Page 67 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

Recce Platoon
Capt Sidwell
The last 12 months have seen 2 MERCIAN Reconnaissance Pl ready itself for and then conduct Ex ASKARI STORM, Kenya, and delivered two Recce Patrolman Cadres to qualify and recruit new Soldiers.
In readiness for Kenya, Sgt Kane planned and executed Ex DOG HUNT – a “capture the flag” exercise to test the ability of
the Recce Pl patrols to navigate, move covertly, communicate information, find
the enemy, and conduct offensive actions. This exercise saw one patrol attempting
to capture the flag and deliver it to a RV, another patrol in an observation post defending the flag and attempting to locate the attackers, and a third patrol as a QRF poised to strike the attacking patrol on orders.
In Kenya, the Pl delivered an LWC- accredited Recce Patrolman’s Cadre prior to the BG-level Exercise. This 5-day LFTT package enabled the Pl to conduct live-fire patrol level contact drills. This culminated in a Support Weapons CALFEX with Recce Pl conducting a live-fire withdrawal, machine guns and snipers providing fire support from surrounding hill tops, and mortars firing into the enemy rear. This was a truly exhilarating live fire experience which showcased
the capability of
DRAGON Company.
Whilst isolating
prior to the validation exercise, 4 members of the Recce Pl conducted a 24-hour relay run within their 20m isolation area, covering a total of 249km (62km each).
During the CT4
Validation Ex ASKARI
STORM, DRAGON Coy adopted the “Vanguard Concept” to great effect. This enabled efficient manoeuvre of support capabilities across the battlefield and provided the BG with a plethora of
versatile and flexible actions and effects, early and often. The Ground Mounted Reconnaissance (GMR) integrated elements from Recce and Sniper Pls, with a MFC
and a CMT located with OC Recce. The GMR formed the integral eyes and ears for the BG. The Fire Support Group
(FSG) integrated elements from Mortar, Anti-Tank, and Machine Gun Platoons,
also with a MFC and CMT located with OC Tanks. The FSG delivered a “bloody nose” to the enemy and provided an extra layer to the BG STAP. This proved to be a highly effective laydown, all the while commanded by VANGUARD Tac, commanded by OC DRAGON. My personal highlight of the
VANGUARD used to great effect was Cpls Shaw and Green from the GMR locating and then successfully striking the enemy CO and RSM with an EXACTOR missile.
Since Kenya, the Recce Pl has seen an influx of Soldiers from the Rifle Coys. We have delivered a Recce Patrolman’s Cadre in partnership with 2 SCOTS – with the formative phase taking place in Edinburgh, the summative phase in Brecon and LFTT in Warcop. This has qualified another 5 Soldiers to the 2 MERCIAN Recce Pl. We continue to train and remain flexible for the future.
The FSG delivered a “bloody nose” to the enemy and provided an extra layer to the BG STAP
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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