Page 26 - Bugle Autumn 2014

H Jones Competition 14
Exercise H JONES is an inter platoon patrols competition, historically held on Dartmoor training area, this year being
no exception. You can always guarantee Dartmoor to deliver a wide array of weather conditions.
The competition was split into 2 phases with a 6 hour period of battle procedure
at Okehampton camp splitting the phases and allowing resupply and orders. The first period consisted of a deliberate attack, advance to contact and CASEVAC (2km) over characteristically arduous terrain.
Phase 2 consisted of patrolling over approx 30 miles through several check points culminating in a strike operation. The route was roughly the same as the commando 30 mile test route, on the
Coaches left Beachley Barracks over a staggered time period to drop off at the start point at Great Mist Tor. The early starters were lucky, with the weather being pretty pleasant for the time of year, but that soon changed with the
to close in. After several hours of strong winds and freezing rain platoons started to take more casualties and with the weather getting worse things were looking bleak.
The decision was taken by battalion HQ to halt patrols on the
ground to find shelter until an extraction plan was put into place. Most call signs took shelter at the nearest checkpoint. Overall the exercise was a very challenging event and tested all involved.
Once again the Rfn proved that they are robust and determined when dealing with conditions that many have never
mist rolling in to put
visibility down to 10
metres and the wind
picking up to a strength
which snapped several
tent poles at exercise
control. As the first day
progressed weather
improved slightly into
the dark hours but the terrain started to take its toll with several platoons having to CASEVAC members of their patrols.
Overall the exercise was a very challenging event and tested all involved
eastern side of the training area, finishing on Eventually, things took a dramatic turn the southern training area of Ringmoor. for the worse when bad weather started
Ex COMMANDO RATTESNAKE
experienced before.
CSjt Nick Nesbit, Training Wing SNCO
Lt Jack Brown getting ready for Mt McKinley, pretending he’s looking forward to another 6 weeks relying on snow shoes.
training and proved extremely useful in the close environment.
A highlight of this second week was being able to use the impact concrete buildings during the live-fire serials. This specially- treated concrete could absorb live rounds, allowing for CQB skills to be practised with increased realism, a training opportunity seized upon by the section commanders.
Ex COMMANDO RATTLESNAKE was
a highly enjoyable experience for the company. It was an excellent opportunity to re-visit old skills and practice new
ones, working in extreme cold climatic conditions, in preparation for the Bn’s Confirmatory Training level 2 (CT2) exercise (and reciprocal exchange) and Ex ASKARI STORM, KENYA, in 2015.
Lt Aaron Dishman, Platoon Commander. 9 Platoon
After Christmas leave, the Company prepared for its deployment to the US on Ex COMMANDO RATTLESNAKE, hosted by BRAVO Coy 4-31 IN Battalion of the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, upstate NY. The C Company group was further boosted to 150 men by the addition of S Company assets and a section from 6 RIFLES.
The company was warned to expect freezing temperatures for the exercise; conditions at that time of year often reached -30C. Regardless of this prescient advice, it was still a shock to the system on arrival at Syracuse Airport.
The first week consisted of what the US termed integration enabler training. The
Rfn Hobbs provides cover whilst Lt Jack Brown poses for the camera
premise was simple - platoons were to be paired with a US counterpart in preparation for the exercises later on; this included taking part in their physical training. Other training opportunities included the use of US med simulators, live fire simulators and, especially enjoyed by 9 Pl, the opportunity to fire the .50 cal off the top of Humvees.
When the weather proved particularly troublesome, the camp would shut down and a snow day was called. Capt Josh Axford and Lt Jack Brown used this as an excuse to prepare for Ex ALASKAN BUGLE, going for treks with their snow-shoes in blizzard like conditions.
The second week involved platoon
and company level training in urban, rural and a good dose of FIWAF. The training area was an interesting mix of vast,
snow covered tundra criss-crossed with significant amounts of deciduous woodland, affording visibility of 30m or less. These conditions meant everything had to be a lot more deliberate as movement and speed were hindered, particularly when wearing snow shoes. Snow shoes added a further complication of noise, especially at night.
Commanders also found they had to adapt their tactics in response to the conditions and, in particular, jungle drills were often used as a template for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The classic characteristics of flexibility, innovation and initiative, allied with good rehearsals and training, were key to success on the serials.
Training was augmented by the use of US aviation assets; 2 Kiowa helicopters were attached to the company for the exercise. Their overwatch capability and increased firepower were a welcome enhancement to
24 FIRST BATTALION
THE RIFLES