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Though arduous and demanding, upon reflection this exercise was perhaps the best training L (Néry) Battery conducted since resubordination. It highlighted the dynamic, fast-paced and often relentless nature of armoured warfare.
The exercise culminated with a BG-level delay across the front- age of SPTA – with GC43 learning the hard way that if FSTs become the FLOT – they are absolutely in the firing line!
Ex CHESTNUT STRIKE – Feb 24
Ex CHESTNUT STRIKE saw the Battery conduct some novel training. Capt Dan Taylor, the L (Néry) Battery OC TACP, organ- ised an excellent ‘simmunition’ package that saw members of the Battery and the wider Regiment conduct dismounted train- ing within an urban environment, whilst using the paintball-style simmunition rounds – which certainly added an element of jeop- ardy to individual’s skills and drills!
The TAC group then proceeded to utilise a healthy allocation of 155mm ammunition, and began live firing to achieve currency and competency in line with the new PAM 57 policy.
We also conducted genuine ‘danger close’ procedures utilising special burst safety distances – which allowed those in the Wr platform to truly ‘feel’ the effects of artillery. As a welcome addi- tion to the training, we were also joined by several members of D Sqn (Recce) from the RDG. This allowed us to practice Artillery Target Indication procedures within a live training environment – something which is not often practised. This afforded an excellent opportunity to further integrate with the BG.
Ex STANZEN FIST – Mar 24
Continuing our MRT pathway, BC’s TAC and the JFC deployed on a 20X exercise – Ex STANZEN FIST. This allowed both the Battery and the BG to further refine and practice their planning creden-
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
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