Page 13 - The Wish Stream Year of 2021 (Crest)

Exercise MONTGOMERY’S MARK
5Platoon, Inkerman Company had unloaded Bergens and equipment from the transport vehicles and had initiated preparations to
locate and establish our platoon harbour for the duration of the exercise. As we performed the final checks of our equipment, established radio communications, conducted accountability of personnel, weapons, ammunition, assigned section kit, and applied our camouflage cream, it had become clear to everyone that Ex MONT- GOMERY’S MARK represented our culminating event of Junior Term.
Once preparation and accountability had been conducted, we stepped off to locate our harbour area, conducting a snap ambush along the route as well. Once on the designated location we outlined our harbour with comms cord, began digging our sentry positions, and then started on our own shell scrapes. The first day of exercise always consists of endless digging; we had to be mindful to not forget to eat our meals. Stand- to can catch a platoon out as
OCdt Rhinesmith, USA
the platoon harbour. Just after I stepped off from our kneeling herringbone formation and sent the signal back to maintain a staggered column, a torrential downpour arrived. Let it be known that this was definitely not the shower I wanted, but
time flashes by, so we learnt you must work diligently as a platoon to ensure the harbour is at the standard before that time.
Stand-to was conducted at
0415hrs on our first morning,
after which we were requested
to move with haste to make our
H-hour at the Company FOB to begin our train- ing for the day. One of the best parts about the training programme here at Sandhurst is that you conduct numerous repetitions of attacks, and everyone will have the opportunity to take on a leadership position; the majority of us have multiple leadership positions throughout each day. Today’s events included an entire day of section attacks, and by the end of it, every single member of my section had developed increased confidence navigating a section towards an enemy objective, reactions to contact, sketching a section attack plan, and implementing the use of fire support as well as an assaulting element; ultimately defeating the enemy position.
After completing an arduous day of squad attacks, it was time to patrol our way back to
the shower I deserved. I consistently reminded myself that, regardless of the weather, the Combat Estimate waits for nobody, and it was time to begin reviewing our orders, integrat- ing our new FRAGO, and developing our scheme of manoeuvres. Time to set up our bashers and begin our planning.
On the following day, and for the remaining days thereafter, our focus was executing platoon level attacks with the aim of becoming more knowl- edgeable regarding everyone’s individual roles, while most importantly becoming more confident in a command position. We learnt to trust in what we’ve been taught over these last few months of training, and not be afraid to make the deci- sions that are determined best for the platoon, regardless of the risk involved. Taking calculated risks is a major part of the course. You must be comfortable to push yourself into those situa- tions in which you are not the most confident. Difficulty is relative, keep challenging yourself and the instructors will guide you on the right path.
The feedback from our platoon staff and those additional staff members assigned to our pla-
You must be comfortable to push yourself into those situations in which you are not the most confident
SANDHURST 11