Page 57 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

Rock climbing at Cape Greco Reserve / regular integration
Reserve integration during Op Tosca 21 Lt M D Styles
UNPA range day
The reservations of Sgt Green and
I slowly disappeared as the Platoon
started to get into the swing of things; becoming knowledgeable and showing professionalism, whether it be patrolling
or hosting one of the various Brigadiers, Generals or civilian employers that came to visit us. The thirst for knowledge from the most junior soldiers was impressive, at all times they wanted to develop and educate themselves. This was most prominent during our dry training phase, where
6 Platoon deployed to Akrotiri for a dry exercise, focusing on urban operations and FIBUA. For many of the Platoon this was their first chance at FIBUA, and they did not disappoint.
As Christmas passed and 2015 came, the platoon was all too aware that they were now on the home straight, and it would
not be long before they would be returning home. Some may have anticipated a change of pace or behaviour issues starting to develop. However, much to my relief
at no stage did their professionalism drop below the required standard. Throughout the deployment, 6 Platoon had to assist and support the other two Platoons, with leave and other exercises on going, 6 Platoon could be found going out on patrol during the ATE phase.
The Platoon were finally given their date to fly home on the 21st March, and the countdown ensued. Were Sgt Green and I content and happy with how 6 Platoon had performed? An outstanding ‘yes’, and the feedback that we consistently received told us 6 Platoon were working hard and that it had not gone un-noticed.
With the platoon now back in the UK as
I wait an additional week prior to my flight,
it has allowed me considerable time to look back and contemplate just what 6 Platoon have achieved. Yes, at times it was difficult with many a reservist asking questions or querying things, but resoundingly they all stepped up to the plate. I fully anticipate that there will be other examples where Army 2020 does not work, but for the mean time Sgt Green and I can be happy that
for Op TOSCA 21, 6 Platoon and B (Malta) Company made it work.
For the last six months, I have found myself and my platoon of reservists from across
4 MERCIAN, the R IRISH and PWRR integrated within B (Malta) Company,
2 MERCIAN; ‘The Bayonets.’
Op FORTIFY and Army 2020 has resulted
in the integration of reserves with a paired regular unit for operations or deployments. There have been many examples in the past, where people have believed that it has been unsuccessful or that the reserve element is not capable of attaining or reaching the level required. However, the Reserves on Op TOSCA 21 known as
6 Platoon, B (Malta) Company, 2 MERCIAN, have proved that it can work and work well.
6 Platoon was formed on a cold and
wet morning on the 19th August at RTMC Chillwell, and comprised of reservist’s or regular reserve that were mobilised for operations. 6 Platoon was established on the Op TOSCA light role platoon structure; a Platoon Commander, Platoon Sergeant and four sections.
After a fortnight mobilisation package at RTMC, 6 Platoon were formally integrated into B Company, undertaking the All
Ranks Brief at Lydd, Kent. During this period, 6 Platoon participated in all PT that B Company undertook. From the start, Major Tom Kelly, Officer Commanding, stated that whilst the platoon was under his command, he would treat it no differently than the other regular platoons. The soldiers of 6 Platoon understood and accepted
the challenge that was laid down in front of them, and from that point on 6 Platoon threw themselves into the deep end. Throughout the All Ranks Brief (ARB),
6 Platoon consistently stepped up to the plate during public order training, and from the outside you could not tell the difference between 4, 5 and 6 Platoon.
On completion of the ARB, B Company found themselves in sunny Nescliffe to undertake the Mission Readiness Exercise (MRX). During the MRX, all individuals deploying on Op TOSCA would be tested and assessed for their readiness. Throughout the MRX, 6 Platoon could be found patrolling the replica buffer zone in leafy Shropshire. On completion of the MRX, 2 MERCIAN Battle Group, whilst on parade, changed
from their Regimental beret to the blue of the United Nations. This process in itself should not be under estimated. The unification
of the Battle Group under one blue beret regardless of Regular, Reserve, Infantry or attached arm, resulted in a dilution of the ‘tribal’ culture of the military; we were as one.
B Company deployed to Cyprus on the 28th September 2014, with two platoons on patrol, and one in reserve undertaking AT, Training and Education (ATE). 6 Platoon were the first to undertake the latter. This period was very beneficial for the reservists, as it enabled us to blow the cobwebs off and start to undertake a fitness program led by Reserve PTI Cpl Henshaw, who as an ex regular knew exactly what the OC wanted. It was not long until 6 Platoon could be found patrolling the Buffer Zone that separates
40% of 6 Platoon had previously completed deployments ranging from Iraq and Afghanistan to Cyprus
the National Guard forces of the Republic
of Cyprus, and the Turkish forces from the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’. For many, this was a change in pace to previous experiences.
40% of 6 Platoon had previously completed deployments ranging from Iraq and Afghanistan to Cyprus as the Mobile Force Reserve. This enabled the platoon
to tap into a range of experiences which benefited all; Section Commanders were empowered and capable of advising and developing the most junior of their private soldiers. The continual rotation of West AO, East AO and ATE, enabled all to develop
a routine. One of my biggest concerns
was discipline issues, I was all too aware that previous deployments have at times struggled. I had made it clear to all NCOs that we are a new breed of reserves. Sgt Green and I did not want 6 Platoon to fail or tarnish the reputation of the battalion.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
55