Page 45 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

CO Foreword
Lt Col Richard Grover MBE
What a year – it would be easy to frame it around the disappointment of the amalgamation, but
there are many positives to take from a year that has seen much activity for the 2 MERCIAN team. Battalion cohesion has been a priority throughout and has included the establishment of an effective in-camp battle rhythm, meaningful military activity, reinvigoration of competitive sports, and celebration of our Regimental history. We have deployed abroad on a major exercise, transformed into a light mechanised infantry battalion ready for operations in Afghanistan, remained at
throughout - ultimately we transformed ourselves into a light mechanised infantry unit in only three months; no small teat.
The autumn term saw numerous deployments - at one stage we had concurrent deployments to Kenya, Oman, Poland, support to the petrol deliveries on Op ESCALIN across the UK, vaccinations in Northern Ireland under Op RESCRIPT and approximately 100 people on the support weapons platoon cadres. In the margins we have also worked hard to build in the events
high readiness and delivered on numerous occasions for UK operations.
Quick on the heels of our unit move from Cyprus to Weeton Barracks at the back end of 2020, we deployed to Kenya
Our return from Kenya saw a rapid turnaround to begin the mission specific training for our scheduled deployment to Afghanistan
that enrich the fabric of battalion life, as typified by the Alma Day parade on Blackpool beach and the recent inter-coy boxing. The effort put in by everyone has been outstanding. Setting and maintaining an in-camp battle rhythm with Fridays working from home has also been a key success and a quick win for the lived experience.
at the end of Jan amidst the
frictions of COVID – and as we
all know ASKARI STORM is a
challenging exercise without any
added frictions! Kenya proved a fabulous place to train and provided a valuable opportunity to come together as a cohesive group.
Throughout our soldiers have been fantastic - they’ve got on with every
task thrown at them. Special mention also for the families who have remained stoic and resolute
and continued to support us in everything we do.
A quick-paced and challenging year which has demanded determination, resilience and the utmost professionalism across the whole Battalion, and
no shortage of good humour, everyone should be proud of the part they have played.
Stand Firm Strike Hard!
Our return from Kenya saw a rapid turnaround to begin the mission specific training for our scheduled deployment to Afghanistan on Op TORAL. We continued to train through until August when events in the country made it clear that TORAL had come to an end. Whilst frustrating the training did not
lead to the challenge of a tour, the training was
still meaningful and well-received, and our soldiers showed their versatility, flexibility and good humour
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
2MERCIAN
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