Page 23 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

3RIFLES
ADVANCED EXPEDITIONARY
WARFARE EXERCISE USA
At the end of January 2020, 2 Platoon left behind the UKs miserable winter and swapped it for the tropical climate of Georgia, USA. For the next two months,
2 Platoon would be incorporated into A Company, 1st Battalion 29th Infantry, 316th Cavalry Brigade based at Fort Benning, an instillation which supports up to 120,000 military personnel and is the home of the US Infantry, Armour, Airborne and Ranger Schools.
The aim of AEWE is to identify new technol- ogies which can improve the lethality, dura- bility and longevity of the American soldiers ranging from the individual soldier up to the sub-unit level. Those technologies deemed to meet a required need, are chosen by the US Army higher command to be developed ready for the Battlefield within the next five years.
For the first four weeks, 2 Platoon trained on all the equipment they would be testing throughout the experiment. This year the focus was primarily on improving unit sustainability whilst on operations and increasing ISTAR capability. This meant the Riflemen had to become proficient in operating equipment ranging from drones and digital surveil-
lance equipment to battery chargers and transformers. Anyone in a command position was given a ‘Nett Warrior’ – a Samsung Galaxy
phone with the ability to track friendly and enemy callsigns on a GPS map. It could also be used as another means of communication via a message function, increasing situational awareness and interoperability.
2 Platoon showed great endeavour, quickly picking up the nuances to their new equipment and technologies. This put them in good stead for the 3-week testing phase of the exercise where the Riflemen would be assessed at section, platoon and company level. 2 Platoon performed exceptionally and
found it easy to integrate with the rest of the US Company. That said, both parties left having developed new skills and ideas from each other too.
With a focus on data analysis, significant time was spent giving feedback on the trialled equipment. To no one’s surprise the Rifleman were more than happy to give their opinion! The feedback they gave was vital in generating an exercise output will shape future US Army investments in the development of new technologies. The Riflemen’s feedback was invaluable, and they were thanked profusely for this.
2 Platoon also managed to get out and enjoy the abundant Southern hospitality. Local trips to see the Columbus River Dragons, the regional Ice Hockey team and to the National Infantry Museum just outside Fort Benning were balanced with trips further afield to Nashville, Miami, Charleston, Birmingham, Atlanta, Orlando and Panama City (for Spring Break!).
With the Covid-19 threat emerging, our return the UK was thrown into uncertainty. Fortunately, Virgin Atlantic pulled through
and our flight went ahead (much to the disappointment of LCpl Sharp and Rfn Neville). In all, a thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable experience for all members of the Platoon.
2 Section use their
UAS footage to conduct QBOs
To no one’s surprise the Rifleman were
more than happy to give their opinion!
2 Platoon at ENDEX
RIFLES The Bugle 23