Page 52 - Mercian Eagle 2013

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that those troops deploying were G1 ready. Cpl Perkins was given the privilege of wearing the rank of Sgt for the duration of the tour. Cpl Perkins and Pte Armstrong liaised daily with the OPLOC Cell, ensuring the influx of new boots on the ground were accounted for and allocated according to their deployable category. In often testing situations, where timelines were tight, Cpl Perkins and Pte Armstrong put the needs of the soldiers first, ensuring the reputation of the Battalion was upheld in
the eyes of the hundreds of troops passing through the RSOI facility.
The biggest of all the Companies within the Battalion, HQ is continually committed to supporting the attached arms as well as a significant number of infantrymen tasked to roles out with the Rifle Companies. LCpl Brown, manning the helm for some time without a Jnr CHRS to assist in the workload, was grateful to see the arrival of one of the Detachment’s newest members, Pte Saunders. With a large number of HQ Coy’s personnel moving from pillar to post regularly, both Brown and Saunders worked extremely well together; particularly with the forthcoming commitment on EX ASKARI STORM looming near.
Having such an active Detachment and supportive unit means we have been fortunate enough to take part in plenty of sports and adventure training;
which is an integral part of Battalion life here at 2 MERCIAN. The Det Comd, organised the Battalions involvement in EX FROSTED BLADE, the Infantry Alpine Ski Championships, held in Val D’Isere.
Three members of the detachment represented 2 MERCIAN in the exercise with approximately 120 people from across the Infantry taking part. Most impressive however was LCpl Coton and Pte
Shaw having never skied in their lives they were now confident at throwing themselves down a slalom course, or downhill
race whilst concurrently gaining their Ski Foundation Level 1 qualification.
LCpl Coton, possibly the ‘sportiest’ soldier within the Det, also managed to take part in an offshore sailing
expedition to St Lucia. EX CARIBBEAN WINGS saw a number of service personnel from across the three
services take part in a two week, arduous offshore sail, where he learnt the basic yet essential skills as part of the Competent Crew qualification. His attendance on
the exercise was so good, he is going back this year to try a different leg.
The Detachment sports stars do not stop there! SSgt Hodge, the Battalions FSA, is currently the
(UKTC) British Champion earning the Gold Medal at the British Taekwondo Championships held in Edinburgh
in May of this year. He continues to represent the Corps, Army and Combined Services as well
THE MERCIAN EAGLE