Page 76 - Mercian Eagle 2014

OC
2IC CSM CQMS PSAO SPSI Mors PSI QPSI
Maj Seager
WO2 Buckley
WO2 Johnston/CSgt Ward CSgt Ward/Sgt Gregory Capt Davies MBE
WO2 Peckitt
CSgt Woolley/CSgt Weaver CSgt Campbell
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Capt Steve Hopkinson and his team endeavour to provide a first-rate service to our soldiers. WO2 Paul McLoughlin has returned to 2RRF (Royal Regiment of Fusiliers) having completed two years as SPSI, and has now been replaced by WO2 Lee Jones 1RRF,
the pocket rocket (Combat Egg), who has already made a mark
on Company training.
CSgt Sean McGarr is nearing the end of a long and distinguished career; however his professionalism has not diminished and he
also ensures that the Company’s name in West Midlands remains highly regarded. This year also saw the return of Capt Frank Young as Company 2IC, having left in 2004 to become the CSM of
Ex SNOWBADGER report – Fus Pithie
In April 2014 representatives from many different units across the regular and reserve force, including three Fusiliers from A Company, took part in Exercise SNOWBADGER. A week-long exercise based in Val Claret ski resort in the French Alps. After a 20 hours long coach journey we arrived in resort, and following a quick orientation of the area hit the sack, excited to commence our six days skiing.
The training team put together a programme of Skiing Foundation (SF) 1 for beginners and 2 and 3 for the more advanced skiers. Fusilier Ryan, Pte Knight and myself were all members of SF1 and spent the first few days learning the basics. (How to move in the skis, how to snow-plough turn and how to stop). Soon we were ready to go on the beginners’ slopes, where we spent most of the time falling over and having children between 5 and 7 years old laughing at us every chance they got.
Thanks to quality instruction we were eventually able to progress and as we became more comfortable on the slopes, had the opportunity to ski around a lot more of the resort. Val Claret was connected to Tignes and Val d’Isere by a series of 79 ski lifts which cover 190 miles of groomed slopes, which meant we would never get bored.
High up on the mountain in the Val d’lsere area lies the famous Folie Douce bar which is a must for those who enjoy their après ski. As you approach you’re hit by the bass music, lots of people and lots of dancing on tables and great views to boot.
B Company (WFR) Frank took an LE commission and completing a position at BHQ before returning in January.
This year as part of the Adventurous Training (AT) package, we have not only sent several soldiers off on Skiing and Scuba Diving expeditions but are also planning an A Company-wide AT weekend to Newquay, Cornwall. Here, individuals will participate in Coasteering, Surfing and Quad biking as well as sampling
the local nightlife. Below Fus Pithie writes a short article from
Ex SNOWBADGER, in which three members of A Company attended.
Pte Rachel Knight (Orange Helmet) in the French Alps on Ex SNOWBADGER, April 2014
Everyone who went enjoyed an amazing experience on the
slopes of Tignes and a challenging and rewarding programme of skiing. We all obtained our Skiing Foundation 1 qualification and ultimately returned with a feeling and sense of achievement which Army adventurous training is all about. Many thanks must go to Captain Kennon of 4 Rifles for organising a thoroughly enjoyable and successful trip.
B (Malta) Company
Another busy and varied year, in which members of B Company achieved a great deal. As the first major training activity following the summer, the Battalion annual training camp provided a number of training opportunities for members of the Company to increase their skill set. As a result of
one of these training opportunities I do, however, feel obliged to issue a warning to all road users: someone has deemed
2Lt Highet and Cpl Liam Wood safe to drive on the public roads. It wasn’t me.
The focus on training within the Company has been on developing individual soldiering skills in a conventional environment, aided greatly by the construction of a new skills house inside one of the garages at Ubique Barracks. The workmanship of Sgt Maj Phillips and Cpl Bird has produced a
facility that all members of the Company
have been impressed with, and we hope there are further developments to come. Navigation training took a leap forward with the running of an excellent package
THE MERCIAN EAGLE