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WFX 23.4 RLS
In late January, C Sqn & significant elements of HQ Sqn deployed to Fort Hood, Texas. Their mission was delightfully simple. Set conditions for the upcoming 3(UK) Divi- sional, ‘Exercise Warfighter 23.4.’ ‘The Iron Division’ would fight virtually alongside our multinational partners as part of a 10,000 strong deployment.
As always, the immediate priorities for the team were securing food and shelter. Unfor- tunately, before these could begin, the team were hit by their first Tornado, destroying two of the six marquees used to accommo- date troops in Fort Hood. Brilliant.
Having re-established the temporary accommodation, the next challenge came in the form of preparation of two FIBUA villages which would serve as accommodation for the exercise. Regrettably, these villages were not weatherproofed and thus were infested with bats. Not only would the bats serve as an unwelcome cot bed companion, but they also produced a significant amount of toxic faeces. Nonetheless, troops donned the hazmat suits and got cracking.
Whilst the villages were being de-pooed (technical term), another small team were establishing a ‘Glastonbury’ style network of tents which would serve as the field kitchens, continuously assessing the tie down straps for Tornado-proofing.
In a matter of weeks conditions were set. All that was left to do was to don the marigolds, sharpen the potato peelers and produce the Guard rota.
Not seen as the most desirable of deploy- ments, rest assured troops managed to utilise the limited stand down periods to explore the local area and embed them- selves in Texan culture. The Division had managed to facilitate the use of a nearby lake, which would be used for Adventurous Training. Troops were able to go Horse Riding, Paintballing, play numerous sports and Texas being Texas, fish for Bass!
As the exercise ended, thoughts of the RLS team turned to close down and recovery of equipment. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your position within the G4 chain), yet another tornado struck the area, destroying one of the ‘Glastonbury’ field kitchens but enabling a slightly speedier recovery than previously thought.
The statistics are hazy, however some rough estimates are as follows: during the exercise troops cleared 6.2 tons of bat faeces, installed 340 windows and doors, cleaned 1,234,500 pans, and took control of 3 different stag positions for a total of 6700 hrs. Approximately...
Needless to say, the troops did the QDG proud, whether it was providing the Ped Trap Daily Quiz or simply being a friendly face to those Divisional Staff in need of logistical support! ED
Riding with the US Color Guard
If you’re the junior general on camp you’re going to have to eat that leek
This should keep some of the sunlight out
Either the mascot has grown or...
If we keep the tents moving we’ll be able to dodge further tornados.
Like I said, RLS for a virtual exercise, whats hard to understand?