Page 30 - MERCIAN Eagle 2019

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Op ORBITAL
Capt Reece Courtney
With the recognition by the Armed Forces of Ukraine that effective operations in the modern theatre are intelligence-driven and targeted, we have seen a rising appetite for the delivery of courses that focus on Reconnaissance and Counter Sniping Operations. Every STTT this year has included at least one such course and the Dragon Company Instructors have spent a significant portion of the year deployed in various locations around Ukraine.
With approximately 500 AFU soldiers
having been trained by the 1 MERCIAN Dragon Company instructors, we can look back and feel with sincerity, that we have made a tangible difference to the ability of the AFU to protect life and seize the initiative on operations.
Special recognition must go to Sgt David White and Cpl Michael Kilby, who deployed on no less than four STTTs each, delivering the Counter-Snipers courses. Despite
the daunting task of training a battle- hardened audience, who, on occasion
attempted to challenge the credibility of their instructors, were simply outstanding in their professional conduct and the quality of training they delivered. In every deployment, they maintained consistently high standards and were strongly regarded by all AFU units by the end of their training packages. Meanwhile Cpl Arun Sanganoo has been equally impressive, leading on the Recce Soldiers courses, with a strong focus on going back-to-basics to enable overall improvements in Recce skills and capabilities.
Dragon Company were not limited to enhancing support weapons capabilities on Op ORBITAL though. The Instructors have supported a wide range of courses including JNCO and SNCO Development, Basic Infantry and Staff Planning. It is fair to say that the ORBITAL experience has been a breath of fresh air, giving our skilled instructors the chance to spread their wings and showcase their excellence in the knowledge that what they have delivered will make a real difference to our allies deployed on dangerous operations.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE