Page 87 - Mercian Eagle 2013

A Company
Following an eventful 2012, it seems like
the high tempo life of mobilisation, training and recruiting has continued through into 2013. Although challenging, recruiting continues to go well, with LCpl Laura Armour continuing to top the Regimental statistics for recruiting and retention and early figures show that this year, promises to be our most successful yet. Since the start of the new training year, four members of A (Fusilier) Company have attended Combat Infantrymans Course (CIC) and have all returned successful. Fusilier Curry, Fusilier Pithie, Fusilier Choudrey and Fusilier Perrins are all now embedded into the company and are enjoying their time in the Army Reserve. A further three recruits are due
to attend the infantry course at the end of October, increasing the number of trained soldiers to a respectful 68.
In order to produce high quality soldiers who are able to react to any situation in a range of diverse environments, the Tuesday night training programme continues to be physically and mentally demanding, whilst ensuring it is also enjoyable as a retention tool. Over the past 6 months the training programme has included some unique elements which are normally reserved for weekends or pre deployment training. Vehicle patrolling skills around the urban streets of Sheldon, survival training in the form of snaring, skinning and cooking rabbits, CQB training and full battle exercises at both Whittington Barracks and Packington Estate are only a small selection of the things soldiers have participated in. As well as military training, A Company prides itself on the variety of Adventurous Training its soldiers participate in and
in June of this year, 20 members of the company attended the annual Adventurous Training weekend, which comprised
of caving, clay pigeon shooting and a 12.5miles endurance assault course.
Our Permanent Staff continues to provide an excellent service to the Company,
their dedication and
professionalism over the
A Coy Roman Star 1
A Coy HQ Caving
12 members of A (Fusilier) Company also had the honour of attending Fusilier Rigby’s Funeral on July 12th, whilst the Bearer Party was commanded by our own SPSI (WO2) Paul McLoughlin.
The Company has also benefited under the TA Betterment programme, PSAO Capt Steve Hopkinson stretched the makeover to
A Company is currently going through
a transitional phase of its Officers,
Maj Tim Carpenter-Balmer departs
as OC after 3 years to become OC Headquarter Company in Wolverhampton. Lt Tom Skelding leaves after two year as a Platoon Commander to begin his Regular Commissioning course at RMAS. As well as losing several member of the company we also welcome back Fusilier Simcox, Fusilier Gartside, Fusilier Page, and Fusilier Osborne who have recently returned after serving on OP HERRICK 17 with 1 Mercian and within a month we also welcome back the Fusilier contingent of OP TOSCA. With the recent announcements of FR2020,
A (Fusilier) Company is starting to looks forward to the thrilling opportunities ahead of it, the potential increase in manning and the possibility of the SF Platoon returning to Birmingham excites soldiers and commanders alike. We continue to make a significant contribution to the effectiveness of 4 MERCIAN whilst maintaining its Fusilier identity and continuing the golden thread of the Royal Warwick’s and the Fusiliers in the Midlands.
past year has helped organise and shape several important events for the soldiers and the Fusilier community.
Our Permanent Staff continues to provide an excellent service to the Company...
incorporate the majority of offices, some of which had not seen a lick of paint in 19 years. State of the art gym equipment, weights and a new lecturer room with protector and plasma screen has also been included in the face lift of the TA
The St George’s
Dinner in April was
enjoyed this year by
Col Peter Merriman
(Area Colonel Warwickshire), Major John Turquand (Area Secretary) and 102 other attendees including Sheldon and Central Branches of Fusilier Association. This year’s “Most Significant Contribution” winner
Centre.
CSgt Sean McGarr remained stoic in
his resolve to provide a service until his last day in Army in 2014 and considering we have an ever changing orbat, recruits, mobilisations and uniform and database changes he remains with his head well above the water level.
went to Corporal Nazir Korimbocus who is currently serving on Op Tosca.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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