Page 77 - The Bugle Issue 12 Autumn 2016

Exercise NOBLE PARTNER
When C Company was originally told they were going to Georgia to deploy on a three-week multi- national NATO exercise, many assumed the desti- nation was the American state. However it soon became clear that C Company, commanded by Major Dave Godfrey, was going to the Republic of Georgia, the former Soviet state situated at the inter- section between Europe and Asia.
In early May 2016, the 160-strong Company Group, formed from elements across the battalion, arrived in Vaziani Camp, situated on the outskirts of the capital city Tbilisi. As a formed sub-unit, the Ri emen found themselves part of a Battlegroup led by the Georgian Army including American armour, artillery, paratroopers and long-range surveil- lance units. The exercise coincided with the 25th Anniversary of Georgian Independence and it soon became clear that it was going to be an incredibly high-pro le event with media (both supportive and hostile) present during much of our activity. Within days we were rolling into preparations for the opening ceremony, which had impressive attendance from high-ranking government and military of cials and ambassadors; Ri emen personally briefed the President of Georgia on our kit and capability.
C Company soon deployed onto the ranges to conduct a complex and demanding live ring package. The range was set across undulating hillsides and the challenging nature of the terrain, combined with soaring temperatures during the heat of the day, meant that the Ri emen were put through their paces. Whereas 7 Platoon had to manage the heat, 8 Platoon found themselves suppressed by hailstones the size of golf balls, all in the space of a single afternoon. The company attack was hugely testing for all, from the newest Ri eman to the OC. It extended across 3km of ground, starting with deep valleys and regular re-entrants leading to large grass-covered hills, allowing for excellent approach routes and re support positions. The effect of live British 81mm mortars and American 105mm artillery supporting the troops in the attack was incredibly impressive, especially as many had not witnessed this before. The C Company attacks drew an audience from our multinational partners and the US Command Sergeant Major was particularly impressed by the Ri emen’s conduct and profes- sionalism throughout.
During transition between phases of the exercise, there was time for a multinational sports compe- tition between the British, US and Georgian troops. Highlights include the Ri es football team winning convincingly and Cpl Duffy storming to victory on the 2-mile run. It was fully understood by all the Ri emen that these types of events, with the media coverage they drew, were just as important as the tactical actions conducted in terms of achieving the overall Defence Engagement mission in Georgia.
The nal exercise was hosted on a unique training area, complete with a disused and dilapi- dated military air eld littered with aircraft hangers, control towers and complex, multi-story buildings. Furthermore, an ex-Soviet camp provided a hugely complex urban area within which to operate – it was certainly going to be a different environment to Celeini Village in Sennybridge! The training area was
immensely realistic and truly hazardous in parts, with debris and rubble strewn throughout. Following a foot insertion and a hasty harbour overnight, C Coy pushed out at rst light to begin the clearance of the air eld, which had been occupied by a platoon- strength paramilitary enemy force. It took two days of close combat to control the entire air eld, which illustrates how methodical the clearance needed to be when operating against a dynamic and thinking enemy. The exercise climaxed with a joint clearance of the camp with the American airborne company, starting with clearance of a trench system, outlying compounds and break-in to the village. At their limit of exploitation, the Ri emen then provided re support for the Americans to clear the remainder of the objective.
There were opportunities for the Ri emen to see parts of Georgia outside the training areas. A day was spent visiting Katasi, a quaint old town to the west of the country where the company group had the opportunity to explore the centre and enjoy the sunshine without body armour on. Earlier in the afternoon, a visit to the Gelati monastery offered Ri emen a better understanding of Georgian history and culture as guides gave an informative tour of the 12-century building.
At the conclusion of the exercise, helmets were swapped for berets to take part in the closing ceremony and the Georgian Independence Day parade. It was an immense privilege for 80 Ri emen to represent not just the battalion but the whole British Army at the parade as they quick marched into position. The day captured what it was to take part in the exercise, not just from a military perspective, but also a diplomatic one as it was a key example of strengthening ties with Georgia.
2Lt Toby Blackmore, OC 7 Pl
THE US COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR WAS PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED BY THE RIFLEMEN’S CONDUCT AND PROFESSIONALISM THROUGHOUT
On parade for Georgian Independence Day
THE RIFLES
THIRD BATTALION 75