Page 79 - Mercian Eagle 2017
P. 79
Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL
In preparation for this year Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL, the 4th Battalion has been hard training a small cadre of individuals into its’ Patrols Platoon, and have competed in the Italian Raid Commando’s LOMBARDIA Military skills competition.
As part of the uplift in training, personnel have undergone an extensive regime of navigation across rough and unfamiliar terrain in the UK and the lower foothills
of the Italian Alps. For entry into the LOMBARDIA competition, 4MERCIAN
The Patrols Platoon at Altcar Ranges having successfully completed the Sharpshooter ACMT
personnel were required to become proficient with the usage of the L129A1 Sharpshooter. Besides the significant training value of shooting at a longer
range for the soldiers involved, it was a great retention exercise as most never get to handle such a weapon. Additionally, combining the many skills (Battlefield First Aid, Urban CQB etc) into challenging scenarios the soldiers of 4MERCIAN Patrols Platoon will be more than ready for the PATROL.
On the range with Berretta
The shortest distance between two points can mean an abseil
The pre-patrol meal – continental style
The Patrols
LOMBARDIA
Ex LOMBARDIA saw the 4th Battalion deploy 2 teams of 4 to the Italian
Raid Commandos showcase patrol competition in the Lombard region of Italy in May of this year. In the same vein as Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL,
this competition tested not only the endurance and steadfastness of the teams in a 48km patrol but also the abilities of a small reconnaissance team to complete a wide range of tasks,
such as calling for indirect fire, C-IED clearance, house clearance and an anti- armour/personnel ambush. To add that extra spice to an otherwise interesting patrol, teams of various nationalities were often paired for certain scenarios, with no common language!
Needless to say, both teams put in a fantastic performance achieving a very respectful top ten and top third placing, and ensuring an enduring place on future patrol training.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
77
