Page 30 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

OC Sniper Pl Sgt
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Sniper Platoon
From the beginning of 2021 the 1 MERCIAN Sniper Platoon has been engaged in a
wide variety of tasks ranging from allied interoperability to badging new snipers.
The year began with the Platoon deploying to Germany in preparation for Op CABRIT 8. Germany saw new challenges for the Platoon, from working closely with the Armoured Close Recce Platoon, the introduction of new tactics and formations and some seriously adverse weather conditions.
After a successful performance in Germany the Platoon deployed to Estonia on Op CABRIT 8 focused on improving
and maintaining a high-performance level whilst providing an effective sniping force for the 1 MERCIAN Battlegroup. Early into the deployment the 1 MERCIAN Snipers had the opportunity to gain some much-needed range time and practice working with foreign units. Together with the attached French Snipers the Platoon enjoyed two weeks of range time, culminating in an afternoon of competitions in which we completely obliterated
our French
counterparts.
Prisoners of War and calling indirect fire on key enemy command elements. Despite the
CQB training in Estonia
teams placed respectably and gained new experience from the competition.
Following Ex SPRING STORM, the Platoon had the opportunity to take some much-needed rest and recuperation, ready to take on the next challenge in the form
of the Basic Sniper Course to qualify new members of the Platoon as badged snipers. We were joined by members of 2 MERCIAN Sniper Platoon and worked towards qualifying new snipers over the long nine- week course.
2022 holds many opportunities and challenges for the Sniper Platoon which we are all eager to face.
unforgiving conditions and the need to stay ahead of a mounted Battlegroup while dismounted, the Platoon were highly praised for their efforts. Members of the Platoon were also invited to attend and shoot at the ‘Sniper Fest’ competition
in Lithuania, being put up against some of the best snipers
from multiple countries; both 1 MERCIAN
Feeling confident, the
1 MERCIAN Snipers
deployed on Ex SPRING
STORM in dismounted
12-man mixed teams
with the Recce Platoon
and Assault Pioneers,
where we provided key
intelligence and support
to the Battlegroup from deep behind the enemy forward line, including taking multiple
Up against some of the best snipers from multiple countries; both 1 MERCIAN teams placed respectably and gained new experience
Sniper conducting a stalk on the Cadre
Sniper lying in wait
Sniper practicing camouflage and concealment on the Cadre
THE MERCIAN EAGLE