Page 11 - Chiron Spring 2020

Exercise ASKARI STORM 19-4 (Kenya)
Pte Molly Shaw, 104 MWD Sqn
In October 2019, an observer mentor, four MWD teams and a driver from 104 MWD Squadron deployed on Ex ASKARI STORM at the British Army Training Unit Kenya for a 9-week exercise. The MWD teams consisted of three Protection and one AES team. We were attached to two battle groups, 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland and 1 Coldstream Guards. Our task was to provide MWD support to the BGs FTX (Battle Group Field Training Exercise) and challenge MWD teams to be battle ready in a hot arid environment.
When we arrived in Kenya, we were told that there would be three parts of the exercise:
1st phase: Live firing phase.
2nd phase: 2 SCOTS FTX.
3rd phase: COLDSTREAM GUARDS FTX.
Before we could go anywhere, we had to carry out eight days
of acclimatisation for both the handlers and dogs. This initially started with gradually increased road walks which helped the dogs a lot as their bodies were getting used to the heat. We then carried out simple CT sessions and scenario-based training to get them used to working at a faster pace in the heat.
Following the MWD’s acclimatisation we deployed onto the live firing element of the exercise phase. This was a week long and gave us the opportunity to carry out battle inoculation with the dogs. This helped us to get our MWDs used to the sound of gunfire in a new environment. We also carried out capability briefs and demos of the Protection and AES capabilities to both exercising BGs, answering any questions they had. This gave both BGs an idea on what our dogs can do and how to best deploy us.
Between live firing and the FTX there was an opportunity to attend a 3-day multi activity AT package which consisted of white-water rafting, kayaking and rock climbing. The handlers who attended really enjoyed it, particularly the thrill of white-water rafting.
The final four weeks was the FTX spilt down into two phases of two weeks for each BG. We lived in the field with our MWDs for
the duration and were tasked by the exercising BG. This included patrolling sentry’s, infantry patrols, guarding Captured persons and Public Order in villages with local Civ Pop - we were utilised a lot in this area and hugely relied on to control the crowd. The AES team was used to search the villages once the infantry had attacked and secured them.
Overall, I enjoyed this exercise, it was a fantastic opportunity and experience for both handlers and the dogs. It was amazing to be on an overseas exercise in an environment with wildlife that I may never have otherwise seen in my lifetime - safari on exercise is an unbelievable experience! It was extremely beneficial to be a part of a large-scale BG exercise and to provide MWD support to two very different infantry battalions. We were able to use our knowledge and practical skills in a realistic and harsh environment. It was good that all MWD teams were used in different scenarios during the final exercise giving every handler the opportunity to test their abilities.
RAVC/DATR Opportunities
NASDU and the private security dog sector acknowledges the skills & experience of RAVC/DATR trained personnel and as such have opportunities for Trainers and handlers within the private sector.
VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OFFERED:
Level 2 Award for a Security Dog Handler
Pathways: GP, Patrol Dog
Level 3 Certificate for a Security Dog Handler
Pathways: GP Advanced Tracking
Level 3 Certificate for a Detection Dog Handler Pathways: Drugs, Live Body, Victim Recovery etc.
Level 4 Certificate for a Detection Dog Handler Pathways: Explosive Detection, VS, Cargo etc.
All qualifications are accredited by HABC, an Awarding Organisation authorised by OFQUAL and recognised by the SIA.
01483 224 320 admin@nasdu.co.uk www.nasdu.co.uk
CHIRON CALLING 11