Page 62 - MERCIAN Eagle 2019

Light Aid Detachment
WO2 (AQMS) Watkinson
This year has seen a lot of change within the LAD with WO2 (AQMS) Robinson handing over an almost completely new LAD to WO2 (AQMS) Watkinson, this had been upscaled from 10 to 13 personnel with an added Sergeant, 2 Corporals and 2 more Lance Corporal class 1’s that replaced 2 of the VM Craftsmen.
Attached to the Regional Infantry Battalion (RIB) Cyprus has its challenges, with a tired B vehicle fleet and a lengthy spares process this encourages a
repair by repair attitude. Along with
its challenges Cyprus offers a lot of opportunities for sport and adventure training, with one member of the LAD also attending a battlefield tour to Arnhem with the Battalion. The LAD takes full advantage of these opportunities when
not supporting the many exercises, training serials and Operational requirements that go on throughout the year. Individual AT courses that members of the LAD have completed include RYA Powerboat Level 2, Kitesurfing and a multitude of Scuba Diving courses. Along with supporting the Battalion through equipment support the LAD has been key to HQ Company’s success in the Champion Company competition, with members of the LAD contributing to the winning teams for swimming, hockey and the Dhekelia Dash. There have also been individual medals for athletics and cross country. Hopefully we can continue with the work hard, play hard ethos up until the move back to the U.K.
60
AGC(SPS) Detachment
Capt James Cooke
2019 has been a year of adjustment for the Battalion as they settle in to life in Cyprus as the Regional Infantry Battalion (RIB); the task of Regional Standby Battalion (RSB)
is traded for Operation TIMBERN as the Battalion’s main effort, and the AGC(SPS) Detachment prepared for their maiden Cyprus Triple Crown Competition.
As the temperature in Cyprus steadily increased, so did the forecast of events for the 2 MERCIAN AGC(SPS) Detachment. 2019 saw Head of Branch, Colonel Mike Sykes OBE, and Corps Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Colin Morrison, visit the island to oversee the Detachment’s first involvement in the Cyprus Triple Crown Challenge. As well as several promotions throughout the year, all members of the Detachment have been heavily involved in supporting the Battalion’s main effort of Op TIMBERN, providing force protection to military sites located around the island.
Weekly training for the Cyprus Triple Crown Competition involved plenty of
speed marches and track sessions as the competitive spirit within the RAWO, WO2, Katie Ward, was brought to the fore as she was determined to retain the trophy she won whilst competing with her pervious Detachment, 1 LANCS. The event consisted of a timed 8-mile weighted march, a pistol shoot and numerous military skills stands which involved all AGC personnel from around the island, including military police, educators and legal professionals.
2 MERCIAN’s Det made up the majority of those in attendance, entering four of the nine fire teams, which clearly demonstrated the importance placed on fitness and
team cohesion within the Det. Despite
their hardest efforts they managed to
grasp second place with all Det members thoroughly enjoying the competition, experience and BBQ which followed the event. Preparation for next year’s Cyprus Triple Crown Challenge won’t be far away.
Despite a demanding period with numerous commitments, members of the Detachment have been able to attend
a plethora of sporting pursuits both on and off island. Sergeant Gary Morrissey,
The event consisted of a timed 8-mile weighted march, a pistol shoot and numerous military skills stands
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