Page 77 - MERCIAN Eagle 2017

consisted of 2 weeks of lessons and TEWTs (tactical exercise without troops) before
a final exercise on week 3. All eight were successful and passed the cadre meaning the platoon gained its first Javelin Gunner qualified soldiers.
January 17 saw CSgt Williams (SPSI), CSgt Perryman, LCpl Parker, LCpl McHugh deploy on an Short Term Training Team (STTT) to Uganda, where they trained Ugandan Army Instructors in method of instruction and how to plan and conduct battle lessons/exercises. During the package the students also covered C-IED (Counter Improvised Explosive Device),
first aid, person and vehicle searches and building clearance.
In March 2017 CSgt Williams (SPSI) and LCpl Righton (Medic) deployed on another STTT to Uganda where this time it was the turn of the Ugandan Medics to put their skills to the test, for the first week the students were taken through UK medical drills along with our Danish counterparts, the second week was made up of a
number of test exercises including mass casualty simulation.
LCpl Fradgley attended and passed Javelin Detachment Commanders in March 2017 giving the platoon its first Det Comd.
During May 2017 soldiers from the platoon deployed to Spain for the 2 week annual camp, where we paired up with a Spanish platoon for a shooting competition and urban fighting. There was also a cultural visit to Cordoba and Badajoz and the chance to enjoy a few G&T`s in the sunshine.
November-December 2017 the platoon hosted a Regimental Anti-Tank cadre based out of Okehampton Battle Camp Dartmoor, 89 soldiers from across all three Battalions ranging from experienced Javelin gunners to complete novices attended the three week cadre. Due to the sheer number of students the Direct Fire Support Division (DFsp Div) kindly gave us a loan of Javelin equipment to help us meet our training objectives`s. During the cadre regular
soldiers were taught
by reserve JNCOs
and platoons got the chance to exchange ideas on training along with adapting kit
and equipment to meet the armoured and light role requirements. Alongside the cadre there was also a Det Comd`s and Section Commanders`s pre course; during the last few days those students got to plan and execute an Anti-Armour Ambush, using
the cadre students as their sections. We brought in some Battle Craft Sylabus (BCS) training as part of our exercise phase running through; not just Javelin contact drills but also the basics such as pairs and fire team attacks. As a back ground activity we had the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT) to help develop soldiers with their application of fire along with a few fun shoots at the end. The students were put to the
test with a navigation exercise (NAVEX) over Dartmoor. Each check-point had a test such as, armoured vehicle fighting vehicle models for recognition, battlefield first aid and CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear).
In summary 2017 has been a fantastic year for the company.
We have had more opportunities than ever before, which has encouraged our soldiers to
attend more, new soldiers
to join and us to expand across the West Midlands and Worcestershire. With more events planned for 2018, I for one can’t wait.
Pictured are Capt Simon Black, LCpl Richard Vernon and Pte Christopher Johnson all of whom are members of the Sharpshooter Platoon based in West Bromwich.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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