Page 11 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

the important skills and drills were honed. Vehicle manoeuvre and the empathetic manner in which our soldiers dealt with the ‘local population’ were highlighted as consistent strengths, with counter-IED and medical skills improving day by day. Validation for overseas operations was hard-won and a credit to all involved.
It was, therefore, a crushing blow to find out that strategic decision-making was to scupper A Squadron’s plans for the second time in the year. Learning during the deployment window, with some personnel already in theatre, that our commitment was to be reduced by half, with two troops and enablers deploying under the infantry company to conduct local force protection was difficult. For those remaining, Christmas spirit was in short supply. However, we reorientated again, and November/December was filled with some great ‘moral component’ activity, planned and executed at pace whilst RHQ worked tirelessly to ensure that all we had built did not go to waste.
The end of the year sees another turnaround in fortunes. Half of the Squadron, under the 2IC and OC C Coy 2 SCOTS is delivering as planned on operations. Whilst not the long range patrolling we had hoped for, they are protecting the Mali drawdown, a task at which they will excel. For the remainder, we will deploy early in 2023 alongside the 2 R ANGLIAN BG and upgunned by a troop from C Squadron. There we will act as ‘Task Force Hannibal’ (OPFOR) for a major exercise, before conducting defence engagement activity and linking in with the sizeable SCOTS DG Omani ERE cohort (Messrs Gedney, Woodhams, Leek, and Soulsby)
SSM stating the art of the possible
for some much-needed fun. An opportunity to learn and recharge prior to a demanding period of NATO validation.
As ever, through trials and tribulations, A Squadron has remained ‘Second to None’.
EAGLE AND CARBINE 9