Page 34 - QDG Volume 9 No. 5

OP CABRIT (P) 15
Throughout Op CABRIT (Poland) 15,
QDG demonstrated interoperability and
improved our own operational credibility
with the Polish Territorial Defence Forces
(the ‘TDF’, equivalent to our Reserves)
and US Engineers, often sharing doctri-
nally and with practical training to ensure
integration of training in Military Load
Classification and Bridge Categorisation
in order to develop mobility reconnais-
sance for DRS soldiers, this developed
understanding of how to categorise
bridges and make an assessment of the
weight restriction in order to inform as
recce soldiers in the area alongside their
attached RE Sgt. Additionally, a three
day Operational Demolitions exercise
was conducted, where SP learned
how to produce battlefield simulations,
breach a 100m depth SCATMIN mine-
field, construct improvised charges such
as claymores and also practice varied
Explosive Methods Of Entry charges
against walls, doors and wire obstacles
to assist with as required during FIBUA
operations.
Later a large Field Fortifications
exercise was completed involving both
US and Polish TDF Combat Engineers
alongside our own Eagle Tp RAC Assault
Soldiers to create a substantial first line
defensive trench system training area
with multiple bunker positions which
also incorporated a basic, innovative
anti-drone screen as a basic idea to
help counter the current drone threat in
Ukraine using defensive stores we would
hold. Later, Eagle Tp conducted two
days flat water training on Assault Boats
with the Polish TDF in order to develop
additional methods with recce soldiers
inserting by waterways. This covered
basic operation and manoeuvre, beach
assault and water rescue and was an
ideal situation to showcase UK SP stand-
ards on water training.
Additionally, there was an opportunity
and requirement to use my construction
trade knowledge to improve an existing
welfare area for the REME Light Aid
Detachment and additionally to build a
shoot-through building for Close Quarter
Battle (CQB) Urban Live Fire Tactical
training. These additional tasks where a
good opportunity to develop low level
basic construction skills for untrained
QDG troops while assisting me as the
qualified tradesperson. This included
concreting, basic timber framework
tasks for pitched roofing and partitioning
and was built in time for the next winter
rotation.
In summary, these training exercises
and additional tasks where essential to
develop and maintain competency, with
Op CABRIT (Poland) offering consid-
erable opportunity for Forward Land
Forces QDG Assault Soldiers to conduct
worthwhile training in practical Mobility,
Counter Mobility and Survivability tasks
for the continued interoperability with
Polish TDF and The US 2/12 Battle
Group. Additionally, this also displayed
how embedded Enginners can improve
infrastructure or training for others by
offering our skills as tradesman where
possible to develop others safely.
Sgt Foster