Page 73 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

once deployed onto the training area, we had some of the best Data capabilities BATUK staff stated they had ever seen. Adding to this, we had Pte Soldiers stepping up to be RSDCs, which was no small task in some of the harsh conditions Kenya has to offer. Granted we did have one company 2IC attempting to put up a mast and complaining he could not get comms only to discover he forgot to attach any antenna.
Since coming back from Kenya, Comd platoon has deployed on several exercises from CATT to Op TORAL training. Although we were no longer going to deploy to Afghanistan, the training and experience gained was invaluable in preparing Comd Pl for any future deployment or environment.
The return from Kenya has also seen a Battalion supported rebranding of CIS Pl to Comd Pl. With this, Comd Platoon received a large boost in manpower from across
the battalion. This has had a real positive impact on the platoon’s morale. To assist with the bonding of the newly reformed Comd Platoon, we organised several days out together which consisted of Go-Karting, virtual-reality gaming, and several meals and social events together.
Once the platoon came together, we conducted a weeklong BCS training exercise to test the newly formed Comd Platoon on the new skills learnt by setting up a BG Comd Post.
While getting the new additional soldiers onto CIS courses the Pl has seen some
great results. We would like to congratulate Pte Clarke who attended the Regimental Signals (RS) course placing in the top 5 and receiving a distinction for achieving a score of HC on all his tests.
More recently we have had soldiers who deployed onto Op ESCALINE, including Pte Edgington who received a CO’s coin for his efforts during the Op and raising money for charity by competing in a half marathon stretcher run with a team from across the Battalion.
Lastly, we would like to wish all the Soldiers from Comd Pl who have moved on, good luck for the future and a special thank you to 2 Sigs and 1 PWRR for all their efforts during CAST and Kenya while working within Comd Pl.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
71