Page 13 - Chiron Calling Spring 2017

SCOTS saw how one dog can effectively control and manage a crowd, compared to several troops.
As the night approached for the nal attack the whole battle group was prepared for action and knew the plan. Protection Handlers would secure key points to prevent ‘runners’ while 4 SCOTS took the town. A long in ltration into the area was met with erce resistance. This heavily defended area was attacked during a bright night, smoke, illuminating ares, the sound of small arms and indirect re lling the night’s sky. Once the gaps were created in the enemy’s defences, the MWD teams entered the town. MWD Pista and I set up a static sentry in the doorway of a building, just in front of the casualty point where Medics were located. We needed to remain vigilant throughout and our professionalism paid off when we identi ed people attempting to escape, whilst wearing a bite suit! I released Pista to chase down an enemy combatant. The determination of Pista ensured that he surrendered without posing any further threat to friendly forces. After more ghting, in the distance to everyone’s surprise something could be heard; Bagpipes signalled that End Ex had been called.
For 4 SCOTS, Dog Handlers and their MWDs, this was vital training. 4 SCOTS made good use of the MWDs where possible. The Handlers learnt how they would t in with a Mechanized force. The Exercise left us well prepared and integrated, ready for our role in 2017.
Pista and Fortune on Patrol
Target Shooting
by Private Chloe Jones.
Prior to joining the army as a
regular soldier I served in the air
cadets where I was introduced
to the sport of shooting. My
instructors regarded me as a
natural with a ri e and encouraged
me to develop my talents. Upon
joining the army and completing
my training, I was approached
by the Capt of the Army team
who had heard about my performance with the cadets and asked me to join the team. 2016 has proved to be a successful year for Army target ri e shooting, in particular the overseas competition in Canada; and I have been fortunate to be a part of that.
The weapon currently used is the 7.62 bolt action target ri e, effective up to 1000 yards. The discipline of target ri e shooting gives you an opportunity to go way beyond the distance normally seen with the SA80. The target ri e is red in the prone position using a shooting jacket and sling to keep you stable. You would also use a scope to see where your shots have landed. Normal competition format would include rers to take 2 sighter / practice shots followed by 7, 10 or 15 competition shots that count towards your nal score. The highest score per shot is 5 points called a bull or V-bull depending on how central your shot is. The bull narrows down further into a “V-bull”, which is central of the target, worth a score of 5.1. (At 1000 yards the V-bull is approximately the same width as a person’s shoulders!)
The team which went to Canada to shoot in the Dominion of Canada Ri e Association’s 133rd annual championships consisted of 3 regular and 2 reservist personnel; Capt NT Healy RA, Reservist, Capt AW McLean RAMC, SSgt RT Kitson INT CORPS, Reservist Tpr GED Hart HAC and I. The championship consisted of individual competitions followed by team matches at the end of the week. There were great performances throughout from the team, especially in the team competition where the Army won both matches. Individual scores were promising also. The Champlain Aggregate saw inter- team rivalries where I was able to win a bronze medal, coming 8th overall with a score of 223v24 out of 225, quickly leading by 1 point over Captain Healy 222v20 (19th). I proceeded to do well ranking in both the team and the majority of the top-tier international competitors, by shooting the highest possible score 100v10 twice in the Tilton competition at 300y and 600y placing me 12th out of the 179 competitors.
The Army hopes to build on its 2016 success in 2017 and I am excited to be part of the team. The military is lled with so many keen athletes and it serves as an opening into representing the country at competitive sports. It was a fantastic experience representing the Army in such a challenging competition. I feel very lucky that I was able to compete in the events and was able to establish an excellent rapport with the other team members. For such a huge opportunity at such a young age I feel very grateful to the military and it leaves me eager for the next set of challenges. I was also honoured and privileged to be nominated for the rising star award at the army sports award at Old College RMAS in Nov 2016. It was a fantastic evening where I got to meet lots of other keen sportsmen and women from all sorts of different disciplines. I am
also very grateful to the Regiment and RAVC in helping me pursue my aspiration of competing at the highest possible level.
Pte Jones on the Ranges
Pte Jones 441 celebrating success
CHIRON CALLING 11