Page 38 - MERCIAN Eagle 2017

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A (Grenadier) Company Op TRENTON preparations
Capt B Griffiths, Grenadier Coy 2IC
In January 2017, A (Grenadier) Company began their Mission Specific Training
in preparation for deployment on Op TRENTON 3, a deployment to South Sudan as part of the United Nations. This would see the Company detached from the rest
of the Battalion and begin integration with elements of 32 Engineer Regiment and 33 Field Hospital who were also deploying.
The Company was split between 2 locations in South Sudan; Malakal and Bentiu. In essence, approximately 35 personnel from the Company were placed in each location, accompanied by additional attachments from the wider Battalion. This included chefs and mechanics to name
a few. The Grenadiers were tasked with providing the Force Protection for the Engineers and Medical staff from 33 Field Hospital.
The training burden came thick and fast with a lot of time being spent out of camp. Initially, the All Ranks Brief (ARB) gave a bit of context to the deployment and the role we would be fulfilling. It was an opportunity for the Company to receive a number of detailed presentations on the situation
in South Sudan and the reason for the deployment. This was swiftly followed by Live Firing Tactical Training in Brecon, this enabled the Company to bridge any skill fade in our core business. This culminated in a series of Platoon attacks which demonstrated the experience, high skill level and knowledge within the Company.
In the latter end of March, the Company deployed on an integration exercise in Barry Buddon to develop relationships with those we would be working with on tour, and to increase our understanding of Engineering capabilities. The Company was split between 2 locations, reflecting the breakdown that we would see on
tour. It was here that the Company
LCpl Hoyte / Basic Infantry skills were put to the test in Brecon / March 17
started to increase their understanding of the deployment and the fact there is “no enemy”. The deployment being under
a Peace Keeping UN mandate was to protect civilians suffering through years
of civil war, strife and famine. Peace keeping is something completely new to the Company group (and a forgotten role
of the wider British Army) which required
a lot of investment, primarily in conceptual examples supported by judgemental training and testing to clarify understanding of the rules of engagement we would be operating under. A challenge which the lads responded to in a highly professional manner and demonstrated their ability to adapt a new situation and perform to a high standard.
A break in the training burden was most welcome when the Company undertook some highly interesting and varied events including walking Hadrian’s Wall, paintballing and a highly enjoyable, interesting and humbling battlefield study in Arnhem.
The pace of training swiftly picked up following the break in the programme. This saw individuals honing their marksmanship using pistols, with additional non-lethal force training culminating in baton gun shoots
on the back door training area. This was
all in preparation for the Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX) designed to provide
A Coy / Briefing Orders / Brecon / March 2017
elements of training in areas we could not usually be able to resource at Company
or Battalion level. Once deployed on
the MRX, all the soldiers of A Company responded incredibly well to the types of scenarios thrown at them, ranging from daily indirect fire (IDF), to civilian population under attack and fleeing violence to routine force protection patrolling. A number of Grenadiers were highlighted amongst the wider deployment group and were often utilised as the example to follow in high pressure and knife edge situations.
With completion of the MRX, other areas of training were required sweep in order to be declared at a full state of readiness. A good amount of Summer leave had been well deserved and earned by the Company. As they departed, some individuals wouldn’t see their fellow Company members until they arrived in theatre, or for some in 6 months as they will not be co-located. The deployment into theatre was a real test
for all supporting members of the wider Battalion. This was due to a number of last minute flight changes and cancellations, highlighting how fragile the airhead into South Sudan is. On 20 August, all those deploying from the Company group arrived in theatre and moved into their individual roles; having just completed 6 months training. We as a Company look forward
to reporting back on the successful completion of the tour, and enjoying a period of well-earned leave prior to catching up with our brother Soldiers’ and Officers’ in the Battalion and beginning preparations for a busy 2018.
A Coy / Pistol Firing / Brecon / March 2017
THE MERCIAN EAGLE