Page 33 - The Wish Stream Year of 2021 (Crest)

Underlining both were unfamiliar dynamics to OCdts: working in the modern media environ- ment (with cameras keen to capture any blun- der or misquote) and conducting tactical actions with a human population ever present.
The following Sunday saw a rapid early morning deployment to Sennybridge. After an immersion in a Storm Alex-stricken Brecon for Ex ALLEN- BY’S ADVANCE in Intermediate
attack. This was to be a key marriage of urban and rural fighting and give an opportunity for the most capable cadets to hone their command. After an exhaustive 36-hour combat estimate at battlegroup level, with the top OCdts in both companies delivering orders in front of a two-star general, the battlegroup was poised to launch their attack. Trekking across rough terrain, over bogs, and through woodblocks, Somme and
Term, OCdts were braced for a
challenging and watery Wales.
Straight off the bus, the compa-
nies inserted into harbours and
began their estimate planning pro-
cesses for the following morning’s
large scale actions. With a var-
ied mixture of strikes, advances
to contact, raids, and deliberate
attacks (with innumerable casu-
alty evacuations to boot), OCdts
took on greater responsibilities
not only as platoon commanders, but at a higher level as company commanders. As the clouds loomed large over the training area, the climate turned from a soaking first night to patches of foggy frost and glorious sunshine throughout the week.
After four days of intense rural operations, the exercise reached its culminating point: the final
Gaza were released onto objective: the German styled Celeini Village. Quickly realising the intimate nature of the urban environment once again, building after building was cleared as the battlegroup swept through the village. With Somme Company tak- ing the final objective, an elated end to the exercise was called, followed swiftly by the traditional beret parade (in which OCdts exchange their Sandhurst headdress for their future regimental headdress). No victory
would be complete without a hearty breakfast, nor without a visit and speech from the Minis- ter of Defence, Ben Wallace, who took time to reminisce with OCdts of his own time at RMAS and congratulate them on their soon-to-be com- mission. With undeniable challenge, unparal- leled training, and good weather to top it off, Ex DYNAMIC VICTORY marked a triumphant end to a demanding year.
This was to be a key marriage of urban and rural fighting and give an opportunity for the most capable cadets to hone their command
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