Page 99 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

EAGLE AND CARBINE 107 MAGAZINE SECTION
A Sqn MRX Article: Capt LRF Lambert
Capt LRF Lambert
The MRX saw A Sqn deploy to Stanford Training Area (STANTA) in Norfolk. With no cover from the elements and autumn rapidly approaching, seven weeks in the UK was deemed an effective preparation for six months in the desert. Gortex rapidly became mission-critical kit. After an incredibly busy year of PDT and iMST the Sqn was well-prepared for its full dress rehearsal and relished the opportunity to demonstrate its competence to MRTC, who we knew would be watching us like hawks.
The deployment commenced with eleven Jackals being driven from Leuchars Station to STANTA. With the planned stop under 10 mins away from Lt Baker-Cresswell’s house, his parents were extraordi- narily kind in supplying copious amounts of bacon rolls on the A1 – a big win for A Squadron.
The troops in A Squadron had been individually tasked with specific elements of training, Sgt Williams and Cpl Gaughan from 2nd Tp delivered extensive Med training throughout the build-up. Their attention to detail ensured that the squadron was swept-up on mass casualty situations, which seemed to form the core element of the MRX. All individuals carried two lollipops to act as Fentanyl pain relief and SSgt Jarret (SQMS) was hot on your tail should you ‘lose’ such vital equipment.
The Integration Exercise was aimed at developing the coordination of both the SCOTS DG and 2
SCOTS elements of the Task Group, which arguably was arguably the most arduous part of the MRX. The weather was not kind; the wind ripped through STANTA and we saw our first frost of the exercise, in September...A productive experience where the squadron got to grips with leaguers, first and last light drills, and most importantly leading the infantry across STANTA.
Lt Edwards was permanently on hand with his camera, buoyed by his ever-dependable model/muse Cpl Ratuqalovi, who exuded confidence during his ‘golden hour’ photo shoots. Lt Edwards lives by the mantra ‘if it isn’t on Instagram did it really happen?’ I’m inclined