Page 53 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

Ex ASKARI STORM
Pte McBurney
In January 2021, 2 MERCIAN deployed
to Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM following an extensive LFTT package in Warcop. Upon stepping off the RAF trooper, I was instantly shocked by the heat despite it being early hours of the morning which quickly led me to realise the challenge
that lay ahead for my platoon. On arrival
to Nyati barracks, Nanyuki, the company instantly commenced BCS training in order to prepare us for the deployments that lay ahead. We refreshed our skills in trench fighting, reaction to fire, target indication and the proficient use of all our kit and equipment. Additionally, we were given briefs about the local communities, animals, and cultural sensitivities to be aware of in Kenya.
Due to the increased altitude in Kenya, early morning runs proved more difficult than at home in the UK. This made all the lads realise how important it would be to remain fit in camp before deploying onto the ground and was also a good reality check for those struggling in the heat.
The battlegroup was soon moved onto
the camp fence line due to an outbreak of COVID-19 in camp to prevent the further mixing of households prior to deployment onto the ground. Luckily, I had been proactive and purchased a Kenyan SIM card, so I was able to maintain comms with loved ones in the UK. We soon moved to the exercise area which was interesting on its own as we drove through small towns where the locals lived. It was a true eye opener to see how advantaged our lives are in England and made us all appreciate what we had a little more. When we arrived at the LFTT area it rained more than I have ever seen in the UK and all the troops
were reminded of how hard the terrain and weather was going to make soldiering in Kenya! The two weeks of LFTT were the first time a lot of us had seen animals such as giraffes and elephants which was an
amazing experience seeing them in their natural habitat rather than the zoo.
During this phase we employed locally employed civilians (LECs) who would maintain a fire each night to keep away dangerous animals. The LECs helped dig the target pits and we were amazed to see how quickly they could work in their home environment! They were able to dig in one morning what probably would have taken us days. They also sold pop much to the dismay of the CQMS’s tuckshop and curios (carvings) which were excellent souvenirs from our time in Kenya.
After LFTT, we travelled to Archer’s Post which is definitely the hottest place I’ve ever been to. When the exercise began there,
it was tough and demanding but a good experience overall because I felt I developed my soldiering skills. We finished the exercise in Lolldaiga, however, the final test phase was cut short due to wildfires. We still managed to get some valuable training and then gained huge experience working to contain the fires.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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