Page 21 - Falcon Issue 1 2024

21
C COMPANY
This time least year in November 2022, C Coy was 12 months in to a 15-month operations cycle delivering operational excellence alongside specialist partners across Eastern Europe.
Around that point the 3rd Battalion’s Operational Readiness Mechanism changed to have to two Companies deployed to Eastern Europe which adjusted C Coy’s area of operations to the Black-Sea Region and the Balkans. Since then, C Coy has sustained a high tempo of operational and training support commitments. Further to this C Coy has made time and capacity for capability and personal development opportunities. In May this year, our operations cycle concluded with a HOTO with A Coy. From then we have continued to support other tasks which includes the Ranger Assessment Cadre, All-Arms Ranger Course and back-filling operational commitments in support of A and B Coy. C Coy also deployed to West Virginia, USA on
an Irregular Warfare Exercise called Ridge Runner. The change of direction from operations to other tasks was a welcomed and new approach but it has proved to be no less demanding on our time.
The latter part of C Coy’s operations cycle from Dec 2022 to May 2023 included a deployment to Italy to train alongside the 4th ALPINI Regiment
on high-angled sniper ranges. This high altitude and demanding training environment further supported the fantastic work of Cpl Peach and
Cpl Jones in their pursuit to upskill
and enhance Ranger Snipers. C Coy subsequently then hosted a team from the 4th ALPINI Regiment in the UK. Their team ran an advanced Close- Quarter Marksmanship course on the live ranges in Salisbury for members
of C Coy. We learnt a huge amount from our Italian partners, and we are all looking forward to the next course they will run in the UK in Oct 2023. Through May-Jun 2023, C Coy was given the opportunity to deploy to Ex RIDGER RUNNER in West Virginia, USA. This is an Irregular Warfare exercise delivered by the West Virginia National Guard in partnership with the Irregular Warfare Centre. It provides a highly dynamic and realistic exercise platform for both SOCOM and US partners
and allies. This was the first time that
a Field Army Unit has participated
in the exercise and so provided a unique opportunity for capability development. Also participating on the exercise were Charlie Coy 5/19th US SFG, Polish SOF (TDF, GRYF and JWK), Latvian SOF and Lithuanian
SOF. There were also observers from Georgian SOF and Moldovan SOF. This was a fantastic exercise which we all learnt huge amount from.
Members of C Coy have continued to advance their professional development through both career courses and other skill enhancing opportunities. This includes the Under Water Escape Trainer early in the new year which was organised
by CSgt Dollery. An interesting and
We learnt
a huge amount from our Italian partners, and we are all looking forward
to the next course they will run in the UK in Oct 2023
often unpleasant experience, but
a hugely rewarding training event – including CSgt Vanden attempting
to drown the OC and Lt Holloway having to reshow for using the
wrong exit point! Other courses
have included Sgt White completing Light Role Recce Commanders, CSgt Schofield completing Javelin Platoon Commanders, Lt Holloway completing Artic Warfare Instructors Course. Cpl Cummings deployed to The Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre and completed both the Cold Weather Operator Leaders and Artic Operator Courses, receiving an invitation
from the commandant to return as
an instructor. Other courses have included Ukrainian Language training, NATO Comprehensive Defence, JSOU National Resistance Course.
C Coy have maintained their physical dominance across the Battalion by finding opportunities
to compete. Cpl Cummings has continued to participate throughout the year in the British Army Warrior Fitness Competition. LCpl Patterson competes at an international level in Brazilian Ju Jitsu and was selected for the BJJ Federation World Masters in Las Vegas. Cpl Johanson competes
at representative sport for the Army and Combined services Fencing and Pentathlon teams and she is also helping with the administrative side of the team. LCpl Eusden is a valued member of the RAMC Archery team and has brought home silver wear this season.
Close-Quarter Marksmanship Course with 4th ALPINI REGIMENT – Instructors and students