Page 32 - 1RHA 2024

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Fox Troop Strengthens International Ties and Operational Capabilities
Global Engagement and Interoperability
Fox Troop, formerly known as Ramsay’s Troop, has embraced a high-tempo year filled with opportunities and integrations with NATO partners while upholding their duties to the Regiment. Their hard work over recent years has paid off with invitations from multiple units, leading to exercises in over 10 countries and participation in 25 separate exercises. This global engagement underscores the professionalism and high standards Fox Troop brings to the Regiment, enhancing interoperability and effective- ness worldwide. Spreading the good name of 1RHA wherever they are taken.
Key Exercises and Achievements
The RDG Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) were invited to join 4 RA in Scotland for Exercise Cape Dagger. This exercise included digital downlink training with the new Litening 5 EO/IR pod and live fire exercises at Cape Wrath. Additionally, Fox Troop sup- ported XI Squadron (Typhoon) at RAF Lossiemouth, facilitating training for six UK units and German Joint Fire Observers (JFOs). The preparation this afforded the flying squadron cannot be understated with the skills learnt for the pilots during this training being used directly for operations in the Arabian Peninsula under the banner of Operation SHADER.
The primary operational output for the Troop has been Op CABRIT. B Battery TACP had significant success on ROTO 13 in Estonia, participating in nine exercises with various aircraft and
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fulfilling their role within Brigade exercises. This deployment allowed them to work with 10 NATO nations, showcasing their ability to operate in diverse and challenging environments. The winter weather may have hindered opportunities, but the TACP didn’t let it reduce their ambitions.
Collaborations and Innovations
Chestnut Troop TACP conducted a handover-takeover with B Battery for ROTO 14, with Captain Rawlye and SSgt Coulson at the helm. They provided extensive training and interest sessions on Close Air Support and trialled new communications antenna solutions for operations under armour. Further demonstrating their versatility, members of Fox Troop completed various qualifi- cations and training.
WO2 Garrood has paved the way to a more capable fighting force by championing the introduction of ATAK/WINTAK the battles- pace management process. A system that is highly capable and will increase the efficacy of the troops performance for years to come.
International Exercises
Ten members of the Troop participated in Ex Flash Eagle 24-1, working with the 1-211 Aviation Regiment, 345th Panzer Artil- lery Battalion, and the 74th and 77th Fighter Squadrons USAF in Utah and Georgia. This exercise highlighted their adaptability in diverse weather conditions. It was a key bout of Defence Engage-
Ex Flash Torro RW Controlling
Ex Flash Torro
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