2 Company OC and 2ic
Following on from the CFX came a week of operational firing on the ranges in Lydd and, as always, the Gurkha soldiers performed to the exceptional standard that is expected during any live-firing event. The Company then began to wind down for Christmas leave, again socialising with their Mercian counterparts during the Battalion’s Christmas Day although many took the opportunity to return to Nepal over the festive period.
The return from leave saw PDT continuing at a frantic pace as the Company sought to build upon its firm foundations, hammer home the skills it would require in Helmand and iron out any crinkles, of which there were few. The seasonal weather continued into the New Year and Catterick saw more than its fair share of snow. Sadly for everyone in the Company, it had not disappeared by the time we went to Otterburn to complete our live-firing exercise (CALFEX). Any time spent on live ranges is precious and the training value immense. Once we had got over the shock of feeling that we were training for war in Siberia rather than Afghanistan, the Platoons got stuck in and performed admirably. The added dimension of real rounds ensured that everyone focused extra hard and was keen to get it right first time. This they did and skills and drills were improved, giving the men that extra bit of confidence that comes with live-firing. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the exercise was the FOB defensive shoot at night. The Company and its attachments were able to bring down its full firepower onto the marauding enemy (who looked decidedly like Cold-War Figure 11s rather than the insurgents we were expecting!) who had the audacity to attack our FOB. It was quite a sight to see, made all the more effective by the cover of the night; all particularly enjoyed the ‘Star Wars’ effect of the HMG being employed by the FSG.
CALFEX complete and another ‘tick in the box’ achieved, the Company was able to pause, albeit briefly, in order to have a Company messing function and to welcome the Colonel of the Brigade of Gurkhas, Colonel David Hayes. It was a privilege to receive him for the second time since
The Mercian Eagle
Capt Lilijung tries out his best jokes during visit of HRH
the Company formed over a year ago. The boys were given an additional boost by the Colonel who remarked upon the Company’s impressive reputation and wished us all luck for the forthcoming tour.
The final hurdle of our PDT package was the Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX) to be conducted upon the windswept Salisbury Plain Training Area. Unfortunately for us, the weather had not improved and there was an obvious chill in the FOB, from which some are only just thawing out now. The exercise itself was a mixture of training and serial based scenarios. The scenarios varied greatly and, whilst not all were relevant to G Company’s likely Helmand taskings, they gave us an opportunity to prove our versatility. This was the first time that the Company had operated within a Battlegroup since Ex Grand Prix and served as a timely reminder of the chaotic nature of operations. This ensured that the boys had to think on their feet and, as always, expect the unexpected. Whilst at times this felt frustrating, in retrospect, the Company - and particularly the command element - benefited as we learnt to adapt and overcome the issues presented to us.
The return from Salisbury Plain marked the official end of our Pre-Deployment Training
package and the Company has been able to take stock of what we have learnt. The package has certainly been demanding, both physically and mentally. Kenya seems like a distant memory for most now and a great deal has happened since. The Company has grown in spirit and working relationships at all levels have been strengthened. It is genuinely pleasing to work within a Company that has a quiet confidence it its own ability and the individuals in that Company have confidence in each other. Similarly, we take great pride in the fact that our work has been recognised and appreciated by all those who have either appraised or assisted or just visited us throughout the last six months. This is entirely down to the selfless commitment shown day in, day out by the soldiers of G Company. They have worked tirelessly and can be justly proud of their achievements. The biggest test is yet to come. As our eyes begin to gaze eastwards towards Helmand Province and its uncompromising challenges, we can take comfort from the fact that the Company is in rude health and ready for what lies ahead. We are now all itching to get on the plane and we look forward to Op Herrick 12 and our subsequent safe return.
Jai G (Tobruk) Company!
Morale raiser. With page 3 girls on Freedom Parade, Chester October 2010 25
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