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Ex SAVA STAR
4 MERCIAN Overseas Training August – September 2015 Major CR Watters
4 MERCIAN had a unique opportunity to participate in an Overseas Training Exercise (OTX) this year, to achieve our Collective Training Objectives, whilst contributing to the wider Defence Engagement Strategy. The exercise took place at SLUNJ Training Area, Croatia; a two hour drive southwest of Zagreb. 120 officers, SNCOs, and soldiers deployed on Exercise SAVA STAR, a DTrg(A) sponsored deployment, from 22 Aug - 6 Sep 15. This was a high profile event and the only bilateral land forces training event between the Croatian and UK militaries that takes place on an annual basis.
Our original objective was to enable a company group of reservists from 4 MERCIAN to deploy overseas and undertake offensive and enabling operations in an austere environment, training collectively to achieve CT Level 2. Due to 4 MERCIAN providing a formed company to 2 MERCIAN on Ex ASKARI STORM as well this year, the exercise was not based around a company group, but by a number of different activities. One rifle platoon conducted integrated Basis Close Combat training with the Croatian Platoon, and the battalion ran a DCbt endorsed Infantry Section 2ICs Cadre in a demanding environment.
There was also the opportunity to conduct conceptual training for commanders in an unfamiliar environment. The early stages of the
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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