Page 83 - QDG Year of 2022 CREST

1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
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Ex Cambrian Patrol
September brought a few new things to the QDG - a fresh ORBAT, myself, and an undivided effort from B Sqn to field not one, but two patrols for Exercise Cambrian Patrol - a mere four weeks away. The clock was ticking.. teams had not been finalised, kit checks not conducted, AFVs not recognised! Firstly two patrol commanders had to be chosen and who better than two of the newest officers just weeks out of Sandhurst, 2Lts Webster and myself. Having successfully avoided a stint at Brecon prior to Bovington, we were now somehow in to experi- ence all Sennybridge had to offer. The other members of the patrols were pulled from across all squadrons, Cpl Rowlands was the only Cpl across both teams so LCpl Wilkinson was chosen as the second patrol 2IC. A couple of members had previously completed Cambrian Patrol but overall there was a lack of experience in some of the skills required. Admirably this did not hinder performance nor drive to complete the Patrol. A two week intensive training programme was undertaken, driven by the NCOs and Tprs. We knew a lack of sustained physical build up training would be our worst enemy, yet this did not stop either patrol over the 57-62km. Both patrols finished with all members, avoiding the severe penalty for losing any on the way round - it did cost a few
the skin on their heels, and after some complaints of a “sore leg” during the second half, Tpr Dempsey was later diagnosed with a ruptured achilles! Having completed Cambrian Patrol in 2018 I can say it is no easier the second time round and justifiably retains its reputation as the world’s toughest military patrols competition. To come away with a Silver and a Bronze was a true statement to the grit and profes- sionalism of QDG soldiers who turned round such an excellent result in an extremely short period of time.
HMM
NATO Landcom
Following a hugely eventful two years in HQ LONDON DISTRICT which saw the COVID lockdowns and Op RESCRIPT, the funeral of HRH The Duke of Edin- burgh (Op FORTH BRIDGE) and the Platinum Jubilee; I received a set of Orders from my wife that clearly stated her ‘Intent.’ In good Recce style I was to ‘FIND’ a suitable overseas posting that provided better weather; less State Cere- monial and Public Duties (SCPD); and importantly a house with a garden. A job working for NATO in Izmir (Türkiye) was, of course, the only logical option. Further, the break out of war in Ukraine made HQ Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) an interesting opportunity not to be missed.
Having deployed on a NATO Opera- tion (Op CABRIT) in Poland in 2020/21, I had a vague idea of what NATO did and how it was organised. My time so far in LANDCOM has indeed confirmed what a complex, culturally diverse and at times awe inspiring organisation NATO can be (when it works at least). With the ability to call up 10 Warfighting Corps, the number
of soldiers, fighting vehicles and equip- ment, that can be quickly and effectively mobilised is impressive to say the very least. HQ LANDCOM itself provides the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) land domain expertise and advice. It also delivers training to all NATO Land forces at readiness, from Warf- ighting Corps HQ down to the Sub-unit level. As a joint multi-national HQ almost all NATO member nations are represented providing opportunity to engage with not just Turkish culture but a plethora of atti- tudes, interests, languages and concerns.
The city of Izmir, located at the end of the ancient Silk Road, has been home to a wealth of different cultures and ethnici- ties for hundreds of years. As a result the people are friendly, tolerant and unique in their view of the world. Outside the city one cannot move for things to do and see such as the Graeco-Roman ruins of Ephesus or the ancient city of Troy. We would certainly advise a trip out to Türkiye for anyone thinking of visiting. It of course goes without saying that if you
are stopping by Izmir then do let us know, our door is always open to any QDG, past
and present. Tesekkürler.
ETPO