Page 13 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

3 Platoon
Pl Cmd Pl Sgt Wr Sgt
Lt Ali Wass
Sgt Garry McCuaig Sgt Phil Evans
2021 has been a year of significant change for Grenadier Company and 3 Platoon.
We have seen many of our soldiers deploy with other Company’s on Op CABRIT, for some a temporary move, others permanent. Numbers are as strong as ever though with a huge influx of new Private soldiers. This
is of course a challenge for any chain of command but thanks to the tireless efforts of the JNCOs it is one 3 Platoon has risen to.
3 Platoon has deployed on various Grenadier Company exercises including
to Tregantle in Cornwall and to Longmoor Village. These exercises provided the platoon with some of the most interesting UK-based training that 1 MERCIAN has delivered in the past few years. The nature of operating within a ROG context has meant that members of 3 Platoon have often had the opportunity to backfill other taskings that have fallen the way of the Grenadiers. Throughout the year small groups from 3 Platoon have exercised
in Scotland with 1 Platoon, culminating
in the climb of Ben Nevis, as well as facilitating training and taking part in the Platoon Commander’s Battle Course with
2 Platoon. LCpl Murdoch was 2IC of an adventure training expedition to Germany which saw soldiers from 3 Platoon
complete their foundation kayak or climbing qualifications. Cpl Wood and Cpl Kelly continue to lead on Battalion football, and to their credit 3 Platoon’s soldiers make
up a disproportionate number of the team for our size. Niche opportunities have
also presented themselves. Pte Brannick (pictured) is seen enjoying his time as part of a small 3 Platoon contingent that supported UKSF training at the start of the year.
3Pl HQ and JNCOs led on the first edition of Ex THESEUS GRENADIER, aka the Grenadier Cadre. All new Private soldiers take part to make sure their skills are up to the Grenadier standard. Taking place in Caerwent, a complex training estate, the cadre provided a real test for
Cpl Bradley leads the charge on the bayonet lane after completing the infamous Fan Dance on Ex CHAOS GRENADIER.
the new soldiers and 3Pl’s JNCOs expertly demonstrated the standards expected of fellow Grenadiers.
Ex CHAOS GRENADIER sees Grenadiers test themselves on Pen-Y-Fan. 3 Platoon set the standard in its first rendition, completing it without losing a man, and it is this tradition that 3 Platoon have continued. 15 more members of 3 Platoon have earned their Grenadier flash and unique number this year. Cpl Bradley (pictured) undoubtedly wins the award for best run through of the bayonet lane.
We knew that 2021 would be an important year for individual members
of Grenadier Company to advance their careers whilst the remainder of the Battalion deployed on Op CABRIT. Members of
3 Platoon have led Grenadier Company
in this regard. LCpl Cresswell attended Regimental Instructor of Gunnery (RIGs) and Armoured Infantry Commanders Course (AICC) back-to-back. Performing admirably on both, he represented 3 Platoon and
the Grenadiers well. Cpl Wood will shortly complete the Platoon Sergeant’s Battle Course (PSBC) and LCpl Chance and
LCpl Keeling have returned after strong performances on the Section Commanders Battle Course (SCBC). LCpl Holmes has developed his portfolio, completing the
All Arms Drill Course and an adventurous training package that will provide him with instructional qualifications.
November begins with 3 Platoon leading the Grenadiers’ efforts on a Combined Arms exercise on Salisbury Plain. The week will see 3 Platoon work with the Warriors of
Pte Brannick enjoying his time facilitating UKSF training.
Private soldiers practice vital battlefield casualty drills on the Grenadier Cadre.
Y Company, 1 RRF and the Challenger 2s of A Sqn, QRH. This will be a fantastic way for the new members of the platoon to learn about working with other units in a complex scenario. It will provide the foundation on which our Section Commanders can build interesting training in a new environment and place 3 Platoon in a strong position for the Company exercise in Corsham Mines later in the month.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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