Page 27 - Cormorant 2019

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NATO pallets of rations, with a stacked height of 7.7 miles! Enjoying a rare bout of autumn sunshine, we were walked through a number of demonstrations, including Reception, Staging and Onward Integration, fuel and ammunition resupply (including a particularly impressive example of just how vast an area
resupply at this scale takes place), and medical and engineering support.
A highlight was the Urban Operations Demonstration, delivered by B (Rorke’s Drift) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, A Squadron, King’s Royal Hussars
and an Armoured Engineer Troop from 22 Engineer Regiment. Simulating a deliberate attack on an occupied town, this pyrotechnic-filled display showcased the utility of the Challenger 2 tank in conducting the initial fire support before troops were inserted in the Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle. Dismounted infantry cleared buildings, and Apache Attack Helicopters provided air support. It was an incredible effort by all involved that really showed how the close fight is conducted in the urban operating environment.
So, what were the takeaways from the visit? First was the high calibre and enthusiasm of the British Army’s personnel. All ranks from private soldier to senior officer showed selfless commitment, courage and dedication. Impressively confident, the more junior personnel gave particularly valuable insights. Second was the need to develop the Army’s equipment inventory, notable in the absence of a flagship programme such as the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier or the F-35 Lightning II fast jet which are equipping the other two services. Finally, it was the magnitude of the challenge faced by the Service to move beyond the expeditionary-focus
of the past 20 years and re-establish its ability to
fight a more advanced enemy at a greater scale: an ambitious goal, but one that the Land Combat Power Visit demonstrated is within the British Army’s grasp.