Page 110 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Conducting Training in Estonia:
A Platoon Commander’s Perspective
A PLATOON HARBOUR UNDER A CLEAR SKY AT 0200, BECAME A SNOWDRIFT BY 0600 WITH NO WARNING
In the ‘Post Operational Environment’ following the end of UK Combat Operations in Afghan- istan, Estonia offers an unmatched opportunity for Platoon Commanders to train their men; for us, four months in relative isolation without the inter- ruption of career courses or external trawls was a highlight of command. As the rst rotation through OP CABRIT, we encountered a few frictions, as the Battlegroup began to nd its feet. Working with the Estonians and French also added a degree of complexity, aggravated by the dif culties of using Armor in the closely forested and marshy terrain of the Estonian training areas. Fortunately, we were able to build a sustainable and interesting training program around our key exercises to maintain focus in the busy deployment.
Estonia is a small country with much less military real estate than the UK, but the Central Training Area offers an excellent variety of environ- ments. Thick forests, near impassable bogs and marshes - often hidden beneath a thin surface of soil, excellent and extensive trench systems with tunnels and bunkers, all enhanced the training experience. The ranges offer excellent ground for live re, and we had plenty of time and ammunition to make best use of them. As Platoon Commanders, we were able to practise our planning and conducting of live ranges, with greater freedom than we were used to.
One factor beyond anyone’s control was the volatile Estonian weather. A Platoon harbour under a clear sky at 0200, became a snowdrift by 0600 with no warning. Protecting the Ri emen from the severe elements proved an imperative task. On one occasion, ranges were closed due to snow and hostile weather conditions, and just two days later we found ourselves waiting patiently for the Estonian Fire Brigade to put out a range re on the dry grass in hot sunshine.
Maintenance of Morale was also critical in our packed deployment. With an intensity of training rarely matched even in Brecon (at least in terms of time in the eld), we had to keep focused on the task at hand and the ‘bigger picture’: Reassuring, Deterring and being a combat credible force, on NATO’s Eastern ank. However, we also had to remember to balance the need for quality training with time to recover the physical and mental ability and will of the Ri emen under our command. Where possible, we made every effort to organise days out or evening trips to an Estonian Sauna (a rare treat, and shelter from some of Estonia’s harsher weather!). Windsur ng off the Parnu beach has never been more deserved!
Lt Nick Loxton A Coy,
and Lt Teddy Walker B Coy