Page 55 - MERCIAN Eagle 2017

My arrival in Battalion
Lt Camp
I was very eager to arrive at Bn and meet the soldiers that make up 5 Pl, or as we call it, ‘The Fist of Five’. The first week in January we were fortunate to be at Altcar training camp conducting the mandatory ranges that one needs to complete on an annual basis, this gave me a great opportunity to spend
we had members of the Pl operating across three continents; Iraq, the Falkland Islands, and a small number remained in the UK. All members would be completing a myriad of differing tasks, therefore there was a lengthy pre-deployment cycle that each soldier had to complete, even if they were designated
Arabic), medical training (each member was qualified as a Team Medic) and mission specific training. All of which enhanced the capacity of every member of the Pl, and set the conditions for a successful tour, were capacity building was to be our main effort.
Special mention must be made to Pte McGlough who, although unable to initially deploy due to an injury sustained whilst skiing with the Coy, maintained his positive outlook, volunteered to complete the All- Arms PTI course whilst the remainder were deployed and subsequently managed to deploy for the second half of the tour. Such is the determination and will to succeed of all members within the Pl.
I very much look forward to re-convening with the men of the ‘Fist of Five’ to see how they have developed in the previous six months- there is a bright future ahead. We look forward to returning to conventional soldiering, preparing for our move to Cyprus and the challenges that this may entail.
some informal time with the Pl and the Coy.
Upon arrival, I found
the Pl was incredibly
tight knit, this is down
to the leadership of Pl
Sgt, Hodgkinson and
the robust leadership of all three Section Comd’s; Cpl Hallam, Cpl Mumby and
Cpl McDermott. All three of whom had successfully completed the Jungle Warfare Instructors Course; testament to their ability.
Due to the operational commitments of the Bn throughout 2017, unfortunately we were unable to conduct Pl level training, as
to be battle casualty replacements (BCR’s) and thus remain in the UK.
The PDT that we undertook was new and exciting for all. Many members of
the Pl had either Op HERRICK or Op TOSCA experience; however, it quickly became apparent that we would need a different skill set and outlook in order to be successful whilst deployed. We completed live fire tactical transition training, driver training (both CAT C and Civilian Armoured Vehicle), language training (Sorani and
‘Upon arrival, I found the Pl was incredibly tight knit’
Urban Operations Instructors Course
Cpl Hesketh
Having completed the Section Commanders Battle Course in Brecon,
I returned to my unit at Dale Barracks, Chester and was informed by my Chain of Command that I had been placed on the Urban Operations Instructor Course (UOIC). Prior to arriving on the course, I was slightly apprehensive as I had not yet been promoted to Cpl and as I was the only LCpl on the joining instructions. The course is offered to all arms across the British Army.
The course is run out of Dering Lines, Brecon with the use of Sennybridge training area and in particular Cellini Village, which is a large urban facility.
The final phase of the course is run from Copehill Down on Salisbury Plain. The UOIC is delivered over a three week period, running from a Monday to Friday by the directing staff of the senior division at Dering Lines.
The course was split into three parts. Week one focused on the theory of
urban operations, looking at principles, characteristics, support arm capabilities and wider aspects at both company and battle group level. Whilst at times, many of the section commanders felt a lot of this week was aimed at the higher level, the directing staff used open discussions to involve all students and ensure the subjects were grasped by everyone. Case studies were used during the theory phase, something I had not seen before
on any course, and still haven’t since attending UOIC. The case studies were very beneficial as they enhanced the subject matter and added substance to the lessons learnt.
what our future students will be going through. The facilities at Copehill Down are brilliant, with a multi terrain obstacle course to test soldier’s ability to operate at a sub-surface level, as well as from greater heights. The simulation house offers the ability to play back your units movements inside a building and give an in depth after action review. In addition, the skills house capability uses simunition which further enhances training.
Week two was mostly run out of
Cellini village; the aim of the week was twofold, firstly it was to teach us all the lessons from the Urban Operations. These included 3 and 4 man room entry drills, corridor clearance and breaching methods to name
a few. Secondly,
as potential urban
operations instructors,
it was a means in
which our knowledge
could be assessed
via observation of our
lessons. Emphasis was
put on our instructional
capabilities, ensuring
we had a thorough
understanding of the
subject matter. I was grateful for the opportunity to teach my peers and those of higher ranks; collectively they provided honest feedback which I have learned from.
Week three was the practical phase
of the course; we spent 4 days down at Copehill Down urban operations village on Salisbury Plain. This week challenged the instructors to put everything into practice, so as instructors, we could understand
My favourite and most enjoyable part of the course was the final week in Copehill Down. The skills house and the use of simunition emphasized our ability to fight with an aggressive, but controlled manner. Being on the receiving end of a
paint ball round definitely irons out your skills and drills!
Since attending the UOIC, I have taught many lessons and urban operations training packages to both my Platoon
and the wider B Coy group. With focus of many present and future conflicts being
in the urban environment, the qualification I gained has made me an asset to my unit. I would recommend the course to commanders at all levels.
‘The simulation house offers the ability to play back your units movements inside
a building and give an in depth after action review’
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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