in both endurance events winning them comfortably.
The course ended on Friday 7th July with a parade attended by all those at regimental duty. A speech rousing speech was given by the Commanding Officer to those who had passed the course and prizes awarded to the following:
Tpr Fox: Overall highest performing student.
Tpr Porter-Nash: 2nd highest performing student and the soldier’s soldier.
Tpr Matthews: 3rd highest performing student.
Tpr Petty: Best Endeavour.
The PNCO candidates performed extremely well throughout what was an arduous course in some of the worst condi- tions in the UK. Of the 38 that started the course, 28 completed and were awarded the competency on completion of the 3 weeks.
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
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