Page 30 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

4 RIFLES
4 RANGER’S GURKHAS DEPLOYED ACROSS AFRICA
2021 was an expansive year for G (Coriano) Coy, the newest addition to 4 RANGER, with 40 days in the Belizean jungle, honing their close country tropical environment tactics in readiness for the rather less vegetated challenges of Somalia, Nigeria and Mozambique. The Company then dispersed on their operational commitments, with Team 2 first out to Somalia closely followed by Team 3 on Project STINGER in Nigeria. Others deployed widely to Northern Ireland, Poole, the USA and Zambia.
The STINGER Team deployed in support of 1 SCOTS to produce soldiers for the Nigerian Brigade Strike Force (BSF). The team delivered a Basic Operators’ Course and an Advanced Operators’ Course which saw a progressive development of fieldcraft, first aid, navigation and offensive actions. In addition to the tactical delivery, Rfn Parag organised a charity run to raise funds for local school children which saw a fantastic opportunity to hand out the proceeds and demonstrate the broader value of British support in Eastern Nigeria.
Across the continent in Baidoa, Somalia, Team 2 worked to enhance the Somali National Army’s capability to takeover security from the African Union Mission to Somalia forces. The team created the 60 Sector Training Wing and honed Somali National Army Instructors’ skills, enabling them to lead training delivery. Despite obstacles and challenges, their enthusiasm never wavered, and they implemented various positive initiatives, including individual student reporting, instructor evaluation metrics and preparations for concurrent training courses. Team 4 replaced Team 2 in August and continued the positive trajectory. Despite various unplanned pauses in training Team 4 have continued to embrace the challenges.
They delivered concurrent courses, essentially doubling the output of UK Somali Training
and Advisory Team (STAT), whilst providing enhanced value for money for HMG and greater support to the Somali National Army in South West State.
The OC, followed by Team 2’s Commander, scoped new opportunities across East Africa as the 6th (UK) Division Liaison Officer.
The centre of gravity remains in Kenya, although planning is underway for support to Mozambique and possible developments in Uganda and Tanzania. At the same time, CSgt Tej led a small group augmenting a 2 PWRR
team establishing a new task in Mozambique. This focussed on training the Army Practical School in Manhica, concluding with a
train the trainer package, and meeting the Mozambiquan Minister of Defence to discuss further UK military support which will be delivered from early 2022.
G (Coriano) Company, hands over its tasks to F (Falklands) Company, 2 RANGER and is confident that our Gurkha Ranger brethren will continue the good work across the African continent.
Capt Will Rushworth,
Team Commander
A Cpl works with the partner force commander to deliver patrol base occupation lessons to the partner force company on Operation TANGHAM
30 RIFLES The Bugle
A member of G (Coriano) Company conducts tactical ROC drill training with a Nigerian partner force on Project STINGER
2 RANGER and is confident that our Gurkha Ranger brethren will continue the good work across the African continent.