Page 5 - MERCIAN Eagle 2020

It has been an interesting, challenging and probably unique year since the last edition of The Mercian Eagle. There have been numerous challenges for all elements of our Regimental family. I know that people have lost loved ones due
to COVID-19 and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
As I write this, the country is in lockdown once again and mobilised in a mass effort to vaccinate all.
The Army is involved in this effort and I commend their efforts and all of you who are playing your part.
All three battalions have faced unique situations that have required imagination, innovation and a ‘can do’ attitude to adapt and evolve operating models to best fit the environment.
The 1st Battalion has had a
busy 12 months. Late in 2020 their programme changed with their
imminent operational deployment
now slated for the Operation
CABRIT task in Estonia in Mar
2021; rather than to the Operation TORAL task in Afghanistan. This has required
an exceptional effort to re-role back to Armoured Infantry at short notice, having spent time and energy on converting
to Foxhound for Kabul. In normal times this would have been challenging; with the pandemic and the fact that much of the mission specific training would be conducted in Germany, it has proved
to be a herculean endeavour. I am sincerely grateful for the hugely impressive performance of all ranks in achieving this; and acknowledge the forbearance of families and friends who have borne much separation to enable this training.
Likewise, the 2nd Battalion’s programme has been adjusted to enable continued operational outputs through the impact of COVID. At relatively short notice their tour in Cyprus was extended by six months which meant their move to Weeton Barracks near Blackpool was delayed to late 2020. This extension offered opportunity for some to deploy to Beirut. The pace of life has been relentless: settling into a new barracks; families into quarters; QMs department taking over new equipment; and all overlaid on a forecast which requires the battalion to deploy to Kenya between Jan – Apr 2021. The Battalion is also warned for an operational deployment
o Afghanistan in Sep 2021. The energetic commitment of all has been nothing short of astonish.
There has also be no let up for the 4th Battalion. Having
played a significant role in the
Op RESCRIPT National effort to support and reinforce the NHS, their focus has now shifted to dispersed training in a safe environment.
They also enjoyed a visit from Commander Field Army (his first
to an Army Reserve battalion).
Lt Gen Jones was impressed with how the Battalion had adapted its training and was continuing to drive innovation in its approach. The Battalion continue to be mobilised in support of operations and some will also deploy with the 1st and 2nd Battalions in 2021. At battalion level their programme for 2021 will also be challenging with a two-week live firing exercise followed by an OTX to Latvia later in the year.
I am also heartened by the recruiting environment, where we continue to see a positive trend
in recruits into the Regiment. We remain a Regiment that people wish to join as first choice and I am optimistic about the gains to trained
strength the battalions will see over the coming year. WO2 (CSM) Miller continues his exceptional work at RMAS in ensuring that we have high quality officers joining
the Regiment. The influence we gain as a Regiment from having high-quality soldiers and officers at training establishments cannot be over-stated; these are vital roles, and key to ensuring we remain a regiment of first choice.
I am deeply impressed by the reputation we have; I routinely receive many compliments about the quality of our soldiers, their fortitude, professionalism,
sense of humour and compassionate approach which results in people wishing to be part of us. There is no doubt that 2021 is going to be a challenging
year for the Regiment: two operational deployments; three large scale OTXs; and continuing to deal with the frictions
of the continuing pandemic. Whilst this will likely test our resolve and resilience, I’d like to thank you in advance for the excellence I know you will all strive to achieve. I will also continue to do all I can to support our soldiers, their families, and our veterans; ably supported by RHQ MERCIAN.
I remain enormously proud of the whole Regiment; the pages of this edition of The Mercian Eagle reflect the breadth of your endeavours, from serving soldiers to veterans, including those of our antecedent Regiments.
Thank you for all that you do - STAND FIRM, STRIKE HARD
Foreword
Major General Ian Cave CB Colonel of the Regiment
THE MERCIAN EAGLE 3