Page 24 - Mercian Eagle 2016

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RSO Capt Lambert RSWO WO2 Rushton
RCWO WO2 Docherty
Headquarter Company
CIS Platoon Update
Over the last twelve months, the CIS Platoon has seen a vast change of personnel and command. Capt Lambert has now bedded in as RSO, taking over from Capt Burgess. WO2 Voice has now moved onto pastures new in 4 MERCIAN and WO2 Rushton has taken on the role of RSWO. We have also seen a new BSM with CSgt Powell and the newly promoted Sgt Edge finds himself as the platoon Sergeant too.
The CIS Platoon has been conducting Basic Radio Users (BRU) courses and Infantry Platoon Radio Operators Courses (IPROC), qualifying twenty five and twenty members of the Battalion respectively. We have seen five personnel across
the Battalion qualified as Regimental Signalers and three as Regimental Detachment Commanders at the Support Weapons School in Warminster. Cpl Westfield found himself on Panther Driver Maintenance Instructors course and Section Commanders Battle Course and passed both with excellent reports. Pte Bott was selected for a Junior Non Commissioned
Catering Platoon Update
Yet another hectic year for the Catering Platoon; we continue to put passion on a plate around the globe!
Engaged worldwide, the platoon has
had individuals deployed to BATUS on
Ex PRAIRIE STORM 1 and 2 as well as the entire platoon deploying on Ex PRAIRIE STORM 3. At home, chefs have deployed in support of CSTTX which was hosted by the Battalion in Warminster. Also of significance was the deployment of Chefs in support of Ex LOG SAFARI hosted by the RLC Officers Academy and Sgt Guthrie deploying to the Falklands for four months.
Officers course in Otterburn which he successfully passed.
During the changeover of appointments within the CIS Platoon they have seen themselves supporting the Intermediate Command and Staff Course on EX
LION STRIKE on Salisbury Plain Training Area. After a swift reconstitution we
then deployed on CSTTX at Warminster, providing communications and data facilities for the Battlegroup within the simulated environment. In July we deployed onto the Battalion Live Firing Camp at Castlemartin where the Platoon provided vital CIS support in the upkeep of the Armoured Fighting Vehicles. As well as CIS
From dining to cooking in the field,
Cpl Hamilton-Rai has shown of her skills when she took part in Exercise ARMY SUSTAINER 15 and won the ‘Senior
Open Fish’. At the 2016 Exercise ARMY SUSTAINER, Cpl Hamilton-Rai, Pte
Barnett and Pte Nock took part in the improvised Field Catering competition.
They were tasked to produce a two course meal for twenty soldiers from a box of mystery rations using improvised cooking techniques and equipment such as an empty dust bin and Ammo tins. This being the first time any of the chefs had competed
support, the soldiers also took part in the range package up to fire team attack. All enjoyed the live firing and, remembering that their first function is that of an infantry soldier, received positive feedback from the permanent range team.
Whilst we’ve had busy periods, personnel of the CIS Platoon have had a chance
to compete in sporting events too. LCpl Clayton has been competing in boxing; Pte Swindley has been competing on the Tug Of War team and finally LCpl Marsland and Pte Davis have participated in a mountain biking expedition to Spain which they thoroughly enjoyed.
in this area, they placed a commendable 9th out of 17.
On the sporting front, three of the department’s chefs were involved in the Battalion boxing competition. The RCWO won her bout after a tough fight against a young opposition; Sgt Thompson was narrowly beaten in the preliminary fights, coming up against a strong, experienced boxer and Pte Nock was one of the coaches for HQ Coy. We’re confident that Sgt Thompson will walk away with a trophy this year!
THE MERCIAN EAGLE