Page 39 - Bugle Spring 2023

The main thrust of the deployment
came after the CALFEX, known as phases CENTURION and VIKING. Combined, these offered a three-week straight deployment
into the Lolldaiga mountain region, where reservists worked through Company and Battlegroup level actions including, strikes, ambushes, delays and withdrawals. The
scale and nature of many of these actions
is rarely practiced in normal reservist life, time constraints of a training weekend
often exclude digging for example. We were therefore exposed, often for the first time, to digging trench systems with the assistance of machinery, and then using trenches to repel enemy conventional and chemical attacks. Highlights of these phases included working with reconnaissance drones to identify a high value target, to capturing and assaulting a constructed airfield (including control tower) all with the assistance of friendly artillery and mortars.
6 RIFLES’ time in Kenya has not been without its frictions and the mass integration of a Company’s worth of reservists dispersed into regular Companys is by no means an easy task, especially when those reservists come from a variety of cap badges, not all even light infantry. However, what can’t be denied is the successes on an individual level of the reservists who have mobilised. 6 RIFLES reservists, with no prior regular experience, taking up command appointments as junior NCOs or leading as senior Riflemen in sections displays their integral skill and commitment. The wider ASKARI STORM 22/3 serves as
proof of concept of reserve force generation. The backfilling of a regular battlegroup by reservists facilitated that battlegroup to conduct actions at proper manning levels. In an environment such as Kenya, where real
life casualty rates sat at 10% a week, proper manning is vital.
6 RIFLES
Exercise NORTHERN STRIKE is an annual, multinational military exercise that takes place in the state of Michigan, USA. Its aim is to test the operational and cooperative capability of those nation’s military forces taking part against an independent, free thinking, dynamic enemy.
In August, the UK contingent sent on the exercise were 7 RIFLES, with support from 6 RIFLES, 2 Royal Irish, 4 Mercian and various other attached arms and support elements. Reserves operating within this scale of exercise was a great opportunity for all involved, and everyone benefited. Whether that be tactics, skills and drills, or endurance and fitness.
Our two weeks in Michigan was split down into three phases. Phase one was LFTT up to section attack. This meant the first four/five days were on the ranges, progressing daily from pairs up to section LFTT. Within this time, we also did OBUA training, using blank and then Simunition. There was a competition between
the platoons during the OBUA training, with the winning platoon being chosen to do a night raid on an enemy safe house via Blackhawk helicopter during the actual exercise.
Phase two was the exercise. The move out was via Chinook, followed by quite a cheeky insertion tab. The exercise consisted of dominating ground and denying the enemy freedom of movement. Within this we also conducted patrols and deliberate attacks on enemy positions. We were moving and establishing new harbour locations most days. The going was tough at times. Feeding was American MRE’s...I’m still undecided which is better - them or ORP, though I think we just take the biscuit (pun intended). The exercise ended with a company-level helicopter assault on an urban area, about the same size as Copehill Down. Then, along with the Michigan Army National Guard we dug in and defended against the final assault from the enemy. With the enemy defeated and Endex called, we then transitioned from blank to live and finished the LFTT package with a live platoon attack.
The third and final phase was the R&R. We were bussed
from Camp Grayling to Traverse City, on the shores of the Great Lakes. Here we spent a day and a half, with a night in a hotel, experiencing an American city and enjoying what it had to offer.
If you ever find yourself on Ex Northern Strike, I recommend
the BBQ brisket in Traverse City. Going on an American civilian shooting range is quite an experience too that I would also recommend. All in all, it’s a good opportunity to let your hair down and have some fun after a hard two weeks’ graft.
To summarise, Ex Northern Strike is a different experience, challenging at times and a good test of ability, but rewarding when you come out the other side having achieved and gained new skills.
Cpl Ray, C Company, 6 RIFLES
RIFLES The Bugle 39
Ex NORTHERN STRIKE