Page 36 - 1RHA 2022

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
United Kingdom Standby Battalion Capt E Philip RHA
This year, 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery received noti- fication that the Regiment was to assume the duties of United Kingdom Support Battalion (UKSB). Traditionally a task reserved for Infantry units, this is the second time that 1 RHA has been selected to fulfil this role, providing the UK Government with a deployable workforce at readiness to support various activities within the UK.
Prior to taking over the Regiment’s UKSB commitment, person- nel were required to complete specific training to prepare for the wide spectrum of potential tasks they may find themselves performing during a UKSB deployment. An intensive training programme was put together by the RTO and conducted imme- diately prior to Summer Leave to ensure that the Regiment was validated and prepared to assume the responsibilities of UKSB on the 19 Aug 22. This take over date was brought forward by nearly two weeks and due to this, the Regiment would now assume command of UKSB during summer leave. Any disap- pointment of changing holiday or travel plans was well hidden, and demonstrating commitment and professionalism, the troops got stuck into the training package to fully prepare before the beginning of Summer Standdown.
One of the big challenges was the conducting CBRN (Chemi- cal Biological Radiological & Nuclear) and the task of respirator training and practical equipment testing to ensure correct func- tionality, much to the delight of Cpl Anton-Wilson of The Chestnut Troop, who was just fresh off his instructor course. CBRN proved a lengthy process with many of the younger members of the Regi- ment missing it in Phase One due to the pandemic. Armed Police Integration Training was provided by the Royal Military Police, where various scenarios were practiced and the interoperability of Military and Civil Police was discussed. To ensure communications can be maintained in the event of activation, all personnel were also trained on the use of Airwave radios; understanding how to set up and utilise the Airwave system is essential to ensure com- mand and control over a UKSB deployment remains effective. Fur- ther training took place to deliver a foundational understanding of basic first aid, whilst some personnel were upskilled to perform the role of Team Medic, allowing them to provide potentially lifesaving first aid both whilst committed to UKSB and into the future; an asset to have on any deployment.
Considering the period in which the Regiment will be maintain- ing readiness to deliver a UKSB if required, particular attention was given to the flood defence training element, giving service personnel a basic understanding of how they may be utilised to protect homes and lives in the event of widespread flood- ing. Other, more routine and familiar training was also required to be maintained however, and throughout the week Sub-Units rotated through the Annual Combat Marksmanship Test (ACMT) to ensure competence with their personnel weapon systems and practice Close Quarter Marksmanship (CQM) shooting. This had to be completed over several range days due to B Bty being deployed on Ex IRON STORM, but on their return, Lt Newnham and WO2 Musvipa put the Battery through their paces on the ranges.
The week culminated with a tabletop exercise overseen by Regional Command, to ensure that the Headquarters compo-
B Bty carrying out CBRN training
nent understood the complexities, limitations but also the util- ity of using serving personnel in a civil police support capacity. Also attending this exercise were various Civil Police personnel, ranging in command from operational to tactical, allowing peer matching to the Sub-Unit and Regt command levels, providing an opportunity to better understand how UKSB could support the Civil Police response to a major incident.
Finally, on completion of this training journey, 1 RHA successfully validated its readiness and confirmed its ability to take on the responsibility of a UKSB effective from the 19 Aug 22. The Regi- ment remains trained and prepared to deliver support to the Civil Authorities if required though until relief on the 3 Dec 22.
This year is proving to be an extremely busy period for the Regi- ment. With a regimental exercise on SPTA (Salisbury Plain Trg Area) on the horizon, a deployment for the FSTs (Fire Support Teams) to Scotland and then on to Japan, alongside various other exercises and taskings all happening before Christmas, UKSB is yet another opportunity to demonstrate the flexibility and adapt- ability of 1 RHA. An opportunity that we will grasp as we await any taskings that may come our way.
Members of the Regiment carrying out their ACMT
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