Page 50 - QDG 2023

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Ex DESERT WARRIOR
Ex DESERT WARRIOR was a deployment to Kuwait in Feb 23 during which B Sqn QDG delivered both Dismounted and Mounted Close Combat courses to the Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF). The deployment was complemented by a small detachment from 1RANG Support Plt who ran Sharpshooter and Javelin cadres for QDG soldiers, making the most of the freedom that comes with using a Kuwaiti range.
The QDG has a strong history with Kuwait, playing a significant part in its liberation in 1991, and again, situ- ating its forces in Kuwait prior to the 2003 Iraq invasion – something which Sgt Maj Davies 220, B Sqn SQMS, liked to remind our hosting partners. Working with the KLF provided its own unique nuances, and the Sqn had to adapt quickly to what was considered a slightly slower pace of life (no complaints from the troops) and an abstract rank structure which required some diplomatic efforts to navigate. Interestingly, the KLF is equipped primarily with American supplied equipment (Abrams, Apache etc), however also fields a massive fleet of BMPs which are still maintained by Russians mechanics – leading to an extensive rethink of security considerations (no eating breakfast with the Russians).
Both training teams completed their courses without issue, and the KLF showed particular interest in the reconnaissance tactics used on Op NEWCOMBE. Having expe- rienced soldiers in both teams provided the KLF with valuable insights that could be used in their future deployments. The KLF reconnaissance platform is the Sherpa, a French made (unre- liable) armoured vehicle that somewhat resembles a HMMVW, and as such, situational awareness is limited when compared with a platform such as Jackal. To fill this gap, the KLF use the most modern UAS systems, and our teams were able to show them best practices, that again were refined on Op NEWCOMBE.
B Sqn’s time in Kuwait was a great experience, with all soldiers gaining a valuable understanding of defence engagement and the role we play within it.
ACW
Tubbs the terp
In Arab culture its offensive to show the soles of your feet’ (ARB)
Are we in cover?
I haven’t got a CLU how to use this thing
Which way is Baghdad?
Sorry Cassie