Page 53 - Mercian Eagle 2014

time was short then there was still value
in briefing commanders directly from the camera screen. With a 200mm lens and a x2 adaptor we were able to pick out targets in almost pitch darkness from a ranges in excess of 2 Km.
Marking and Guiding.
The BG relies heavily on the Recce Platoon to guide the Rifle Coys and FSG into the FUP and FSG locations. Once we had reconnoitred a target we generally left
the snipers or one patrol in overwatch
to provide a live feed and the remaining call-signs moved back to meet the BG or Coy at an RV and then guide them in. The overwatch was crucial as the enemy have a tendency to move if not being watched.
Negative Reporting.
The platoon was very fortunate to benefit from the experience of an Special Forces Liaison Officer for the first phase. One of the biggest lessons that we learnt that week was the benefit of negative reporting, such
as stating that a valley or village was clear of enemy. There were many occasions in Kenya where, due to the complexity of the terrain, this was all that we could report back with. This was particularly true at night where you could find yourself very close to the enemy and remain unaware of each others’ presence even with the use of thermal imagery.
Overall I think that there are 4 main issues that platoons should work to get into their collective psyche prior to deployment.
Firstly ‘Fight Lighter’, you really can get away with taking very little with you and the blokes will ‘man up’ and crack on.
Secondly, start working with other ISTAR assets as early in the exercise as you can to get used to each others’ capabilities and personalities.
Thirdly, the value of negative reporting
is difficult to over emphasise. When under time pressure from BGHQ it is important for Recce Commanders to state if something has not or cannot be found.
The view from one of the defensive OPs. This area is far more open than in the offensive phase.
Finally, and most importantly, you will never have as much time on target as you think you need. In our experience we often surprised ourselves at how much you can achieve in a limited time period but the key to this was taking risks early to maximise time on target. Audacity is everything.
Capt Josh Vause Capt Tim Fisher
Headquarter Company
Having spent a while flicking through back issues of The Mercian Eagle it soon became clear that there is a recurring theme; just how busy everyone has been in recent years. With the M2020 Merger, an A2020 directed Unit Move and Force Preparation for Operation TOSCA all taking place since the last edition, this year has been no exception.
My tenure as OC HQ Coy started back in August 2013 followed very quickly by the Battalion’s deployment to Kenya on Exercise ASKARI STORM 3 (AS3). This gave me very little time to get to know everyone before the Coy left en masse, leaving what few remained to form the backbone of the Rear Operations Group (ROG). I assumed that unlike a HERRICK deployment, AS3 ROG would be sedate; how wrong was I?
Post AS3 the Company’s attention switched to the normal pre-Christmas activities and some well deserved leave.
Post Christmas the sights firmly switched
to M2020 merger and unit move activity. As you can imagine the two didn’t always align, resulting in some significant G4 hurdles to be overcome. I am pleased to report that those hurdles where conquered relatively painlessly, and with a sense of humour. At the time of writing the Company has just about settled into our new Orbat and is now firm in its new home.
Looking ahead, September 2014 will
see HQ Company morph to form the backbone of the Op TOSCA Support Sub Unit, providing operational and real life support to the remainder of the Battlegroup, whilst taking advantage of some of the opportunities Cyprus has to offer. The remainder of the Coy will remain in The
Dale providing support to A & D Coy as they navigate through their numerous tasks before the Company reunites in Easter 15.
As previously mentioned, due to the M2020 manning merger the Company has seen a number of changes to its MERCIAN cap badge personnel, and the unit move has meant saying goodbye to the Palace Barracks attached arms and hello to their counterparts in The Dale. The changes
are far too great to name each individually, however, to all that have left the Company, thanks for all your efforts and good luck in your new positions.
I have no doubt that next year’s article will kick off with the phrase “ It has
been another extremely busy period for the Company”. That said I have no doubt that the Company will rise to the challenge and have some fun along the way!
OC CSM CQMS CIS PI
MT PI
Maj G J Spencer
WO2 Hughes
CSgt Williams
Capt Vosper and WO2 Pointon
Capt Travis & Sgt Banks
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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