Page 17 - Mercian Eagle 2017

6 Platoon
6 Platoon’s first task of the year was providing support to
Ex SPECULAR in Germany. Whilst abroad, the lads had the opportunity to visit many local restaurants, sampling some excellent Bratwurst Weiss beer. The next task was Ex MALTESE DANCE in the Brecon Beacons. This included preparation for NCO cadres and some demanding physical activity following Brecon Battle School routes.
The main event of the year was deployment to Canada to act
as OPFOR in BATUS for PRAIRIE STORM 1. The exercise saw the Platoon deployed in Warriors first against a Royal Welsh Battlegroup and later against a 1YORKS Battlegroup. The Platoon was the only element of the company fully equipped Warriors and made excellent use of their native platform. 6 Platoon, acting as a unit of BMP 2s, managed to inflict significant damage against both Battlegroups. Furthermore, the regular use of the Warrior paid dividends in improving confidence and developing low level skills and drills.
6 Platoon were also able to make use of the outstanding adventuring training and travel opportunities offered by Canada. Members of the platoon spent time trekking, kayaking and even horse riding. Overall an excellent piece of overseas training that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
On return from summer leave the Platoon were met by the daunting prospect of a bright eyed, fresh faced, brand new Platoon Commander in the shape of 2Lt O’Malley-Pearson, which it survived! 6 Platoon’s main activity for the autumn was a range package in Castlemartin with the aim of going beyond basic ACMTs to achieve shooting excellence through night firing and pistol shooting. A highlight was the company shooting competition and the company march and shoot, involving a 2 miler and a section scored shoot. Congratulations goes to Lance Corporal Sibanyoni for winning the shooting competition for the Platoon.
The end of the year saw the Platoon split between SSET tasks and assuming responsibility for UK standby tasks when 1 MERCIAN assumed the role of UK Standby Battalion in November.
I am pleased to report that 6 Platoon has already made a strong start to the year. Members of the Platoon supported the company in a parade in Lichfield, laying down the colours of 3 MERCIAN. The Platoon is looking forward to a busy and exciting year of training beginning with supporting Urban Operations training in Exercises URBAN DAWN 1 & 2 and leading up to the exercise in Oman in the autumn.
LCpl Sibanyoni – winner of the B (Malta) Coy Shooting competition 2017
OC 6 Pl
Pl Sgt Warrior Sgt
2Lt O’Malley-Pearson Sgt Cromwell
Sgt Mills
Pte Hutchenson rock climbing in Canada (Pte/Hutchenson/Canada/Jun 17)
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THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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