Page 8 - The Light Dragoon 2024

In February 2022, as the Light Dragoons sat on the start line for a battle group exercise, Russia invaded Ukraine for the second time this century. I told the assembled troops that those actions would probably define the next decade of our careers and it certainly has done so far. While there are plenty of challenges around the world, the Army has been firmly focussed on deterring Russia, supporting Ukraine, and preparing to defeat Russia ourselves if necessary. Building on our efforts to train Ukrainian recruits in the UK in 2022, Light Dragoons have spent 2023 firmly committed to these three strands.
In simplistic terms, our part in deter- rence is by demonstrating how capable we are so that our enemies do not want to fight us. We did no shortage of training to stay capable, whether in Wales, Kenya, Germany, or Brunei, and we showed how capable we are during Estonia’s national defence exercise. Training across northern Estonia, often only a few kilometres from Russia, the Light Dragoons Battle Group overwhelmed the enemy so much so that phases of the exercise had to be re-run thrice, in a solid demonstration of capability. Soon we were to switch focus to an even more realistic role.
In the summer of 2023, the regiment swung to supporting Ukraine much more directly. This time it was in Eastern Europe, from where I write this article while deployed with a task force of about two-thirds of the Light Dragoons’ strength. Our role has been enabling the United Kingdom to remain one of Ukraine’s most staunch and meaningful supporters. It has not been glamorous work, but I assure you that the role has been significant, which history will record in time.
Preparing to win wars requires not only hard training but fighting spirit, fostered in
a multitude of ways. Our makeup is more cosmopolitan than it used to be, but we are still proudly England’s Northern Cavalry, reinforced by visits to Home Headquarters and our Museum and close links to the local community. We remain a family regiment, with plenty of second or third- generation Light Dragoons, and are well- supported by our own families, for whose stoicism I am so grateful. Fitness and sports, driven by two fearlessly fit messes, have helped us be the most deployable UK unit in the division and the one to beat in Divisional competitions, and we are still the RAC boxing champions. Adventurous training remains an important part of the deal, and Light Dragoons have taken part in this in the UK, Kenya, Estonia, Nepal, and Jordan. The latter trip was graciously hosted by our Colonel in Chief, by whom we were further honoured by being invited to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s wedding in Amman. There has been plenty of opportunity for play as well
as work.
With no sign of war in Europe abating I expect 2024 to continue in the same flavour, with even more emphasis on preparing for
the next war. The Army is starting to catch up with the huge technological advances that have been made in battle-
field technology, especially in drone warfare, artificial intelligence, and precision strike. Contrary to some opinions there is still a very firm place
for people and vehicles on the battlefield
too. Whether to move tech within range of the enemy, when bad weather or electronic warfare blinds high-tech capabilities, or when decisive manoeuvre is needed to exploit the opportunities new technology creates, sometimes only people on the ground will do. So, the Light Dragoons must, and will, evolve to adapt to this environment.
In this context the Light Dragoons will remain on Defence’s main effort, doing what we do best. Our operational tour will conclude in May, the Empire, the Guards, and Battle Group Headquarters will all deploy on warfighting exercises in Kenya, while the Legion regains its recce currency to be part of NATO’s deterrence force in Estonia. A Sqn will also train Ukrainian recruits in Wiltshire from July, while adventurous training in Scotland, Germany, France, and Greenland, plus too
much more to mention, makes 2024 look like an exciting year.
So it is with a heavy heart that I writethisarticle,forIwillhandover command of this great regiment in July 2024, after three wonderful years in the job. Every gener- ation of the British Army since Oliver Cromwell has said that those joining after them are not up to scratch but that is not the case. We have brilliant officers and soldiers who I know will keep carrying the Light Dragoons’ flag high, well into the future. I will watch proudly from a distance and wish every one of them
well.
Lt Col Jon Harris
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Commanding Officer’s Introduction