Page 40 - Mercian Eagle 2014

Kenya Force Protection Platoon – 1 Platoon – Lt Ben Griffiths
From January – April 2014, the requirement to bolster the force protection of British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) locations in and around Nanyuki was raised in response to a number of specific threats and the Westgate Mall siege in Sep 2013. The BATUK estimate concluded that a British Army Infantry Platoon should be dedicated to the task of guarding the three static locations; Nanyuki
Show Ground (BATUK HQ), Laikipia Air Base-East (LAB-E), 25 Flt airfield. Each of these locations would have a section responsible for the guard task with the Pl HQ running an Ops room from within Nanyuki Show Ground (NSG). 1 Platoon deployed on this task in good order, with a number of reinforcements from
D Company.
Whilst this was not the most glamorous of roles, the task highlighted the wide range of activity we can begin to expect as the Army moves forward away from our old Afghan focus and must respond quickly
to global events. This task is one that provides a superb opportunity for a young Pl Comd to operate with autonomy within a structure outside of his normal chain of command
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Quartermaster Maj Brunskill enjoying a bit of winter sun
I’m convinced that we were lucky. The abundance of wildlife coupled with our soldier’s inquisitive nature made for some interesting pictures.....
Upon completion of the East Laikipia phase we entered the part of the exercise that
tests more than the Company Group. The
Bn proceeded to enter into a series of battle rotations at Archers Post and again further south in the Laikipia region. These rotations saw the Grenadiers’ mettle tested. I’m please to report that we performed well, and the men showed real determination and physical robustness during a particularly testing period.
Post exercise was rewarded with some superb AT opportunities. Mountain Biking in the National Park and the Opportunity to Canoe and raft along the River Tanna were but some of the experiences that the men will remember for some time to come.
In summary Kenya was an experience that all ranks of the Grenadiers found challenging and rewarding. I feel privileged to have been a part of it.
This scene greeted us upon arrival to East Laikipia
Sgt Maj Kennedy post final attack
Angry young hippo showing his distain at having to relocate
Not the best place to sleep overnight
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
A Coy on a flanking route to Bn Objective