Ex Noble Jump

3rd Bn The RIFLES LAD

OC LAD: Capt Sean Hunter ASM: WO1 Michael Foster Scribe: Cfn Niamh Brookes

Ex NOBLE JUMP 2 - Romania

Elements of 3 RIFLES LAD deployed on Ex NOBLE JUMP from April until July as part of NATOs Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). The exercise consisted of over 5,000 troops from 13 different nations, providing a great insight into other nation’s capabilities, whilst also providing opportunities for some inter-operability activities. Fire Support Coy Ftr Sect, led by SSgt Moore, provided the 3 RIFLES 1st line ES, supporting over 35 platforms of predominantly Jackal and MAN SVs. The limited knowledge about the terrain, coupled with the geographical reach and logistical constraints meant that the deployment would be challenging throughout.

Following a substantial period at sea, the fleet arrived at Constanta Port and embarked on a 500km road move across Romania to Cincu. Despite generating some ES workload along the way, the troops enjoyed the opportunity to travel on the famous Transfagarasan highway, which was featured in the ‘Romanian Road Trip’ episode of Top Gear and was branded by Jeremy Clarkson as one of

the greatest roads to drive in Europe. This enlightened what was a testing phase of the exercise, despite the news that two Jackal gearboxes would require our attention when we finally reached Cincu.

Being attached to an Infantry sub-unit, it presented the Coy Ftr Sect with numerous opportunities to participate in some low-level military training. Range packages were aplenty, and this allowed junior tradesmen to hone their skills on various weapon systems such as the Glock, HMG and GMG. Cfn Brookes displayed her marksmanship talent on the Glock weapon system on more than one occasion, showing up several Infantrymen. The Joint Allied Power Demonstration Day (JAPDD) was a major event of the Ex STEADFAST DEFENDER 21, designed to demonstrate the collective defence capabilities and fire power that NATO is capable of at short notice. Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) was provided by Fire Support Coy with the inclusion of 9 Jackals, designed to operate at high speeds over rough terrain.

With the current climate of COVID-19, AT and excursion opportunities were at a premium, but the Coy Ftr Sect were able to deploy out and visit Dracula’s Castle in Brasov. There was also some free fitness on offer, mountain biking through the Carpathian Mountains and a worthwhile day trip to enjoy the local towns and culture. The deployment finished on a high with Cpl Philp receiving a CO’s coin for his outstanding technical and leadership abilities and contribution throughout the exercise.