Page 67 - Mercian Eagle 2016

Desert Rats) and head straight out to Uganda for the next Battlegroup preparation to deploy to Somalia. We will continue
our development and capability drive with Battlefield Studies in Arnhem and Sicily before testing our expeditionary skills on an Overseas Training Exercise in Spain during June. Further enhancement of our paired relationship with 2 MERCIAN will also see potential deployments to FIRIC and Op
SHADER and continued development of
all of our Support Weapons Platoons both here and overseas. With winter and summer adventurous training expeditions also added to the mix we remain plush for opportunity whether you are Regular or Reserve.
All of the above does not happen by itself of course. The sterling work, drive and energy of the Regular and Reserve staff in BHQ and across each Company chain of
command have been the key to success. Their capacity to absorb significantly increased pressure to recruit, retain, develop and inspire our soldiers is extraordinary and I am most fortunate to have such a team
of the highest quality. Their commitment to 4 MERCIAN will become evident as you read through the following articles. Stand Firm. Strike Hard.
Company have managed to recruit and train 25 soldiers with a further 12 on track to pass out of CIC before April 17. It is due to individuals like LCpls Armoury, Perrins, Osbourne,Tuckey and Cpl Matthews that recruits and trainees have benefited from imaginative training, strenuous fitness and inspiring mentoring which has facilitated their success.
Training continues to follow a well structured and thought-out programme, with a welcomed themed approach to each month. Throughout Tuesday evenings and weekends soldiers experience a Cambrian Patrol slant on lessons which has been received with positive reactions. Innovating training and social events such as, The Coltman Stretcher Race, AT weekends and the annual St Georges Day dinner continue to build the esprit de corps amongst the soldiers and has give an excellent insight to the Army Reserve for current recruits.
Before looking at a number of these retention positive events, I would like to congratulate Sgt Korimbocuse on his marriage to Anna and Cpl Dorrell on his marriage to Gemma. Furthermore, special congratulations go out to Fus Curry, Fus Brunozzi-Jones and Fus Brannigan on the births of their children.
Fusiliers Ruff, Burkitt, Johnson & Booker smiling having escaped their room
A (Fusilier) Company
Foreword Maj Adam Comery (OC)
A (Fusilier) Company, have continued to evolve and develop over the past year and like previous years have participated in several events and activities which have defined us as a Company and as a strong Fusilier Family. However, this year also marks the end of my time with A (Fusilier) Company. During the past 15 years as
I have transitioned through the ranks,
not only have I witnessed the company transform, but have seen many of the soldiers and JNCOs mature into strong and respected commanders and it will be with a heavy heart I say goodbye.
A (Fusilier) Company prides itself on being considered the best recruited, trained and motivated company in the Battalion, but a boast like this would not be possible without the support and guidance of the permanent staff. Capt Steve Hopkinson (PSAO) now
in his twelfth year, continues to provide
a measured, reassuring presence whilst WO2 (Combat Egg) Lee Jones has moved on to ITC Catterick and replaced was
by CSgt (PSI) Danny Goddard (ironically from ITC). Company fitness sessions have continued under the new management of CSgt Goddard and this was proven on The Coltman Stretcher Race with A Company producing two strong teams. Mrs Diane
Cpl Dodds and Fusiliers Taylor, Brayley, Ward & Packham prior to deploying
on Op Tosca with 4 Lancs
Hardy (AO) continues to mother all young recruits/soldiers and hands the odd handkerchief to more experienced whilst they read their SJAR’s. CSgt Dawson has continued to reduce the years of hoarding under the management of Sean McGarr, resulting in us now being able to see the floor in the hanger. Company silver and property adorning Reserve Centre continue to receive great plaudits from all visitors and it’s an absolute pleasure taking people into our Company bar and to witness our magnificent heritage.
Alongside the permanent staff team lies the enthusiastic recruiting group which due to their success has also grown in size. In a period of one year, A (Fusilier)
Cohesion Weekend Aug 16 Sgt Andy Gorin
On August 5th-7th, 25 members of A (Fusilier) Company assembled at the ARC to begin their adventure training/cohesion weekend in Nottingham. Based out of Chetwynd Barracks, we had filled ourselves with a hearty fried breakfast before setting off to the activity centre for the first of the day’s events. This involved a round robin
of activities comprising of archery, quad biking and dirt track racing. Once we had split down into our three groups and had our safety brief the fun could begin with the added bonus of glorious weather for the day.
The quad biking consisted of a quick driving test to assess our ‘suitability’ to be let loose on the bikes followed by an hour of off-roading around the course trying not to get stuck or our feet wet! This was the first time on a quad bike for several members of the Company, so after a little practice they soon got the hang of it and were itching to go faster.
The dirt track racing consisted of driving a petrol engine buggy with a roll cage as fast you could round a circular track without crashing. This proved to be a big hit with the lads and most definitely brought out
the competitive spirit among everyone,
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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