Page 22 - Mercian Eagle 2014

OC Lt Philip Anderson 2iC CSgt Stan Bowles
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Anti-Tank Platoon
I write this as a new comer to the Anti- Tank world as I had the pleasure of taking over the newly formed Platoon after the amalgamation in August 2014 from Jack Brierley. Jack is somewhat disappointed that I have not carried on his tradition of male pattern baldness as the Platoon Commander, but for continuity’s sake my 2iC CSgt Bowles has enthusiastically taken it up.
We welcome soldiers from all three former Battalions; we also welcome a change in name and role from Fire Support Group
to Anti-Tanks. The significant difference being is that the machine guns have been returned to the rifle companies and we now focus on using the Javelin Missile as our main weapon system. On top of this we are
now part of an Armoured Infantry Battalion and we are no longer using Jackal and WIMIK, but are now using Warrior AFV.
Before we look forward we must
look back at the achievements of the
1 MERCIAN FSG platoon which deployed to the Falkland Islands under Captain Brierley, providing two full multiples to provide the fire support to A Company’s exercise. Also they took part in the tasks
of the Infantry Company of providing the QRF to the islands and conducting long range patrols to maintain the military presence on the islands. The guys also took advantage of the opportunity to get close and personal to the many penguin colonies on the islands. A special mention should go to the Platoon for shamelessly managing
to hijack the Soldier Magazine article, with FSG taking a starring role. Whilst doing this the rest of platoon deployed to Kenya to support 2 RGR on Ex Askari Storm. They facilitated their ranges and helped run the exercises for the 2 RGR Battlegroup.
With the period of change now behind us we have moved into preparing to deploy to BATUS on Ex Prairie Storm. Relying on the 3 MERCIAN experiences with armour and the experience of all three Battalions with Javelin, we are now developing these skills to be used in the armoured role. We look forward to the challenge that we will meet in Canada and we are keen to take on out new role as the Anti-Tank platoon.
Post Cadre admin
Anti Armour Ambush Model
My back HURTS
Ready to set off
THE MERCIAN EAGLE