Page 36 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

1 MERCIAN ASSAULT PIONEER PLATOON
Exercise PRAIRIE STORM 3 saw the Assault Pioneer platoon providing drivers and commanders for the company ambulance and various vehicles in the G4 packet, as well as deploying an assault pioneer capability to the battle group.
Once we arrived in BATUS, the platoon was fortunate to be integrated with 5-Armoured Engineer Squadron, although we soon entered a steep learning curve. Not only was this the first armoured exercise that the platoon would be conducting, but we were attached to an armoured squadron that are regarded as subject matter experts in their field – definitely a challenge!
One particular challenge was to familiarise ourselves with their wide range of vehicles: “Is that a Trojan or Terrier?” Additionally,
we had to come to terms with Engineer slang with Field Engineers referred to as “Fieldies,” (easy enough) but also known as “Chunkies,” (I still don’t know why).
On a serious note the platoon had a fantastic opportunity to conduct some
specific Assault Pioneer training. This included demolitions, field fortifications and minefield breaching. The younger soldiers that have recently completed the Assault Pioneer course had a great chance to further their skills; by integrating into the engineer sections and receive real-time trade specific training. Every member of the platoon, whether assault pioneer trained
or not, was able to conduct explosive training under the supervision of the Royal Engineers.
Overall it has been a fantastic
opportunity for the platoon, with the soldiers experiencing hands on Assault Pioneer training in a real time armoured environment. The platoon had a genuine thirst for the training, and what we lacked
in experience I believe we made up in enthusiasm. The Platoon is genuinely grateful for the training opportunity provided
Asslt Pnr Pl Ex PRAIRIE STORM 3
by 5 AES but equally we hope that we were able to repay the training, by providing some Infantry specific subject matter expertise.
Platoon Command Sergeant ‘Big Riggers’ Rigley
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Platoon Command Colour Sergeant ‘Trees’ Woods
Platoon Sergeant Sergeant ‘Watch out for the crowbar’ Waters
1 MERCIAN SNIPER PLATOON
It has been an extremely busy year for the entire battalion, and the sniper platoon has faced a series of challenges, including the training of armoured qualified soldiers and training highly skilled snipers. Members
of the platoon have been sent on CVR(T) Spartan commander, gunner and driver courses, as well as Quad driver courses internally in Bulford, while other members of the platoon have deployed to the sniper course in Brecon. Due to the intensity of courses, the Platoon would often be left with four men in camp for weeks at a time, which meant it was difficult to start tying down Platoon SOPs.
The platoon was brought back together in early June, when we deployed with C (Kohima) Company on their CT2 exercise. This was a good opportunity for the platoon to shake out and start practicing SOPs’
for the upcoming exercise to Canada. The
platoon deployed with its full complement of two x Spartan and six x quads, as this is what we would be using on Exercise PRIARIE STORM 3. It was a good start to begin identifying problems we might have whilst on the prairie. The exercise was very useful and we dug into the weeds and developed some early SOPs’, which enabled us to deploy with an initial idea which could be adapted as required.
The platoon then deployed to Canada
in early August, and after three weeks of working on the vehicles we deployed onto the prairie. The highlight was Special to Arm (STA) training, where we practiced our low level skills and completed live stalks. These were especially difficult, due to
having little or no cover and we had to gillie up with 70% natural cam. The Platoon also managed to do some loophole shooting;
an extremely useful skill to have in urban operations. We also completed a stalk for a member of the platoon, who was required to complete the serial as part of his badge test and which he has since passed.
The platoon is starting to take shape, and we still have a way to go to ensure all our soldiers are trained in the appropriate areas. We are ready for high readiness in 2016, whilst also continuing to develop the skills and drills which we have learned and practiced throughout the year.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE