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1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
The remaining 2 weeks on task were spent reacting to initial teething problems such as broken heating and the ever-impor- tant Wi-Fi - hosting bi-daily Shuras to get to know the needs of the families better. Catering for those observing Ramadan was a top priority for the platoon; resourcing religious leaders, prayer mats, and a suitable place to pray was educational and reward- ing, with all getting behind the cause. The platoon also benefited from double dinner timings in the cookhouse! By the time the pla- toon left St Athan, the Afghan families had been accommodated, and were well into the process of being educated, being sup- ported in opening bank accounts, receiving important healthcare and enrichment activities and making important steps towards integrating into British society.
Ex CYPHER WARRIOR
E Battery deployed complete to Salisbury Plain Training Area for the first time with L118 Light Gun, on Ex CYPHER WARRIOR, a Regimental BCS live fire exercise to deliver BCS level A-C dry and live training objectives for all subunits. Over the course of two weeks in typically bipolar Wiltshire weather, the Battery dem- onstrated technical proficiency and competency. The abundance of available ammunition allowed for impressive rates of fire, par- ticularly during fire-planning drills. The successful achievement of technical currency and competency was a testament to the Battery’s training and readiness. The first week can be defined by new and exciting challenges with E Battery deploying out for the first time with L118 Light Gun. After the comprehensive conversion course, E Battery finally put theory into practice and took this new challenge in our stride at all levels. Mostly running dry manoeuvre’s and refining our skills and drills, it culminated in supporting L Battery’s FST Fire Plans live for the first time and performing exceptionally.
Moving onto the weekend after a very successful first week. Sgt Heard, supported by Sgt Ross and Sgt Adade, organised and delivered a rigorous and demanding bayonet lane exercise. The lane posed significant challenges, pushing soldiers to our limits both physically and mentally. It exemplified the core principle of being a ‘soldier first,’ emphasizing combat readiness and adapt- ability. Throughout the exercise, troops displayed unwavering grit and aggression, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and our dedication to our roles as soldiers.
Also, over the weekend, the battery warmly welcomed the fami- lies of our dedicated soldiers to a Regimental Families’ Day, providing them with an unforgettable experience. Amidst the camaraderie and excitement, the families had the opportunity to witness a live fire demonstration of L118 Light Gun. Additionally, interactive stands demonstrated basic soldiering skills, allowing
family members to see how we live and thrive in the field. It was a day of pride, connection, and appreciation for the sacrifices made by our soldiers. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the aroma of a sizzling BBQ filled the air, bringing everyone together for a delicious meal.
During phase 2, E Battery kicked off with a regimental illumination coordination fire mission observed by E Battery’s GC33 Fire Sup- port Team, providing illum to enable Chestnut Troop to engage our target with high explosive under cover of darkness. Perhaps the most significant development was E Battery’s execution of multiple shoots using data without voice communication. This achievement marks a crucial step toward fully voiceless fire orders at all levels. Voiceless fire orders minimize the risk of interception and enhance operational security. By relying on data exchanges, E Battery reduces our electronic footprint, making it harder for adversaries to pinpoint our location or intentions. This milestone opens doors to future innovations, where artillery units can oper- ate silently, relying solely on digital communication channels. It’s a leap toward more covert and efficient battlefield operations and has been a challenging but rewarding achievement for both the Tac Group and Gun Group E Battery’s urban deployment to Cop- ehill Down Village tested our adaptability. Firing within an urban environment presents unique challenges—narrow streets, build- ings, and potential collateral damage considerations. Our ability to engage targets accurately while navigating these constraints demonstrates our versatility. Urban warfare demands precision, and E Battery rose to the occasion. In the final week, E Battery were deployed to support 5 RA 4/73 (Sphynx) Battery for 3 days. Utilising the data gathered from MAMBA, E Battery conducted numerous complex fire missions and fire plans over the course of our remaining time on SPTA.
During Ex CYPHER WARRIOR, E Battery demonstrated a com- mendable performance throughout and most notably during the
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