Page 19 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

All those on Ex NOBLE JUMP
2 have earned
a well deserved couple of weeks off
Op AGORA CASTEX CAST(N)
As part of Op AGORA, 3 RIFLES assumed readiness as the ISTAR Battlegroup for the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force – Land (VJTF(L)) on 1 Jan 21. As part of their training progression they completed several training serials which culminated in a CAST validation exercise. This included a PACEX which was designed around Collective Training Objectives (CTOs) bespoke to the role the Battlegroup would fulfil, as an ISR BG does not exist within current UK doctrine.
On day two of the decisive week, the exercise was dispersed due to COVID, leaving 3 RIFLES with a training deficit having not conducted enough of the serials to meet the approved CTOs. Whilst the Battlegroup still assumed readiness, it was deemed unaccept- able to hold this training deficit against the commitment and as a result the exercise was rescheduled and held at CAST(N).
The exercise in CAST (N) aimed to certify the 3 RIFLES BG HQ at TL FOXTROT in order to fulfil their commitment as the ISTAR BG to the VJTF(L). This was achieved through
the course of two weeks, including a
PACEX and execute phase. All performed
within a strictly controlled COVID-19 envi-
ronment. To make the scenario slightly
more complex, the BG was augmented
by several allied force elements and
assets, including an American heavy
armour squadron, Spanish manoeuvre
company and Turkish Reece Pl. 3 RIFLES
BGHQ were tested over the course of five
days, required to plan and subsequently
execute three missions. Including a Raid,
Delay and enabling action, acting as the
Bde eyes and ears throughout. Success
saw the BG validated to TL FOXTROT,
and special mention must be given to a
core of LOCONs who not only supported
the training event but provided critical
feedback regarding the broader STRIKE
concept and future doctrine.
Capt Walker 3 RIFLES RSO
Special mention must be given to
a core of LOCONs who not only supported the training event but provided critical feedback
RIFLES The Bugle 19
3 RIFLES
country with access to the Romanian Joint National Training Centre in Cincu with no other country there, and which was a gift. Exploiting this opportunity allowed the JKL drivers and commanders to concentrate on re-estab- lishing their competencies and skills with the vehicle. Three weeks later the arrival of WO2 (CSM) Dave Merchant and JKL dismounts meant that we could move to the week-long LF package with IW and Pistol CQB and CQM shoots. The JKL heavy weapons conducted their own shoots with HMG, GMG and GPMG LFX by day and night. As the LF finished the VJTF Bde arrived on mass, all wanting their part of the training area; I was glad to have arrived early.
Over the next four week period the ISR Coy conducting Combat Enhancement Training at CT1 and CT2 level. Sjt Turner also conducted and executed a highly successful five day Sniper concentration training package with Snipers from all attending NATO countries. This event culminated in LF range engaging steel targets out to 1200m. A week of Force Integration Training followed with interopera-
bility of systems, capabilities and TTPs. Before moving on to the Bde ME; the Joint Allied Power Demonstration Day. The UK provided a Combat Team display of heavy fire power of the mounted weapons, which was executed superbly by Capt Ben Upton (OC Guns) and his team (probably down to the five rehearsals with the Bde).
No sooner had the JAPDD finished than
Ex SABRE GUARDIAN started, a NATO CT6 Multi-National Division level exercise. VJTF(L) Bde conducted a forward passage of lines with a Multi-National Brigade (Romanian, Portuguese and Czech Mech Manoeuvre Units). In total the ISR Coy deployed for just over eight weeks, with no COVID cases despite having only 16% of the 175 pax vaccinated. SSgt Moore and the Coy Fitters went through 4 JKL gearbox’s and suspension mods to keep the vehicle fleet at 96% throughout, much to the delight of the QM(T) Capt John Pepper. I am sure that all those on Ex NOBLE JUMP 2 have earned a well deserved couple of weeks off, but only after 10 days of isolation on return to the UK.