Page 14 - Bugle Spring 2023

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In September we made the journey to Latvia to support our NATO allies in the Latvian enhanced Forward Presence’s summative exercise, known as SILVER ARROW. We were one of five Companys within the opposing battlegroup, comprising of: US, Polish, German, and Latvian soldiers.
We were pitted against a highly trained peer force, consisting of soldiers from: Canada, Italy, Denmark, and numerous others. Not only were we numerically outmatched, but the enemy were far more mobile and technologically superior, with columns of main battle tanks (MBT) and aviation. B Company however were backed with sections from Support Company (I Coy) and Chasseurs Alpines, a French unit, providing us with both sniper and anti-tank sections. This made us an adaptable fighting force, with capabilities to envy.
B Company were able to relentlessly resist the eFP battlegroup, pushing them to their limits and drawing them into fights in the close quarters. Riflemen were waiting in small pre-set ambushes with NLAW and Javelin
at the ready. These sections were tasked
with repeatedly striking enemy armour and disappearing into the undergrowth. Enhanced by close support artillery from 88 Battery
and a machine guns section, who fired in an indirect role to further consolidate success.
The Company was rightly recognised for its professional conduct and its unwavering enthusiasm in commanding the opposing force but alas, as the opposition, the ‘good
14 RIFLES The Bugle
Riflemen were waiting in
small pre-set ambushes with NLAW and Javelin at the ready
guys’ always win. But by showing how effective we could be against such a dominant peer force, B Company finished proud with what had been achieved. The Company was rightly recognised for the professional attitude and its unwavering enthusiasm in leading the opposing force. This exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of light role infantry at fighting armour and throughout it all ranks had to work closely with NATO partners, something we have become well versed in and is enjoyed by all.
With Ex SILVER ARROW at a close, B Company had time to explore the beautiful country of Latvia, with visits to Riga and a rather cold trip to Riga Wake Park. On return to the Agile Task Force in Estonia, and whilst post deployment administration endured, key lessons and future training had been identified.
2Lt Mike Mizzi
B COMPANY SILVER ARROW