Page 46 - Bugle Spring 2024

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Regional Security Exercise 2
RSE2 ARRIVED AT A time when
all but the hyper-organised most needed a break from writing their Defence Research Papers, but could least afford it.
Spread further afield than RSE1, teams travelled to both coasts of the USA, Sweden and Denmark, Kenya, and
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Almost immediately after departure, the memes flooded into WhatsApp giving an indication of how each trip was going (exaggerated and misleading but potentially career-ending when shared by Bored Cormorant).
KSA
Those visiting the KSA were given a warm welcome at the airport, which lasted throughout the trip, as did
the blue light escort as we travelled everywhere at (very) high speed. We were given an insight into the history
of the country as we visited Al Masmak Fort (shown round by a former Typhoon Avionics Technician) and Diriyah, as well as the history of Islam as we toured the Al Rajhi mosque during evening prayer. In military terms, we were hosted by the MOD Officers’ Mess and were given
a detailed tour of the headquarters of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition, which is composed of officers from across most of the Islamic world. Discussion topics throughout the
visit ranged from KSA’s impressive Vision2030 to the on-going conflict
in Yemen. The visit was immensely educational and helped balance some of my preconceived ideas about a country which is a key regional power and strategic partner of the UK.