Page 27 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

Recce Platoon
As many will attest, 2021 has proven to be a story of challenges, success and the fear inducing terrain of the bog. For the Recce Platoon, deployment to Germany in January to conduct final elements of pre-deployment training for Op CABRIT gave scant opportunity for the chance to shake out. Bitter cold and challenging environments hardened the Platoon, in the hopes that
a summer CABRIT would offer a better climate and more forgiving conditions. A brief respite in the UK prior to departing for Estonia provided the Platoon with the down time necessary to deploy to the high standard expected.
Not wanting to disappoint the
1 MERCIAN Battlegroup, the Estonian weather in the initial months of Op
CABRIT provided many challenges. The
key takeaway for the Recce Platoon was the complexity that a simple bog could generate on the battlefield. Ex SPRING STORM tested us and proved the Platoon were more than a match for both enemy and the weather conditions, with particular displays of excellence from Pte’s Redfern, Marsh and the ever-reliable Cpl Bothamley. Utilising both mounted and dismounted reconnaissance skills, the Platoon effectively navigated and provided the essential feed to the Battlegroup Commander throughout. A particular highpoint for CSgt Lawrence and LCpl Gilliver was the establishment of a river crossing for B Company; remaining dry, they provided moral support to Lt Fossey
who was less fortunate. Overall, as the lead element of the Battlegroup, the Recce Platoon delivered what was expected
and deepened an already well-earned reputation.
On the conclusion of the final joint national exercise, the Recce Cadre was able to move into full swing. Not wanting
to start at a trot, CSgt Lawrence and his trusted Directing Staff opened with an 8-mile assessment and bayonet lane,
much to the pain of several members of
the Platoon. A week of initial tests and navigational exercises rounded off with a 2-mile assessment, LCpl Griffin stealing
the show with the fastest time, much to annoyance of Capt Phenix-Norman. As it ever was, a changing of the guard saw Capt Margetts’ reign as OC Recce end as he handed over; not a dry eye was left in the room as he gave his farewell to the Platoon, but not before presenting a ‘newly updated bible’ as a foundation for future generations to build upon.
There was a brief interlude in the cadre as Ex DRAGON’S DEMONSTRATE tested the reaction times of Dragon Company alongside our NATO allies. Once more the pungent cocktail of bog and mosquito made for minor irritation as the concept proved efficient in deployment and execution. LCpl McCann led the complex patrol comprising of Recce Platoon and elements of the French 501e Chars de Combat Artillery.
The Recce Cadre concluded with
a final exercise on Nursipalu Training Area, designed as the culmination of 4 weeks of navigational, military theory, and reconnaissance skills training. There were
Recce Platoon conducting a raid on final exercise. The culmination of the 4-week cadre
several outstanding performances produced throughout; LCpl Bell displayed his reliability and GPS-esque navigational talent, Pte Marsh was the best performing private. The top student on the course was awarded
to LCpl Griffin who not only scored highest on all knowledge tests but also displayed the confidence and knowledge to deliver the FIBUA training to the cadre. Without question a highlight for all in the Platoon and a successful cadre, and one which will be replicated in the coming year!
With the Battalion’s return to Bulford,
the coming year will look to build upon the excellence of Estonia. With promotional and career courses and the build-up for Cambrian Patrol in the later part of 2022, the Platoon will continue on with its drive to maintain those high standards.
OC Capt Adam Phenix- Norman
2IC CSgt Daniel Lawrence Sgt Sgt Aran Sanganoo
OP construction, practical led by Section Commander LCpl Griffin
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
25