Page 34 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

5 RIFLES
‘ WINTER
IS COMING’
EXERCISE WINTER CAMP, OP CABRIT 7
The battalion deployed on Op CABRIT 7
as the enhanced Forward Presence in support of NATO’s multinational Baltic states deployment. The eFP battle group arrived in Estonia in September 2020 while the Baltics were enjoying a late summer blast of sun. However, amusingly, we all said, ‘the winter is coming.’
Before arrival on Ex WINTER CAMP as a Battlegroup we all participated in a Cold Weather Operator’s Course (CWOC), part 1 being theory and part 2 being practical. This was to show ourselves and our allies that
we can operate in extreme cold weather conditions as low as -20 degrees. CWOC gave us the basic skills and tools that we needed to operate in these conditions and over several days in the elements we were tested physi- cally and mentally. The course started off with an insertion tab to the harbour area where
we built up our defensive positions, later we moved as platoon groups to a navigation exercise with multiple stands. Through the night we were probed from multiple directions before an 18-hour survival phase finished off with a jump into a freezing cold lake, climbing out unassisted.
Ex WINTER CAMP began with a Live Fire Tactical Training phase, with Riflemen eager to put their new skills to the test. The sub-units started the usual process of progression from individual firing up to platoon level. Each process was challenging, consistently fighting against the weather meant even low-level patrolling was difficult at times.
The second phase was testing the Company’s ability to operate offensively and defensively. Each Company set up camp using arctic tents, building snow-built walls for protection from the enemy and the worst of the weather, and each Platoon had 24-hour rotations of offensive ops, surveillance, and defence. Basic daily administration was vitally important, with commander’s foot checks taking place up to three times a day and a 24-hour fire sentry! Consuming more food and water than usual is key, as well as paying extra attention maintaining weapons, keeping them lubricated and clean to prevent internal working parts freezing together.
From kit and clothing to vehicles and weapons systems there are no cutting corners in this type of environment, every Rifleman operated exceptionally well using their new skills to the highest standards. The 5 RIFLES Battlegroup showed they had what it takes to fight and win in this extreme environment.
Sjt Parrott, 1 Pl, A Coy
Fighting in woods and
forests in the snow
An 18-hour survival phase finished off with a jump into a freezing cold lake, climbing out unassisted
34 RIFLES The Bugle
Tank Action!