Page 23 - Mercian Eagle 2017

Mortar Platoon
Capt Zeal
With a lethal area of 40m, high rate of fire and the ability to engage obscure targets out to 5675m, the 81mm Mortar is truly a battle winning indirect fire weapon system. The Mortar Platoon supports friendly forces by killing the enemy, neutralising his fires and denying him use of the ground. During a busy and fragmented training year the soldiers have been working hard to maximise every training opportunity and ensure they are masters of their trade.
Through two months of light role mortar specific training, urban skills, operating
at night and navigation have been three key focuses this year. In addition to being highly skilled infantrymen, the soldiers of the Mortar Platoon have been training
to be experts in technical roles such as Numbers, Command Post Operators, Section Commanders and Mortar Fire Controllers. When dismounted soldiers from the Pl are required to carry loads close to their own body weight, our soldiers have maintained the high levels of robustness demanded in the completion of the 2, 3, 5 and 8-mile fitness assessments, integrated with the practical application of mortar skills needed in combat. Following a 4 MERCIAN live fire package, planned and executed
by 1 MERCIAN, 10 of our junior soldier’s
now hold the prestigious role of qualified 1 MERCIAN Numbers.
international level. Adventurous training has included horse trekking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering and ice- climbing in the Rocky Mountains. In the UK we have also conducted parachuting and sub-aqua diving.
A huge well done to CSgt Franks, Sgt Fayle, Cpl Roberts and LCpl’s Enright, Fitzgerald and Tranter for their hard fought and well-deserved promotions.
Over summer most of the Platoon demonstrated its flexibility and broad skill
set in the Battalion deployment to BATUS, Canada. As Mortar Line Safety and Observer Mentors the NCOs proved themselves
to be utterly reliable in delivering safe but challenging live fire ranges for both mounted and dismounted platoons in the manoeuvre Battle Group context. Training in prolonged arduous conditions the
reminder of the men
showed depth of character,
self-discipline and hardiness
deploying as commanders,
riflemen and drivers within
armoured infantry and
ISTAR sub-units. We must
also not forget the hard
work and vital role of the
soldiers employed on ROG
during this time. Nor the key
role our DMIs played in ensuring the Battalion met the start state for driving qualifications.
It is not just being military specific, training our soldiers have been excelling in. Cpl Jones, LCpl Enright and Pte Tomkins have been training hard for the Bridge boxing night this December; a sport that requires great courage, motivation and self-discipline. A keen sportsman Pte Tomkins has also represented the Army in motocross. Pte Jarvis also attend the GB team training camp in Japan, a huge achievement at
Congratulations
‘The NCOs proved themselves to be utterly reliable in delivering safe but challenging live fire ranges’
to the 8 soldiers that completed promotional courses at the Mortar Division, Warminster, and Pte Gillver for finishing in the top third on his JNCO cadre.
Other highlights for the platoon have been the Army Warfare Experiment, Bulldog and CVRT
driver courses, winter
maintenance in BATUS, live firing on the FST Commanders course, live firing pistol, GMPG and rifle at Castlemartin
ranges, Team Medic courses and a battlefield study to France.
As the Mortar Platoon prepares for operational deployment to Estonia in 2019, 2018 is already forecast to be an exciting and fulfilling year. Castlemartin ranges, Adventurous Training, deployments to
both Canada and Oman and our enduring commitment to urban operations are already key events on our ever-expanding calendar.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
21