Page 49 - Mercian Eagle Year of 2020

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THE MERCIAN EAGLE
CO FOREWORD
Lt Col Rob Spalton
It is a great honour and privilege to be writing
a CO’s foreword for 4 MERCIAN having just assumed command. It is already clear that I have re-joined a unit that is focused on preparing soldiers to deploy on operations; that possess a warfighter ethos, a deployable mindset and who are robust, resilient and ready.
I return to 4 MERCIAN after a period in HQ 7 Infantry Brigade, having previously commanded 4 MERCIAN’s C (Kohima) Company between 2016 – 18; it is great to be back home. Ensuring that 4 MERCIAN has grasped the opportunities presented by COVID-19 restrictions has been the Battalion’s key focus during this unprecedented year.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all witnessed the robust lockdown measures and restrictions that have significantly affected our personal and professional lives. Op RESCRIPT, the MOD’s part in the UK Government’s response to control the pandemic, began to gain traction
in late March during the time that 4 MERCIAN were undertaking Ex WARHAMMER, our annual field firing exercise. As our men and women were training for warfighting operations (in line with our primary mission within 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade, The Iron Fist), concurrent planning was taking place to mobilise Reservists at short notice to deploy on Military Aid to the Civilian Authorities (MACA) taskings. Eventually our role as a COVID Support Force was confirmed, which saw 125 personnel operating in support of Cumbria and Lancashire authorities.
Following the testing of over 17,500 civilians, our people handed over their responsibilities. Although a return to civilian employment remained full of uncertainty, further opportunities were presented for our men and women to deploy
with our Regular Army colleagues on operations and exercises around the world. It has been humbling to see how our people, supported by their families and civilian employers, have adapted to all that we have asked of them, despite the significant pressures and uncertainties placed
on them. I sincerely thank all of our families and employers for their unwavering support in assisting us in demonstrating the utility, readiness and adaptability of the modern Army Reservist.
Following demobilisation from Op RESCRIPT
on 8 Jul 20, 4 MERCIAN continued with dispersed training events conducted via Zoom. We completed Ex ESTONIAN EAGLE in SENTA in
July which ensured personnel mobilising directly from Op RESCRIPT onto Op CABRIT 7 were able to report to MTMC with Theatre Entry Standard MATTs already completed. In line with Force Health Protection Guidelines, we resumed training at our Army Reserve Centres on 4 Aug with low level company activities. It was also designed to inform and attract personnel following an extended period of dispersal and to prepare for the first post lockdown Battalion training event planned to take place in SENTA during September.
In line with 3 (UK) Div guidance, we have conducted physical training events where
Lt Col Rob Spalton assumed command of 4 MERCIAN on 9 Nov 20
COVID-19 restrictions allow it and with safety measures in place. Ex VIKING SLAYER took place in September and was a BCS training event. The exercise was conducted over two phases, with Phase 1 consisting of blank firing, force on force training and Phase 2 consisting of platoon wpn live firing including Sharpshooter Rifle. CFA visited this training; his first visit to an Army Reserve unit. Our field training continues to progress with urban operations initially at section and platoon level, culminating in a company deliberate attack at Caerwent in November.
Planning for Ex WARHAMMER 21 has already begun. This will be 4 MERCIAN’s Annual Training Event following the cancellation of our OTX,
Ex SILVER ARROW. Directed by 20 Armoured Infantry Brigade, the aspiration is to develop and deliver an AR unit concentration with pan-3 (UK) Div contribution where ARs will progress through day and night live firing exercises, culminating in a live coy attack by day supported by GPMG (SF), 81mm Mortars and Anti-Tank weapons (JAVELIN and NLAW).
During 2020, 4 MERCIAN has mobilised 158 Army Reservists in support of operations at home and abroad. At the time of writing we are preparing to support 1 MERCIAN with four personnel deploying on Op CABRIT 8. As we strive to be the ‘Elite of the Army Reserve’ we endeavour to train and deploy with our Regular Army colleagues whenever possible.
Finally, we have welcomed Maj Tony Calunniato (LANCS) as XO, Maj Pete Lewis as Quartermaster and WO1 (RSM) Paul Kitching (YORKS) whilst bidding farewell to Lt Col Fraser Cuttle, Maj ‘Trapper’ Travis, Maj Simon Hamilton and WO1 (RSM) Andy O’Gara who depart to pastures new and go with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes in their new roles.
We stand firm to strike hard into 2021.
4MERCIAN