Page 3 - Eagle Eye Summer 2022

Ex ROY’S MANOEUVRE
By (A)Sgt Peter Fowler
In early February 2022, 14 Squadron, 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic) embarked on their first exercise of the year. As the home of the specialist Geo trade many of our exercises focus on our technical ability and use of the technology that allows us to function. On this exercise however, we would be utilising our green skills; blowing the cobwebs off and refreshing our basic field, combat and driving skills.
The exercise scenario centred on a deployment in support of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC). Such support would likely involve a long road move followed by the hasty establishment of a harbour area to provide geospatial support for the ARRC headquarters. To simulate this, we drove in convoys up to Yorkshire and started our rural phase. From here the Sqn needed to camouflage their vehicles to ensure they blended in with the various woods and buildings we were alongside. There was also an opportunity to practise cross-country driving which was a real test of the troops’ ability to control large vehicles in unfavourable conditions, as well as being great fun.
After three days in Yorkshire, we conducted a second road move down to Norfolk to develop these skills working in an urban environment, incorporating a forward operating base (FOB) into the training. Although adding an additional level of complexity, the hard standing was welcome shelter from the East Anglian wind and rain. Life in a FOB allowed many of the troops to experience a different way of operating, with many having only participated in rural training before. Although a new experience, the troops embraced the new challenges such as sanger drills and clearance patrols, everyone worked hard and showed eagerness to learn from the instructors. On the fifth and final day of the Exercise, the skills that had been learnt over the course of the week were tested as the troops engaged in close quarter battle (CQB)
scenarios which culminated in a raid on a house and casualty extraction. After returning from the house clearance, the enemy attacked in force, simulating a situation where every soldier was required to win the firefight and defend the FOB. This was a fantastic interest piece for the troops learning about some of the skills their infantry counterparts hold, particularly as our troops are often embedded with combat units.
A fantastic time was had by all with everyone returning to camp in high spirit. People really enjoyed being able to get stuck
in with skills which that they had not touched for a while or skills in which they were entirely new to. With Covid-19 finally easing, this was the first time the whole Squadron had been away for a while offering a great opportunity for unit cohesion, particularly for the new cohort of young Sappers who have only known a COVID training environment. As we move into a busy period, everyone is keeping one eye on the summer technical exercise and looking for to a repeat of the enjoyable experience.
eagleye 3