Page 22 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

20 EAGLE AND CARBINE
conduct some dismounted live firing with command troop whilst proving the capabilities of Slingshot. Without stepping out of my lane and trying to explain how the system works, in simple terms, it extends the range of our radios considerably.
July saw us deploy on another long journey from Leuchars all the way down to Bassingbourn to conduct the All-Ranks Brief (ARB). These briefs contained all the mission specific information we needed before deploying on Op NEWCOMBE. This was also over the heatwave the UK experienced in the summer but luckily, the new briefing theatre had air conditioning. This was great until we started to smell gas and then discovered the external gas tanks had heated up that much that they had started to give off gas. This would have been fine but unfortunately, the building design meant the gas was being sucked straight into the air conditioning system. We were quickly moved into new classrooms, but they were hot and sweaty which I suppose, was good training for the conditions we would experience in Mali.
Interestingly, we discovered while in Bassingbourn, that the training scenes in the film Full Metal Jacket were filmed there.
August gave us a break with some well-earned summer leave, as a considerable number of soldiers had been away on various mission specific courses in between exercises, ranges, and the ARB. The return from leave saw the handover takeover of HQ Sqn leader. Maj Taylor handed the reins over to Maj O’Connor and, with no rest for the wicked, he was to be sent straight on his ARB. Maj O’Connor would not be back in Leuchars until 2 weeks prior to deploying on Op NEWCOMBE. Deployment on the Mission Ready Exercise (MRX) started for the remainder of HQ Sqn on the 10th September with the lead elements having another long drive from Leuchars to Bodney camp in Thetford. This had to be done over two days due
to the distance and luckily for those in HMTV’s, the weather was pretty good. During the MRX, we had the honour of our Deputy Colonel in Chief HRH The Duke of Kent finding the time to come and visit us. Maj O’Connor gave him a detailed brief on what the task group were doing: he was in good spirits and glad to be with us. The MRX didn’t finish until the 15th October which was another long period way from our families. This absence was extended for some of our soldiers due to mounted ranges in Lulworth, where we needed to get the last few qualifications nipped before deploying. Flights out on Op NEWCOME started on the 10th November so there wasn’t that much time for some to have time at home before deploying. As I finish this article we have been in Mali for just over 2 months and the tour has dramatically changed from what we were expecting to a draw down and an early departure. I am sure this will prove to be a difficult but rewarding period that will feature in the next edition Eagle and Carbine. The common theme of being busy has continued and we are sure the next twelve months will be no different.
Maj WD O’Connor and Cpl Grimes delivering presents to the LRRG on Christmas day from Santas Mali sled.