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1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Ex IRON CYCLONE – Nov 2023
After Ex SCORPION CYCLONE 23, our focus quickly shifted towards supporting the RDG BG, with whom we will deploy with (in role) on Op CABRIT 15 in Sept 24. The JFC and FSTs began supporting the RDG in Oct 23, utilising the CATT simulator in Warminster. Upon completion of this training, the BG deployed to SPTA, where the Battery deployed with the RDG for the first time in armour.
This saw FSTs integrated with both Recce and CYCLOPS Sqns, whilst the BGHQ staff conducted a multitude of planning cycles to support the wider BG activity.
During the exercise – the temperature plummeted far below zero and was a far cry from our previous exercise on SPTA. Some might say good preparation for a winter tour in Estonia!
mCPX – Jan 2024
After a well deserved Christmas leave period, the Battery returned well rested and ready for what would be another demanding period of training serials. The BC’s TAC deployed to Sennelager for three weeks, where the BGHQ staff conducted a comprehen- sive series of planning cycles.
The exercise was supported by members of CTG-CATT team who provided valuable insight into the planning process.
This exercise formed a solid foundation for our later success on the CABRIT TEMPEST CSTTX. The BGHQ planning staff were undoubtedly ‘put through the wringer’ under the mentorship
of the RDG CO, Lt Col Morrissey MBE. Ultimately, having con- ducted a large number of ‘sets and reps’ during the exercise, the whole BGHQ staff developed a considerable amount during the exercise which also provided an opportunity to test and refine the BG SOIs and SOPs.
Ex IRON DRAGOON – Feb 24
After a short interlude on return from Germany, the Battery then prepared to deploy once again to SPTA to conduct Ex IRON DRAGOON, which validated the BG at TL-E.
This can be described as a ‘baptism of fire’ for our FSTs. All tacti- cal activity was conducted during periods of darkness, and within the first 24 hours of the exercise GC43 had conducted a BG-level obstacle crossing, at night, then dynamically re-taskorged to a different Sqn to conduct a deliberate attack!
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