Page 34 - Mercian Eagle 2016

32
evening. After receiving and issuing orders, my Section deployed for what would be a long night. After a gruelling 24 hours, we arrived at the finish slightly worse for wear and missing our Section 2IC due to injury. Throughout the night we had completed several stands involving all members of the section including a recce patrol, section attack, artillery target indication stand and a prisoner of war serial. However, we weren’t finished yet as we still had a patrol report and a 2 mile march and shoot to complete. The end of the competition could not come soon enough and before long we were on our way back to camp. We left not knowing which section had won as Coy HQ wanted to collate and double-check the scores and keep us in suspence!.
The following few weeks saw both the company and the battalion’s attention
shift towards the upcoming deployment to Poland. This would be an NATO exercise working with different Army’s from all over the world, something which none of us had done before. We completed a short pre- deployment exercise in Sennybridge, which the Grenadiers excelled at, largely due to the heavy amount of training which we had already conducted. Then we were on our way to the military training area near Poznan in Poland. After some initial low-level training (and more than a few cold showers) we managed to get some good FIWAF training
2 Platoon with Spanish troops, Poland
done working with the Spanish army. This was done at Platoon level and the Spanish were just as interested with our weapons and TTPs as we were in theirs. Before we became too used to the Spanish however, we were transported to another part of
the training area to work on our FIBUA skills, which culminated in a Brigade level demonstration involving units from Poland, France, Canada and the US, to name a
few. Overall, I found our deployment to Poland like nothing else I had ever done
and the wide range of training was not only challenging but also realistic of the demands of modern conflict.
After some well-deserved leave, 2 Platoon started to gradually slip back into a more
relaxed camp routine (much to everyone’s relief!). To keep the company interested, some well-deserved AT was organised. Unfortunately, not all the Company could go due to Op TEMPERER commitments. I was one of the lucky ones able to deploy on the AT in Newquay. However, I did not see this to be the case after spending an hour attempting to surf, succeeding only in worsening my headache caused by the previous night – but that’s another story!.
Overall, this last year I have spent with Grenadier (now champion) company has definitely had its ups and downs. However, ultimately it has been rewarding and represents some of the best times I have ever spent in a Rifle Company.
Sennybridge LFTT – A Platoon Commander’s perspective. “Out of the frying pan and into the fire” 2Lt Ben Williams
Following the completion of the Platoon Commanders Battle Course I was given the honour of commanding 2 Platoon, A (Grenadier) ‘Champion’ Company. After a week of introducing myself to my men and getting to know the Platoon we were deployed to Sennybridge to conduct
a week of company LFTT. This would involve everything from individual fire and manoeuvre lanes to conducting a full
live Platoon attack. This was a fantastic opportunity for the Platoon to sharpen their skills and drills after summer leave but also an invaluable chance for myself to see how the platoon operates and to identify their strengths and any areas which may require further training.
I am delighted to say that the standard of the soldiering throughout was exemplary and I was very impressed with the effort shown and attitude of all the company for the entire week. When training progressed onto fire team and section attacks the ability, conduct and leadership of the Lance Corporals and Corporals was of
a particularly high quality and bodes well for the future not only of A (Grenadier) ‘Champion’ Company, but also for the future of 2 MERCIAN. The quality of the Privates was also encouraging which is
a testament to the training they received before I arrived at the battalion.
Those figure 11s never stood a chance! – LFTT in Brecon
Whilst in Sennybridge, time for individual PT was limited so the OC decided that we would undertake some Company PT in the form of a Brecon 5-miler. This would be a good opportunity for the Company as a whole to come together and take
on the challenging event. While this was an individual ‘best-effort’ challenge,
the Company all encouraged each other to ensure that not only every man crossed
the finish line but they did it in a time they could be proud of. The level of grit and determination shown was fantastic to see, particularly from the Company’s more junior soldiers who were given a good insight
into the demands of PSBC and what their SNCOs and WOs had to go through in order to be where they are now.
The week culminated with a full live-fire Platoon day attack. After receiving orders
THE MERCIAN EAGLE