Page 50 - Mercian Eagle 2014

Pl Comd Pl 2iC
Pl Sgt
Pl Sgt
Capt Maddock CSgt Lennon Sgt Whiteman Sgt Ghapa
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FSG becomes Anti Tanks – OC Anti Tank Pl
Capt D Maddock
As the dust settles, and Dragon Company forms up after summer leave 2014. Now
is a good time to reflect on the past year.
In the 12 months the Fire Support Group (FSG) has split down into its composite parts that of Anti-tank Platoon and
Machine Gun Platoons. Due to the new structure of a light role Infantry Battalion under AF 2020 in the Adaptive Force, the MG Pl is now working entirely for the rifle companies. The concept of the FSG can only form up and train together when on exercise and when specifically rolled by Bn into this grouping. Subject Matter Expert knowledge that is held by the Bn will ease the transition from a composite Platoon into the distinct specialities of Machine Guns and Anti-Tanks. The major event other then the restructuring of the Battalion has been Ex ASKARI STORM 3 in Kenya 2013.
Kenya was a resounding success for
the FSG, operating much the same as we have done in Afghanistan with each Rifle company having an FSG attached to them for specific parts of the exercise, whilst also forming a Bn asset that proved essential during the final exercise, earning praise from commander BATUK for their ability to deny ground to a mobile enemy force during the Defensive phase.
Fitness was a key lesson identified throughout the exercise with the FSG lads proving their grit with constant movement either tabbing here or driving there. A notable experience was WO2 Roberts group, high levels of fitness enabled the HMG Epic that saw a group of lads display Sherpa esc strength and determination to get a HMG, complete with 4000rnds, up a mountain and emplaced within 2 hrs.
The effectiveness of GPMG SF was highlighted with the events of one attack; despite being chased by Lions the FSG still found the composure to decimate the enemy a total of 18 times before
the over watching DS decided that the Rifle Company’s should do a little bit of work and killed off the FSG.
Once the exercise was complete a much needed change of pace was required in the form of a 12mile Mountain bike tour of the Kenyan bush and wildlife followed by a first taste of the local beer. In true fashion FSG doesn’t just go for a simple hill walk – a days volcano walking was a fine finish to the Kenyan bush. The rest of the training year has been filled with JNCO cadres, and packing for the highly anticipated move to Dale barracks.
After a highly successful Kenya exercise and lots of new faces the FSG is no more as a result of Army 2020 and Regimental restructuring; as I write Dragon Company are now preparing to deploy to Salisbury plain for our Numbers Cadres and qualify the new Anti Tank Platoon and the Machine gun platoons. Having survived lions,
volcanos and various intricacies of the Battalion move the new look Anti tank and MG Platoons have a bright yet busy future ahead into 2015 with a return to Kenya on the cards.
The Anti Tank Platoon has now
reformed and we must say goodbye to key personalities whilst also welcoming the new. WO2 Roberts a key individual in the FSG
for many years has moved on to pastures new and will be sorely missed. From here forward the Anti Tank Platoon has the rare opportunity of working with a blank canvas with a completely new nominal role and soldiers from all three Mercian Battalions coming together.
Stand Firm Strike Hard !
THE MERCIAN EAGLE