6 minute read
3 RIFLES LAD: Ex TERMINUS STRIKE
OC LAD: Capt Sean Hunter ASM: WO1 Michael Foster AQMS: WO2 Tom Ashton
Introduction
Advertisement
On the 27 Sept 21, 3 Rifles LAD deployed on Ex TERMINUS STRIKE (TS) a Heavy Mechanised Strike exercise, utilising the Bn’s Mastiff, Wolfhound and Ridgeback (MRW) fleet. The exercise was conducted across Otterburn, Kielder Forest, RAF Spadeadam and Galloway Forest training areas; with tactical road moves between each. A, B and C Company each completed a 2-week rotation supported by BHQ and G4 enablers including an FRT from 6 Bn REME.
The ES challenges faced by such a complex exercise were the perfect opportunity for the LAD to develop its soldiers and complete Battlecraft Syllabus (BCS) training in a realistic and technically challenging environment. Stretching the C2, spares chain and critical ES timelines across the country.
Including the preparation and closedown phases, Ex TS consumed 3 Rifles LAD from 27 Sep 21 to 3 Dec 21 and many valuable lessons were learnt. We quickly realised the main theme of the exercise was going to be recovery. The Bn MRW Drivers and Commanders were tested to their limits, attempting to tactically manoeuvre the 30T vehicles X-country through boggy terrain, around tight logging tracks in the forests and on road moves utilising both A and B roads; to varying degrees of success. In true British fashion the northern weather was not kind, throwing rain, sleet, and snow at us from all angles
Receiving rations as part of the replen
and ensuring the boggy bits were nice and deep.
Throughout Ex TS, the LAD provided imbedded exercising ES and an RLS function by means of a Fitter Section rotation. Each Section transitioning between exercising troops, 2nd line support and ROG to support each phase of the exercise. Just to make this slightly more complicated, 3 Rifles LAD also had to complete a HOTO the week before deploying, of our own MRW fleet that had been on loan to an external unit.
On the 27 Sept 21, C Company Fitter Section led by SSgt Fitzsimons deployed to Catterick in conjunction with FSp Coy Fitter Section, to conduct a HOTO of our MRW fleet with 4 SCOTS. Working alongside 4 SCOTS LAD to service, inspect and repair the fleet ready for deployment, was a great experience. Although we worked long hours, we knew it was key to setting the conditions for the Ex.
The work involved major assembly changes, including suspension leaf springs and complete axle assemblies to name but a few. Our new Class 3’s quickly gained valuable experience, learning how to diagnose and repair faults and the reality of working long hours to get the job done. This phase allowed them to complete a large amount of their 3-2 Trade Proficiency Development Booklet (TPDB) and gave me the opportunity to mentor the new members of the Section. After two weeks of hard graft, C Coy facilitated the relocation of 19 MRWs to Otterburn training area, ready to commence the RSOI.
MRW spring replacement
Scribe: Cfn Baker (B Coy Fitters) – Exercise Phase
As a Class 2 Vehicle Mechanic, I deployed forward as a Wolfhound driver as part of B Coy Fitter Section led by SSgt Bibby. Due to the poor terrain, coupled with inexperienced drivers, we spent most of our days inspecting and forward repairing vehicles once they had been recovered from bogs and ditches. My highlight of the exercise despite becoming temporarily
Mastiff recovery
constrained by mud several times, we always managed to selfrecover, preventing us from having to furnish a handsome Recovery Mechanic with some Cadbury Celebrations. With the exception of mud, the biggest challenge was operating across such a large area and transiting on civilian roads. I found the exercise a very valuable experience; demonstrating our ability to work at reach with stretched supply chains.
Scribe: LCpl Mitchell (A Coy Fitters) – Real Life Support
A Coy Fitter Section led by SSgt Staples initially deployed to Otterburn in Oct 21 to conduct RLS for B Coy’s rotation. From the moment we arrived, we found ourselves working long days to ensure B Coy could meet their start state and were sustained throughout. A major learning experience for us was the options we had to procure ES MAT, as well as utilising the correct demand priorities and stores processes. During the RLS phase we utilised both the DRS and local purchase avenues and learned a lot about how the stores systems worked; which will inevitably benefit us on future deployments. My highlight of the exercise was WO2 Ashton’s ES MAT BCS lesson which ensured a good night’s sleep was had by all that evening.
Scribe: LCpl Parkes (Recovery Section) – Endless Recovery taskings
With the first recovery task coming on day one during a routine occupation of a Coy Hide, the Recovery Section lead by Sgt “Scotty” Creighton consisted of LCpl “Mac” McDonald, LCpl “Parky” Parkes and LCpl “Russell” Farthing knew we were in for a tough time. Despite operating 2 crews with 2 SVRs, the workload at periods was intense.
Kielder and Galloway Forest often proved to be the most difficult terrain for the MRW fleet with tight narrow tracks, even the slightest deviation off the gravel would end up with the vehicle taking a nosedive into a ditch. Taskings came thick and fast and often when we were called out, we generally didn’t see your bed until the early hours of the morning. By the time the first rotation was completed, we had conducted 15 complex Jib and Winch jobs and it seemed like they would never end. It was safe to say that “Mac”, “Parky” and I missed the warm comforts of camp routine.
Midway through the second rotation, we began to have mechanical problems with one of the SVRs, which had to return to contractors for a complex fuel problem. Reduced to one SVR at the end of the second rotation, B Coy just managed to pip C Coy in the race for most recovery tasks, including the temporary closure of the A75.
Lulled into a false sense of security on the third rotation, everything started off so quiet, until A Coy arrived in RAF Spadeadam. Vehicle after vehicle came off the tracks with no sign of stopping. 8 Jib and Winch jobs later, a new record had been set for the most jobs in one day.
The exercise will live long in the memory due to it being my first as a Recovery Mechanic, and how much of a steep learning curve it was. I have managed to pick up some vital tips and experience along the way, which will set me up for my future in the recovery world. I certainly look forward to the next deployment.
Summary
Ex TS was a very valuable experience for 3 Rifles LAD to test its abilities in the field. Having only recently restructured to Coy Fitter Sections, it was the first opportunity for the LAD to deploy on mass in support of each other and the Bn.
The ES challenges we faced, highlighted several areas for development, but also demonstrated the organic capabilities available to support the Bn if tasked with a large-scale deployment. These lessons learnt will underpin how we operate as a Heavy Mechanised LAD in the future and will shape future training for 3 Rifles LAD in 2022.
