Page 96 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

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Field Training Unit – a Lancer Dream Team
Field Training Unit (FTU) is based out of West Down Camp in the centre of Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA). It is the UK’s equivalent of BATUS in Canada and BATUK in
Kenya (although rather less well-manned and funded!). We are responsible for facilitating live fire and Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES – think ‘Laser quest’) exercises, known as WESSEX STORM, for Light Mechanized Infantry and Light Cavalry Battle Groups (BGs) in order to assess them against the Army’s specified combined arms training level (normally CT4, occasionally CT3).
Approximately 45 officers and soldiers from across all corps make up FTU, with the 4-man RAC Recce team currently Lancer heavy – Maj Julian Fuller and SSgt Tony Ferla flying the flag high for the Regiment! The team has been responsible for re-writing the Light Cavalry BG exercises which, while lim- ited by the size of SPTA, are now much more suited to the role with more demanding mounted live firing and exploiting the surrounding training areas as well as private land to give more room for manoeuvre. The Light Dragoons very much enjoyed the experience in late 2018 with the Queens Dragoon Guards and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards coming in 2020.
2019 saw FTU run three Wessex Storms on SPTA – 2 YORKS, 3 SCOTS and 4 SCOTS, each coming through with their own unique style and attitude but all working hard to achieve the standard. FTU also deployed for over a month by road to Croatia with 16 Air Assault Brigade to assess 3 PARA BG to CT3. SSgt Ferla very much enjoyed himself, spending much time conduct- ing reconnaissance on his favourite locations at Plitvice Lake and a number of beaches. When questioned his answer remained the same; “time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted.” In sum, SSgt Ferla developed a cracking tan!
Working with infantry, gunners, signallers and engineers, Maj Fuller is often seen educating them in the ways of the RAC; whether that be instructing on the importance of reverse park- ing or one of his old favourites; how to actually switch to convoy lights when driving off-road! He also takes great pride in teach- ing everyone how to operate their Landover and he has been seen on several occasions briefing his driver up, telling them how to take the best route when traversing rough terrain. FTU has no need for REME recover assets as Maj Fuller is always there to pull anyone out when stuck in the mud (as SSgt Ferla found out to his cost during his first exercise. A note to anyone on coming to SPTA; never go North of Imber village in inclement weather!).
Looking forward to 2020, FTU will run four Wessex Storms but for 6 BGs, with a new format consolidating two BGs (Lt Cav and Inf) into one exercise which will test us all; SPTA has its limita- tions but with a bit of training off the edge of the area and some other magic Maj Fuller will make it work!
FTU is a great place to work – busy but programmed so we all know when we won’t see our families! However, there is time to complete personal development courses and the team are excel- lent at ensuring opportunities for Adventure Training (an annual ski expedition and an annual multi-activity week) as well as an an- nual Battlefield Study (Monte Cassino in 2018, Arnhem this year). Other one offs, such as the FTU dinner night being held on HMS Victory this year, add to the social aspect here. There is also some travel (Maj Fuller has managed to blag official visits to Israel and the USA). For any post-sub-unit command Majors and Staff Ser- geants on promotion, FTU offers great job satisfaction in a lovely part of the UK with the bonus of knowing that you are improving the skills of the Field Army. We both heartily recommend it!
AF
Maj Fuller SSgt Ferla – An RL Dream team
Live Night Fire
have conducted more frequent in-service upgrade programmes. I was fortunate to deploy to Fort Benning in the US as part of the project team to capture the lessons that we can learn from the US with regards to the upgrades they have conducted to the Abrams Tank. Fort Benning is the new home to US Armour (it was previ- ously Fort Knox). The scale of the site was as one would expect from the Americans and we were extremely well hosted through- out. We were also lucky enough to witness one of their Abrams regiments training on the adjacent range which was somewhat of an insight into the level of firepower that they are able to provide us as an ally!
All my very best to all serving at RD and ERE, I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming Regimental functions soon. RAOS
M1A1 Abrams on the Firing Point
REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)