Page 89 - Bugle Autumn 2014

Amputees in Action add realism to all ready stressful training environments
amount of negotiation, the OC managed to persuade the chief of police to back off, much to the disappointment of the crowd of on-lookers which included Commander Collective Training Group. It was, though, a positive conclusion to an excellent exercise.
A Company’s experiences on EX PASHTUN PANTHER were similarly positive, with Rfn of all ranks extremely impressed with level of training delivered by OPTAG. From the initial patrols, to
the final phase of the exercise, the Rfn delivered throughout. With OPTAG piling on the pressure, and with complexity increasing day-by-day, Thetford offered a stimulating and testing environment in which to hone TTPs before deployment. There were many memorable moments in Thetford, but most noteworthy was
WO2 Lansdowne being chased around the FOB by OPTAG staff armed with fake-blood, (making himself ‘hard to kill’ as per the Commanding Officer’s direction) and Lt Whiskerd navigating A Coy around an ‘IED Belt’ and through a swamp – earning him praise from OPTAG and a bollocking from Major Flanagan! Ultimately it was the Riflemen who
were placed under the most pressure in Thetford, and their ability to rise to the challenge was extremely heartening.
Ex PASHTUN DAWN, the pre-deployment FTX, saw B Company work under an RAF Regiment provided HIGH CON. The exercise
had been well designed and saw the company work much as they would do once they arrived in theatre. Several perimeter defence positions were manned, platoon level patrols were mounted and a QRF was stood up. The highlight was a very short notice SH supported strike operations, which passed without significant incident but resulted in a good amount of lethal aid being un-covered. The company returned to Alanbrooke Barracks in time for a few days’ leave
prior to deploying to theatre.
On Salisbury plain you can wait and wait for the bus then two of these show up
THE RIFLES
FIFTH BATTALION 87