Reconnaissance Platoon – Capt Brown MC OC: 2ic:
Capt Brown MC CSgt Kennedy
As I write this article, the Reconnaissance Platoon is entering a very challenging period. Throughout Op Herrick 10, the Platoon was spread across both the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) Battle Group as well as providing a number of individuals to the 19 Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF). As such, we are now in the process of reforming as a Platoon. Between January and April, both Capt Brown and CSgt Kennedy, the new Platoon Commander and Second in Command respectively, completed the new ten week Light Reconnaissance Commander’s Course (LRRC) at the Land Warfare Centre. The Platoon also received a number of new members - some direct from the Infantry Training Centre and some from other Companies within the Battalion.
Since January, six members of the Platoon have made up the Basic Cadre on the LRCC, two of them (Ptes Mullin and Smetana) having joined the Battalion from Catterick just before Christmas and despite their lack of experience (both are only 17 years old!); they did exceptionally well and impressed everyone, both students and instructors. For the remainder of the cadre it was an excellent opportunity to brush up on some basic soldiering skills in the conventional environment which we have not had the opportunity to practice for some time due to the recent operational tour.
Those members of the Platoon not involved in the LRCC remained in Belfast and took part in the D (Fire Support) Company Cadres. The Reconnaissance Platoon contingent was split amongst the remaining D Company Platoons. The Reconnaissance soldiers had the chance to become trained on some weapon systems and have an insight into the workings of others. A number of members of the Platoon are now trained in the use of
CSgt Kennedy enjoying life in an observation post.
the Javelin Anti Tank weapon system which has previously proved to be an outstanding weapon system in Afghanistan. Over the coming weeks the Platoon will start working together for the first time in over 18 months:
Cpl Atherton acting as a Section signaller during the Light Reconnaissance Commander’s Course
this will be a challenging period building up to the Battalion exercise in Kenya in the autumn. The Platoon has a lot to pack in during a relatively short period starting with MATTs training at Ballykinler swiftly followed by Adventure Training, Signals Training, Driver Training, Ranges and the Battalion Skill at Arms Meeting! A busy few months lie ahead.
Machine Gun Platoon by Capt Browne
The Battalion returned from Op Herrick 10 in October 2009 after completing its role as the OMLT Battle Group. The Commanding Officer was in no doubt that, with another tour looming within two years, D (Fire Support) Company would need heavy investment after having been disbanded for the OMLT Rôle.
In January 2010, after the Post Tour and Christmas leave and a number of key personality changes, it was time for D (FSp) Company to re-form and get back to work! The Company organised a “Jobs Fair” and volunteers from across the Battalion signed up, with the Machine Gun Platoon attracting much interest. With both Lt Browne as Platoon Commander and the newly Machine Gun qualified 2i/c in the guise of CSgt Roberts at the helm, a new GPMG (SF) Cadre was swiftly and keenly organised. The Cadre was planned to run over a period of seven weeks and the Platoon now consisted of a mix of new recruits from ITC and the Companies as well as the old and bold originals. To ensure that all troops were on an equal footing, a beat-up week in-house at Palace Barracks was followed by a two week GPMG Light Rôle Cadre. The Platoon then deployed to Ballykinler Training Camp for three weeks. This was broken down into two phases: phase one (skill at arms) which lasted a week by which time everyone was confident and slick on the weapon system and phase two which moved into Machine Gun tactics and how best to deploy both the GPMG (SF) and other Machine Gun type weapon systems (such as HMG and GMG). Throughout both phases, the Platoon completed a number of tabs with complete SF kit taking in the striking views along the beach and finishing with a 20-miler from Magilligan Training camp up Binevenagh Mountain!
The final phase of the cadre took place at Warcop; this allowed the Platoon to put all of their training together, combining tactical and physical (section races and insertion tabs) aspects with a live fire package to complete the cadre. On the Platoon’s return to Palace Barrack, the CO presented the Platoon with their specialist qualification badges. Each member of the Platoon is now champing at the bit to put his newly- acquired training in direct fire into practice against the enemy if required on Op Herrick 15.
Javelin Platoon by Capt Lygo
Javelin Platoon hit the ground running at the start of 2010, blowing off the Christmas and New Year celebratory cobwebs by focussing on the re-formation of the Platoon and the running of the Javelin Operator’s cadre. The cadre, which lasted four weeks, is designed to qualify soldiers in the employment and firing of the Javelin weapon system. This would be conducted with two prospects firmly in our minds: firstly, Ex Askari Thunder in Kenya towards the end of the year, and, secondly, the rather quickly approaching Op Herrick 15 in 2011.
MG Platoon after their 20-miler 44 October 2010
The Javelin missile continues to be used frequently on operations; MOD has recognised its immense battle-winning
The Mercian Eagle
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