Page 14 - Chiron Calling Autum 2021/Spring 2022

Ex CHIRON REVISIT 21
by WO2 Simpson, SSM 105 MWD Sqn
On the 28th June 2021 105 Military Working Dog Squadron deployed to
Dundrennan Camp, Kircudbright, Scotland to commence Ex CHIRON REVISIT.
Ex CHIRON REVISIT was an adaptation of an exercise conducted during the latter part of Op BANNER (or maybe throughout the conflict) when handlers from Army Dog Unit Northern Ireland would deploy to Kircudbright to conduct MWD licensing and assurance as well as completion of Individual Training Directives (ITD) now called (MATTs). With the easing of restrictions during the Pandemic
it was the intention of Squadron Headquarters to break the cycle of training in St Georges Barracks, Salisbury Plain and Thetford and venture a bit farther to a location in which less of the soldiers would be familiar with, to truly embrace the training opportunity.
On arrival the kennels were erected and the sleeping accommodation were taken over, with a special mention to Mr Stephen Lund, the kennel manager
at Kircudbright Training Centre for the kind assistance from himself and his team throughout. The Squadron was orientated to the camp and the facilities prior to evening meal and preparing for the first day’s training.
The area itself was perfect for what we had set out to achieve, although due to the pandemic we were unable to utilise some areas that had been planned on Private Land. However, there was still plenty to do with
rural search areas and real estate
for miles for the Protection section to utilise. The one thing we hadn’t planned for was the tropical weather that we were graced with. Those who have been to KTC before we were expecting to brave the standard sideways rain smashing the west coast, but 12 days of sunshine was what we got! And much to my surprise sunburn for myself!
The training throughout was a mixture of handler led training, to the SNCO’s conducting scenarios for the MWD teams. It was a breath of fresh air to see the handlers so enthused and motivated showing themselves and their animals in the best light throughout, with many having never left St Georges Barracks allowing the management team to get a true reflection of the soldiers within our Squadron.
Halfway through the training we utilised the Regimental PRI fund to conduct a bit of low level adventure training or team building. Whilst allowing the MWDs a well deserved break it was time for a bit of wipeout at Loch Ken Activity Centre and
some slip and slide. Great fun was had by all especially the visiting RSM WO1 “The Seal” Woodall
who turned out to be incredibly competitive on a slip and slide! What a beautiful location Loch Ken is and was definitely a worthy endeavour for the Squadron. The final five days was spent licencing the teams and making the most of the facilities, a particular favourite throughout the exercise was using the beaches for both the handlers and the MWD’s to have a cool off.
Throughout the whole of the exercise Kircudbright was perfect for what we as a Sqn required
to achieve. The Training area
was excellent, accommodation comfortable, food fantastic and
the Squadrons MWD teams phenomenal! Hard working, honest, respectful and passionate about what they do, it was a pleasure to be involved finally after 18 months in the chair and get a true reflection of who the soldiers are outside of the current situation.
A mention must go to the PRI for the funding for the activities. Also
to LCpl Oxley 103 (HQ & Sp) for his assistance with the Protection teams throughout, keen to assist wherever possible and mentor junior trainers to the best of his abilities.
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