Page 52 - Mercian Eagle 2017

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Jungle Warfare Instructors Course
Cpl Mumby
Upon being asked to attend the Jungle Warfare Instructors Course (JWIC) in Brunei, I was slightly apprehensive as to what it entailed. However, upon speaking to colleagues that had done it previously, they advised me to prepare myself for what is an arduous course, consisting of seven weeks of blood, sweat and tears. Notwithstanding this, they confirmed that it is an unforgettable experience, one to be jumped at.
With that being said, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands as places on the course are limited and in extremely high demand. We had two jungle warfare instructors in the Battalion. Details of those attending was very pleasing; I discovered that the other two section commander’s
in my Platoon, Cpl Hallam and Cpl McDermott would be joining me, along with 2Lt O’Connell. Knowing I was in good company helped settle my nerves, coupled with obtaining the joining instructions.
After meeting all the course participants at the Infantry Battle
School in Brecon, we
were swiftly on our
Cpl Mumby conducting LFTT in Brunei
way to Heathrow with
all our baggage. After
a stopover in Dubai
en route to Brunei, we
arrived at Medicina
Lines. The first few
days focused largely
on acclimatisation and
course content, as well
as theoretical lessons
covering jungle SOPs,
survival, and close country and tropical environment (CCTE) tactical considerations; all whilst trying to adapt to the heat and humidity.
Throughout the course, the lessons were very intense. They delved into extreme detail in all areas of the course; it was imperative that we made notes and revised in the evenings as we would soon be tested on each element. Upon completion of acclimatisation, we completed the military swim test (MST) personal
fitness assessment (PFA) and a medical assessment to ensure we were ready to deploy into the jungle.
Having been deemed ready to deploy into the jungle, the individual skills phase (ISP) consisted of basic survival skills,
such as gathering food, erecting shelters, gathering water and making fire. We were then assessed on our competence on each of these topics by the directing staff (DS). Following this, we trained extensively on jungle navigation. This is a very important skill as it is incredibly easy to get lost,
As the final exercise
approached, a lot of
people were relieved to
have got to this stage in
the course; such is the
reputation of JWIC. We
unfortunately lost many
along the way due to
injuries, failures and
other complications.
We deployed on the
final exercise via troop carrier vehicles, ridgeback boats and lynx helicopters, in order to cross the grueling terrain. As we
Cpl Mumby conducts a CTR
were deep into the jungle the only way out in emergency was via helicopter. We deployed with 90lbs
worth of kit, made up
of six litres of water, rations and ammunition. Whilst this course
may seem particularly onerous, it will be the best experience you will ever have; I certainly came away believing
it. The instructors are outstanding in this area and I would consider them to be real subject matter
experts.
primarily due to the visibility being down to 5 metres at times, and the requirement to constantly have to count pacing’s and patrol on a bearing.
Upon completion
of the first two weeks, I felt we had a good understanding of
how to conduct and administrate ourselves
in the jungle environment. It must be stressed that this needs to be at the highest standard to conduct successful operations and remain effective. The next five weeks consisted of constant theory and practical lessons both in and out of the jungle.
We covered riverine operations, live fire
and tactical training and reconnaissance training. This training ensured we were at a high standard, ready for the final exercise; eight days in duration.
‘Upon completion of the first two weeks, I felt we had a good understanding of how to conduct and administrate ourselves in the jungle environment’
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
‘As we were deep into the jungle the only way out in emergency was via helicopter’