D (Fire Sp) Company
Introduction by OC D (Fire Support) Company
The re-forming of D (Fire Support) (FSp) Company was set as the Battalion main effort on return from Op Herrick 10. The Company has received a huge influx of soldiers, both new recruits and transfers from across the Battalion, following a Jobs Fair which we held in December. Last year, D (FSp) Company was split across the Brigade, with elements forming the backbone of the OMLT BG, supporting A & B Companies with the Light Dragoons Battle Group (LDBG), and a sizeable contribution to the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF). It was a considerable challenge, then, to re-establish all of the Specialist Platoons in short order but what an excellent challenge it has been. All of the Platoon chains of command have designed and held their cadres with great style, moulding their troops into tight-knit, cohesive Units. The mix of older, experienced FSp Company men with new recruits has brought a good balance to the training.
Having gone through the process of recuperating from Op Herrick 10, then rehabilitating and re-forming the Company, we are now ready to turn to the tasks ahead. The Company is being established to provide three Fire Support Groups and a strong Reconnaissance Platoon. The Fire Sp Gps will have all the integral assets one would expect - GPMG SF, Javelin, Snipers
The Mercian Eagle
and a Mortar Fire Control (MFC) Party - and should be capable of providing the Rifle Companies with all the capabilities required in the complex environments we will face first in Kenya and then on Op Herrick 15. The Recce Pl is being manned in line with the latest doctrinal evolutions taking place in Land Warfare Centre and building on experiences gained in 19 Brigade BRF. Recce will consist of the Recce Platoon, a Team of four snipers and a number of sharpshooters, two GPMG(SF), two Javelin and an MFC Party, making it a strong body which should be capable of conducting the Find and Disrupt tasks which are anticipated, whilst being strong enough to look after itself. It is an evolving concept and we look forward to testing and adjusting it on Ex Askari Thunder.
But this year has not all been about military skills. Every man in the Company will take part in Adventure Training, with those who came top of their respective cadres going to Spain for a week of multi-activity holiday as a reward for their hard work. Sports clubs have re-emerged with the arrival of Spring, with the Company heading up Triathlon, Mountain Biking, running and even Yoga! Following the cadres, the troops have been hard at work with education (numeracy and literacy being key) and learning to drive. The
Sniper Platoon is training hard to represent the Battalion at the Divisional Skill at Arms Meeting (SAAM) and at Bisley and the Company Boxing Squad is looking forward eagerly to 9th July!
As ever, each New Year brings large changes in key personnel. The Company has bid farewell to WO2 Barnett (posted to 4 MERCIAN) to CSgt Harding (posted to OPTAG) and to Sgt Leach (posted to SRTAW). Sgt Jones from Recce is on RMAS Instructor Selection. Capt Agnew left the Mortar Platoon to take over as Adjutant at Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick. A few soldiers still require medical care following Herrick tours and I would like to express how much they remain in our thoughts as do the families of those soldiers who did not return.
Finally, it is worth highlighting how proud the Company is to have received some honours in the recent Operational Awards List. In a list of over 140 awards, Sgt Dennis was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, Maj Grant and Capt Brown were each awarded the Military Cross, Capt Hadland was Mentioned in Dispatches and WO2 Chatterley was awarded the Joint Commanders’ Commendation.
October 2010 43
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