Page 59 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

4 Platoon
2Lt Johnstone
4 Platoon have been working on section level training as part of B (Malta) Company’s overall preparations to deploy to Kenya early next year. This has allowed the Platoon to refresh their basic infantry skills, as well as empower the section commanders by letting them have ownership over their soldiers’ training. The focus of this has
been a fortnight of exercises starting in Weeton Barracks, before deploying to both Catterick and Kirkcudbright, to test the sections in increasingly complex situations and environments.
The exercises started at our home
in Weeton where section commanders helped refresh the troops’ knowledge of basic patrolling, formations and navigation. This training guaranteed that our newer members of the company were up to date with our SOPs so we could go into the field with a strong, yet equal, skill set amongst personnel. We then tested these skills in slightly more uncomfortable conditions on the Catterick Training Area. This allowed
the sections to test what was practised in camp on various lanes, including movement across the ground and contact drills. Furthermore, we also delivered lessons
on standing patrols and how to line up
with other sections on the ground. Once
the lessons and lanes had taken place, it was time to put the sections to the test. This came in the form of a night navigation exercise which incorporated various stations to let the sections show off what they had learnt across the week. Communication was key as orders and onward locations would come via the radio or by means
of a link up recce force on the ground. Additionally, there was the nice surprise of a contact in a particularly wet part of the area.
The turnaround from Catterick was quick with the post exercise administration leading straight into another kit check for
The ground and conditions on the Scottish training area added another layer of difficulty...
A section commander and point man conduct a navigation check in Kirkcudbright.
redeployment. This was made harder for our Corporals who had to deliver orders for standing patrols which were to be executed as soon as they got on the ground at Kirkcudbright. Overall, the standard of the orders was high, and, alongside the ROC drills, it was clear to see by the success of the standing patrols once on the ground. The ground and conditions on the Scottish training area added another layer of difficulty which meant the requirements on the sections were even greater. During the Platoon level actions, we started to bring everything together which illustrated the excellent teamwork that is characteristic
of the British Army. Raids by day and by night followed, with each section working seamlessly together to recce the target and successfully complete their mission.
The final test was a night patrol competition where teamwork, navigation and a good amount of determination was needed to complete the stands, win the fight and evacuate the casualty off the ground, all of which was conducted with very little sleep. The success of the sections throughout this clearly demonstrated the competence of the section commanders and determination of the soldiers involved which has summed up my experience with 2 MERCIAN so far.
Members of B Company conducting a loaded march near Lancaster
Members of B Company during a Platoon Raid in Kirkcudbright
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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