Page 13 - Eagle Eye Summer 2022

MPGS Counter
Terrorism Exercise
By Sgt Boddington
On Monday 23rd May 2022, 2 Section, NCGI MPGS RAF Wyton conducted a Counter Terrorism Exercise at the Mission Ready Training Centre (MRTC) Bassingbourn. Utilising the bespoke Pre-Deployment Training Facility 2 Section conducted a series of stands that exercised the participating troops in various skills necessary for a QRF to be operationally effective.
In the event the Station sustains such an attack, the QRF will be deploying to confront a suicidal extremist intent on killing and maiming as many innocent people as possible. The QRF must be prepared to match and overcome such an attacker, conscious that every second they delay, is another life is lost. Therefore, regular training exercises are critical to maintaining operational effectiveness.
The day consisted of 7 stands designed to practise the participating troops in conventional Counter Terrorism Tactics using role players to enact various types of attack including using a vehicle as a weapon and Knife attacks as we have witnessed in London.
We also introduced two new lessons, firstly covering how to respond to a nuisance photographer. Cpl Hack’s presentation addressed a new kind of incident, the nuisance photographer. Auditing Britain is an example of an individual intent on exercising his rights to photograph or film from a public space has tested security at sites across the UK. This lesson affirmed the correct response to an awkward occurrence like this. The Demonstration was well presented and humorous, none the less, all watching were left with a clear understanding of the law and our duty to maintain the stations security and uphold civil rights.
Secondly, we addressed how we should best respond to a mental health crisis. The QRF are increasingly responding to reports of Service Personnel suffering a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aid is a foremost concern of the Station Commander, and this stand practised the QRF in the application of the Action Plan recommended by NHS Mental Health England. The stand afforded the QRF to opportunity to apply these principles with a role player simulating an SP in distress. The Stand empowered the participating troops with new knowledge and experience, enhancing their confidence and effectiveness in this challenging subject.
LCpl Arnett & Pte Hobson delivered an engaging lesson on stopping a catastrophic bleed. All participating troops paired off and practised applying field dressings and torniquets on one another. Currently operating as a “Blue Light” NHS First Responder, LCpl Arnett’s knowledge and experience in this field is first class. Troops seized this
opportunity to refresh this life saving skill in a hand’s on and humorous manner.
All stands were practical and integrated active participation of the exercising troops. The overarching objective was developing the understanding and knowledge. Emphasis was placed on learning and gaining experience and confidence. The exercise was not a test, coaching was given throughout to the QRF who then deployed forward to the simulated MEP under attack by a lone terrorist.
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