Page 39 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

D COY, 6 RIFLES
STTT TO UZBEKISTAN
The D Coy team with Uzbeki Army students after the prize giving ceremony
In August 2019, Major Warren Marginson led a D Coy, 6 RIFLES Short Term Training Team (STTT) to Uzbekistan, in order to prepare
a hand-picked group of the Uzbeki Army
for their nation’s entry into Ex. Cambrian Patrol later that year. On Friday 16th, the D Coy team assembled at Heathrow and, after a few minor issues with excess baggage, we were soon in Tashkent being greeted with breakfast by the Defence Attaché. The team then departed Tashkent to Chirchiq, with our first tajiman (translator) giving
us an amusing commentary of the Uzbek countryside en-route until finally we arrived
in the Uzbek equivalent of Okehampton training camp.
On Monday morning, a condensed training package was delivered to nearly 60 Uzbeks of all ranks. This was followed with a Navex. The Uzbeks brought flair and gusto to the task and all of the teams sprinted around the course. This enthusiasm for learning shined throughout the next few days. The team delivered training on BCD, Counter-CBRN training, C-EO and more. Lessons were delivered through our tajimen, with LCpls Baldwin and Whitehead becoming firm crowd favourites for unknown reasons. Three
Of all the culinary delights of Uzbekistan, Cornishman Sjt Lucas was somewhat shocked that an Uzbek Somsa was so familiar that “it’s definitely a pasty”.
solid meals a day were provided and their soviet-style cookhouse certainly gave us some thoughts to take home. Of all the culinary delights of Uzbekistan, Cornishman Sjt Lucas was somewhat shocked that an Uzbek Somsa was so familiar that “it’s definitely a pasty”.
The training package culminated in a short patrol competition to test all of the skills taught. The Uzbeks were divided into six patrols and all of the teams completed the course to a good standard. By the end of the week a firm friendship had been struck between the Camp Commander and the OC. This friendship led to us being taken back to ‘tea’ garden in Tashkent for more cultural experiences.
Our last day ended with a short parade. We wished the Uzbeks luck for Ex. Cambrian Patrol 2019 and departed for Tashkent airport. One terrifying minibus ride and another baggage dilemma later, we were checked onto the flight back. We arrived back to Heathrow thoroughly exhausted and proud of having delivered a very well received training package. An even prouder moment came two months later, when the team from Uzbekistan achieved a Gold Medal on Ex. Cambrian Patrol.
2Lt Tom Vincent D Coy, 6 RIFLES
Sjt Lucas delivers C-IED training
6RIFLES
RIFLES The Bugle 39