Page 35 - 4RA 2021-2023

4th Regiment Royal Artillery
main effort of refining the Light Gun Strike Group (LGSG) concept.
Over the six-month period 88 Bty sup- ported 2 RIFLES on numerous multina- tional exercises across the Baltics whilst also completing bespoke Battery-focused training packages. The ARRACAN SWORD series of exercises focused on the development of Bty cohesion, gunline TTPs and preparedness for warfighting operations, while the ARRACAN STRIKE series of exercises saw approximately 1000 live rounds fired at artillery ranges in Estonia and Finland and the LGSC con- cept refined. The goal of this training was to ensure that each subunit was capable of independently operating at reach.
Conceptual and doctrinal development was a persistent theme in 88 Battery’s training whilst in theatre. The idea behind the LGSG is that a gun group can enhance its survivability to ensure it can continue to support the manoeuvre arm, even against a high Counter Indirect Fire (CIDF) threat, by rapidly alternating between firing in concentrated bursts and then moving to the next gun position before counter- battery fire becomes effective. This con- cept was trialled on Op CABRIT 10.5 and culminated in the development of the
Light Gun Strike Group Doctrine. Now a tried-and-tested Gun Group deployment method, LGSG is recommended to all Close Support Batteries training to fight a peer adversary.
88 Bty were fortunate enough to conduct a wide range of multinational exercises whilst deployed in Estonia. This activ- ity helped to develop understanding of operating within a partner-nation con- struct and developed wider awareness of NATO forces capabilities. For example, the Estonian Artillery utilise an integrated data network (Tooru) which facilitates the prosecution of fires in under 2 mins. Tooru demonstrates that digital Call For Fire (CFF) are both feasible and significantly quicker in the light role than the systems currently utilised by UK forces. It is also a prime example of capability development, designed and implemented quickly and with a minimal cost. These observations will be useful in support of 4RA commit- ment to VJTF(L) 24.
Alongside exercises and deployments, the Battery participated in numerous addi- tional activities ranging from Battlefield Studies, Adventure Training to Coffee Brewing. The Battery also represented the Regiment in the Estonian National Rowing
Competition, Ice Swimming, Camp Dragon Ultra-Marathon and Inter-Company Rugby matches.
Op CABRIT 10.5 contributed to the deter- rence of Russian action and defence of Estonia, the Baltics and NATO’s Eastern flank. 88 Battery personnel left the deploy- ment more confident, more experienced and better prepared for their next chal- lenge.
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Soldiers from C Sub, Kairouan Troop conducting live firing in Estonia
A soldier from 88 Battery MT conducting an ammunition resupply on a live fire exercise in Estonia
An FST from Anzio Troop utilising US M777 to conduct a live fire mission whilst deployed in Finland
Members of 88 Battery who participated in the Estonian Ice Swimming festival
The 88 Battery FST and JFC working alongside a US FIST whilst deployed on a live fire exercise in Finland
A soldier from Borneo Troop during a live fire mission in Estonia
Officers from Anzio Troop participating in the Estonian National Rowing Competition