Page 32 - Bugle Spring 2023

5 RIFLES
Ex PRAIRIE TORNADO, B COY
The armoured phase of Exercise PRAIRIE TORNADO was made up of an initial Company led phase, designed to test
each Platoon in armoured tactics and manoeuvre, before a high tempo Company level FTX phase designed by the CO to test B Company up to training level Charlie.
The 3-day BCS phase served to build the Company up from the dispersed Platoon level training, conducted in the background of the Live Firing Phase, to fully formed offensive and defensive Company actions. Again, the BATUS Training Estate proved the ideal setting with
a mixture of urban and rural areas as well as multiple obstacles and unpredictable weather. The first “Maint Day”, affectionately known as the Battle of Dubois Hill, was far from restful with an early morning downpour leading to
a treacherous move to the leaguer location, when the rain eventually stopped the soaked Company was informed by EXCON that a Tornado was now headed our way.
The FTX phase began with a conventional Company defence in the far north of the training area. The serial saw enemy IFVs, Technicals and quadbikes enter an MDA protected by a mixture of fire team trenches, NLAW OPs and Warrior, as well as DFs and obstacles provided by our attached arms. Following a withdrawal from the MDA the Company then conducted an ambush and
32 RIFLES The Bugle
replen serials over the following days before an all-out urban defence at Trakai Village.
With the enemy advance halted, raid and recce actions set conditions for the final attack on Dusetos Village, a complex urban area protected by anti-tank ditches and obstacles. The mixture of the setting sun and an approaching thunderstorm provided the perfect backdrop for the final armoured run in; with Warriors for 5 and 7 Platoons jumping the AT ditches at speed before releasing their dismounts to secure the village.
The first “Maint Day” was far from restful
With the exercise over and B Company tested in its armoured role the convoy rolled back to Crowfoot Camp to hand over vehicles. On returning from the training area, we were informed we were to return the UK early to immediately begin UK-led Ukrainian training.
Within six days of returning the Company was training Ukrainian soldiers on Salisbury plain.
Lt Cuss, B Coy