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4th Regiment Royal Artillery
With Ex CENTURION complete, the Battlegroup deployed to the Martian landscape of Archers Post for the Com- bined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX). With daytime temperatures reaching 40 degrees, it was a week of early mornings and late nights to avoid training during the heat of the day. Unfortunately due to other commitments the Regiment were unable to deploy any guns to support the exercise, and as such the FSTs busied themselves conducting dismounted ranges, engaging with the 1 RIFLES mortar platoon, and uti- lising the synthetic Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES) system to engage with simulated fires. FST Commanders were able to really get to grips with how their Company Commanders liked to operate and show them how an FST operates in terms of its laydown within the Company, and the breadth and depth of the sup- port and advice they can offer. The CAL- FEX phase culminated in a night attack onto an intimidating lone ridge known as “Whaleback”. The sheer vertical height of the objective and the residual heat still clinging to the red earth made this attack physically demanding, with the narrow nature of the ridge creating tactical com- plexity and forcing the Companies to fight with very restricted space. It was an excel- lent opportunity for the FSTs to see what a dismounted rifle company can do and to practice engaging in complex terrain and near friendly troops, utilising live mortars and synthetic guns.
After the CALFEX, the Battle- group moved on to the main event: the validation of ASKARI STORM on Lolldaiga training area. Dominated by two vast ridgelines separating the area
into 3 valleys and fighting against a live enemy (provided by 1 YORKS and 1 IRISH GUARDS Battlegroups), ASKARI STORM represents the most demanding phase of a deployment to Kenya. Over 20 days the Battlegroup was put through its paces, the TES system simulating the effects of offensive support, allowing the Dragons to demonstrate to 1 RIFLES what a sig- nificant impact well planned and delivered fires can have on the enemy. The Dragons quickly grew in standing within the Battle- group and there was many a time when a Dragons FST commander was called upon to take command of a rifle company owing to the untimely demise of the OC. At one point, the Battery Commander was even given the brief chance to stretch his legs as the Battlegroup Commander after the Commanding Officer fell victim to a well- placed enemy ambush. The TES system also allowed for very detailed playback of all the Battlegroup’s tactical actions and, with the input of the exercise direct- ing staff, Dragons honed their craft over the course of the exercise. After weeks of
hard work and gallons of sweat the Battlegroup was success-
fully validated at their first attempt: a great achievement for all involved.
With the conclusion of Ex ASKARI STORM, it was time to return to the UK. The Dragons had learned some excellent lessons and completed some highly valu- able training with their 1 RIFLES breth- ren. Strong bonds had been formed and, on return to the UK, the Battery’s officers attended the 1 RIFLES ball in Chepstow. As 1 RIFLES move to Cyprus, the Dragons now find themselves in support of 1st Bat- talion, Scots Guards. Hopefully the com- ing years will provide ample opportunity for the same level of training and bonds of friendship to be forged.
1RIFLES BG ROC Drill before the final attack on Ex ASKARI STORM
C Coy’s FST Commander briefs the fireplan for the attack on Whaleback ridge
BC, BSM, JFC Cdr and FST Cdrs pre the final attack on Ex ASKARI STORM
CO’s TAC taking a break to enjoy the view and command the battle after an arduous insertion TAB
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129 (Dragon) Battery Tac Group following ENDEX on Ex ASKARI STORM
The Battalion Flag
flies over BHQ in Nyati Barracks, Mt Kenya can be seen in the background