Page 19 - Falcon Issue 1 2024

This year has seen 3 RANGER conduct 186 operational deployments to 26 countries, with the demand from
our European partners remaining
high due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Operationally, the Battalion has made huge strides, firming up our relationship with partners in strategically important countries.
Huge effort has gone into the development of an Extreme Cold Weather capability. The intent for 2023 was to move beyond ‘survive’ into ‘operate’, aiming to have a
team operating at reach in an ECW environment. Through courses in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Canada the battalion developed its foundation knowledge in operating in the cold. In tandem, we developed ECW planning and medical knowledge to ensure we can assess and manage ECW specific risks.
This training allowed a team to deploy on NANOOK NUNALIVUT
in Canada. Conducting long distance patrols within the Arctic Circle, visiting Inuit communities, and checking for Russian activity in islands and inlets
of the Canadian Arctic. The team operated in temperatures below
-30 and were the only unit to not suffer cold injuries; a testament to preparation and diligence. In the
2023/24 cold weather season the Battalion has deployed a Task Group into the ECW, exercising with our Swedish partners, simultaneously deploying a team to Alaska in support of USSF on ARTIC EDGE. The Task Group will also deploy on NORDIC RESPONSE, an important joint exercise led by the Scandinavian nations.
The battalion has also taken steps to increase ability to operate in a partnered resistance context. We have developed expertise through Allied SOFCOM, through the development of a tactical resistance course, with support from our UK and overseas partners, and academic institutions. Putting these skills to the test, A Coy have deployed a Task Group into Partnered resistance exercises, working alongside US SOF and a resistance force provided by several of our partners, they went up against a US Mechanised brigade. A huge learning pathway for the Coy and the Battalion, leading us to identify and address areas for development.
C Coy deployed a Task Group into a unique resistance exercise, RIDGE RUNNER, in North Virginia, USA. This exercise is delivered by US SOF in conjunction with the West Virginian National Guard and State apparatus. The scenario sees the Teams operating
Training alongside Polish SOF
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COMMANDING OFFICER’S INTRO
The team operated in temperatures below -30 and were the only unit to not suffer cold injuries; a testament to preparation and diligence
in a contested environment occupied by an invading army. Not confined to training estate, the exercise is delivered in towns, cities and countryside. It presents a demanding and complex environment by responding dynamically to activity conducted by deployed units, testing the teams and the TG HQ. C Coy will deploy again in March on RIDGE RUNNER 24, working alongside UK and US partners.
Along with the other Ranger units, we have continued our support
to Op INTERFLEX, leading with
Junior NCO and Officer training. Outside of operations the Battalion has seen success in several Army sports including Swimming, Ju Jitsu, Volleyball, Athletics, BAWF, Cricket and weightlifting. All of this shows the amazing things members of 3 RANGER have achieved throughout 2023.
With our Estonian partners