Page 59 - Mercian Eagle 2016

was far more comfortable than Zagan, no more ant infestation. The accommodation was four star rated compared to Zagan as all my chefs were allocated a bed rather than a roll mat in a leaky tent.
Although a transit camp for exercising troops with its own kebab and pizza shop just at the back of the main kitchen, the temptation was far too great for some to miss. A number of my chefs turned to the dark side each evening by polishing off Polish kebabs and chicken wings. We still had our die hard few that came through
the hotplate each evening, either they felt guilty or they did not have any money left to squander.
The time at Wedryzn soon passed and
it was soon time to do what all chefs hate, the pack up and account for all our stores. The homeward flights were announced and the majority of the chefs had departed the training area leaving a select few to pack away the OFCS onto the vehicle fleet. The chefs as always held their heads up high knowing that they have done a fantastic job and excelled themselves in a job that even Gordon Ramsay would have run away and hid from. A big well done and thank you to all the chefs that were involved in supporting my first major exercise with 2 MERCIAN.
The pack up, Poland 2016
CIS Platoon
During this period the Signals Platoon have been exceptionally busy with commitments, both foreign and domestic, and incorporating a number of personnel changes. Praised for their performance on EX ASKARI STORM the CIS platoon has moved from strength
to strength, even though they have been scattered to the four winds.
Whilst the bulk of the team has deployed on EX VALIANT WARRIOR and EX ANAKONDA there have been numerous support tasks that have coincided with
the deployment. The VJTF commitment in Poland brought numerous challenges with interoperability all the way down the chain to section level. Methods of communication with the Spanish, Polish, Americans and Canadians provided problem solving and mission analysis on a daily basis. Cultural differences and dependence on data also brought its issues when conducting training and live firing.
One of the highlights was having the Lt Role BG self-move from the South
Cultural differences
and dependence on data also brought its issues when conducting training and live firing.
100Km to the North, with host nation forces providing a coalition river crossing. Under careful planning prior to deployment the Battlegroup safely crossed without incident or delay in less than half a day.
In addition, just recently a number of individuals have returned from Uganda, supporting the UGABAG21 Short Term Training Team. This task’s overview included a number of SNCOs and the RSO conducting training in support of the pending Ugandan deployment to Somalia.
Sgt Castledine expressed his desire to return after the experience, working with keen and respectful soldiers and the country being renowned for its idyllic scenery.
But it’s not all work with the CIS platoon who have enjoyed a number of HQ socials and AT experiences, with the focus on sky diving. The CIS platoon is refreshed and hard at work preparing for the operational deployments next year.
Capt Bell RSO and Maj Nowak at ICP 1 for the bridge crossing in Poland
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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