The 2020 training season has started with units preparing for next years deployments. This week First Fusiliers conducted training with 1 Estonian Brigade before deploying on Op CABRIT. Working with the Commander of 1 EST Bde and his staff enabled swift integration.

The battalion has deployed to Castlemartin Ranges for their annual gunnery and range camp. Despite Storm Brendan the Fusiliers have got stuck into some excellent ranges and are building on their skills from BATUS and Lydd last year.

A delivery of the first batch of Foxhound Protected Patrol Vehicles as been made to 1 MERCIAN. Training on them has already started, and next year MERCIAN soldiers will be using them to provide security in Kabul, Afghanistan when they deploy on Operation TORAL.

SURVITEC were invited to 1 MERCAIN to look at developing inflatable deployed Battlegroup HQ infrastructure (constructed in 4 mins!). The intention is to get the first bespoke design by April to trial with 1 Mercian in BATUS in Aug 20.

COMMAND CHANGES

Last week Lieutenant Colonel K P Rotchell formally assumed command of Bulford based Regiment Royal Military Police following a handover from Lt Col B Greaves

The event was marked by a parade outside RHQ, 3 RMP, with Lt Col Rotchell addressing his RHQ staff for the first time as Commanding Officer.

MASTER GUNNER VISITS

The Master Gunner, Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory visited 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. The day consisted of a Commanding Officer’s show and tell, followed by the presentation of LSGC medals to five seniors. He also presented Operational Medals to Maj Billups and SSgt Hemingfield, who received the General Service Medal with Western Africa clasp and Op SHADER medals respectively.

SKIING SUCCESSES

The Arms and Corps skiing camps have ended with many local units being successful as they prepare for the Divisional meeting.

The Royal Tank Regiment were placed first in both Alpine and Nordic disciplines in the Royal Armoured Corps meet with Lance Corporal Jones being crowned best individual skier.

At the Infantry meeting Royal Welsh came third in the Nordic with Fusilier Williams coming second in the junior 15km classic.