Page 20 - LBV 2023

4 SCOTS
I believe it can be universally agreed upon that the high pitch ringing from any alarm is an abrasive sound — nevertheless, at 04:30am. However,
that was what awakened me and SUO Rogers in the early hours of Tuesday, 10th January. A three-hour journey awaited us to Catterick, Yorkshire, home to 4 SCOTS (The Highlanders). Despite the anticipation of a ghastly journey, clear roads, mild temperatures, and good weather made the journey quite bearable. Yorkshire, however, does not abide by pleasantries and upon crossing the border a taste of the local climate struck like a monsoon. Temperamental weather, regardless of how torrential, would not dampen our visit.
After three hours, we arrived at the gates of Catterick garrison, where the mega-complex of arms, munitions,
and soldiers was well and truly active. From the front gates, we drove past insignia, after insignia, from Guards to REME. Numerous cap badges, icons, and regalia populated the route to 4 SCOTS headquarters. Finally, we arrived, the characteristic blue of the Saltire signalling our crossing into a unique territory. The walls of the HQ building were adorned with artwork of conflicts both recent and distant, and a long history of valour added to the curious atmosphere.
In a conference room, no less decorated as the hallways outside,
we met some of the HQ staff. A brief introduction to the battalion and their current operational rota was given
by the adjutant, with further detail occasionally provided by both the
Ops and intelligence officers. With a comprehensive understanding of the battalion, we met with our guide for
the visit, who was relatively new to the mess. We arrived at the 4 SCOTS garage after trudging through the persistent
rain, which became increasingly heavy as time went on. Inside, the poignant industrial aromas clung to the nostrils and refused to let go – accompanied
by the usual cacophony of vehicle maintenance hubs.
We continued our look into a platoon’s daily routine after lunch at the officer’s mess, a truly spectacular venue. We
found soldiers practising marksmanship on the DCCT (Dismounted Close Combat Trainer), the computer simulated scenarios offer soldiers the ability to practice firing within different environments, against various enemy forces. Again, we had the opportunity to speak with the Jocks during their DCCT practice, which proved to be as fruitful as before. Following their final rotation on the DCCT, SUO Rogers and I were invited to compete against the platoon’s two best marksmen – it was a close competition.
After gaining a thorough understanding of a platoon’s typical routine, we then visited the sniper platoon of the support company, located within the training wing. Support companies play an integral role in the combat power of any unit, providing the battalion’s specialist capabilities. This was made clear during a presentation on sniper platoon employment, a rare insight. Curiosity took over as Rogers and I rushed with a Proctor-like interest to the kit stand, where the full extent of a sniper’s equipment was on display. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to experience the specialist equipment and weapon systems, which are rarely seen within the usual training cycle.
Following from the sniper platoon showcase, we were invited to observe
a Pipes and Drums rehearsal. The 4 SCOTS Pipes and Drums are the UK’s premier military band, with their pipers playing a significant ceremonial role in the funerals of Prince Philip and Her Majesty the Queen. Meeting us at the door was the Pipe Major, the commander of the entire Pipes and Drums, most commonly seen with a truncheon leading a ceremonial procession. The Pipe Major explained to us the make-up of the band, the history it holds, and an insight to their secondary role as assault pioneers – the in-house engineering capability for the battalion.
From inside their dedicated training facilities, we had a closer look at the bagpipes and drums used by the band. Each instrument contained the particular details of a handcrafted item, the wooden carvings, the slight irregularity of hand- stitching, and highlights of meticulously placed gold. The craftsmanship could
not be overlooked and only further emphasised the pride placed in regimental duties. Fortunately, there was just enough time to watch the band in practice. To the tune of Highland Laddie, it was clear why 4 SCOTS Pipes and Drums warrants international recognition.
Typically, within the battalion, the
day concludes with a PT session –
that day was no different. Our guide thoroughly introduced us to the physical requirements to be a platoon commander in the infantry. Although
it was an enjoyable experience, the strenuous exercises would take some time to get used to. Fortunately, the PT session led to a well-earned night in the mess, which provided an insight into regimental traditions and further getting to know the battalion’s officers.
The following morning, and we were, reluctantly, set to depart. However, there was one last surprise, a visit to the anti- tanks platoon. From inside a hangar,
the platoon rushed in a flurry of activity, preparing their weapon systems for a major upcoming exercise. We spoke with the platoon sergeant, who explained what a typical training cycle would look like for the platoon. Here we were able to get hands on with a training javelin (an anti-tank missile launcher), through an electronic training sight – what simulates scenarios similarly to a DCCT – we went through some rudimentary anti-tank training. This was an extremely insightful experience, rarely offered within the UOTC.
Having concluded our visit, and showing our gratitude to 4 SCOTS, it was time to depart. I have reflected heavily
on this visit and believe I will continue to for the coming weeks. The battalion was an excellent host, offering an exhaustive view into the regiment, the typical routine within the infantry, and daily army life. During our visit, SUO Rogers and I were offered rare opportunities for officer cadets within the UOTC and learned several lessons about what it takes to command a platoon. Finally, I would
like to thank WO2 Dovibua for making this visit possible and opening the opportunity for further engagement with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
OCdt Miles
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