9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2002 - Page 0061
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2002 |
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REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) 59 serving here, I have heard that BiH is only maintained as an operational theatre to champion NATO as a success story. I do not necessarily believe this, as I think that the soldiers here are fulfilling an integral part of the mandate to provide a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE). An alternative thought, worth pondering is level of the SASE that NATO is trying to achieve, and indeed whether this level is attainable in a country with such a turbulent past? Additionally, the countless less glorious and implied tasks that are achieved, many without recognition, help everyday life in a difficult habitat. My thoughts are that the reduction will take place simultaneously to a change in the level of troops provided by certain NATO countries, or indeed PfP countries. No doubt with the ongoing developments throughout other parts of the world, there will certainly be some change, hopefully a seamless and peaceful one. NEGW Annual Firing 2002 he year 2002 saw a great deal of activity in the Training world in preparation for Annual Firing due to start in February 02. The Batman and Robin team of Capt Bilyard and SSgt Welborn became the caped crusaders of all aspects of gun- nery with a series of missions and aims that would even make the joker cry. As the firing training progressed it was evident that this may be the last range period for some time and that all aspects needed to be covered. And so it was that all variant crews were called to face the music along with the hardcore 30mm gunners. The training went well in camp and all personnel required to were soon ready to deploy onto the ranges. The firing period lasted two weeks and included the following: All three Sqns firing 30mm up to and including Annual Section Tests (AST). All three GW Troops deploying onto range 1A and firing all allocated missiles. All variants in the regiment deploying and their relevant com- manders (lessWOZ Tony Price who was too busy) firing either Annual Crew tests (ACT) or the Initial Gunners Test (IGT). The finale to the firing camp was a dymamic CO’s shoot which all Sabre Troops took a part in and which involved a withdraw- al in contact against a fictitious enemy array of targets. The firing camp of 2002 can be summed up and remembered as the first time since 1985 that the Regiment deployed all vehicles onto the ranges at the same time and fired every Regimental vehicle successfully. Ironically the last time this happened was when the Regiment was previously stationed in Hohne. Equally it is worth remembering that this is the first firing camp in the RAC where every 30mm vehicle has passed every test on the first attempt. This leads us nicely into the unknown confident and current on all weapon systems, before the season of Gunnery 2003 is upon us ready to show one and all that the performances of 2002 can be repeated... to be continued. ARMTAT here are currently three members of the Regiment working for the Armour Training Advisory Team (ARMTAT), Lt Col Bennett and SSgts Hayes and Smart. ARMTAT, based in Sennelager, works directly for the Land Warfare Collective Training Group (Germany) under the overall direction of the Land Warfare Centre based in Warminster, where another 9th/12th Lancer, Col Mackaness, is the Chief of Staff. In prac- tice we like to consider ourselves as part of HQ 1(UK) Armoured Division’s Training Wing and we have a very good relationship with the Headquarters. Our main focus is the provision of train- ing support to one of the three armouredbrigades and its battle- groups during its Training Year. As such, we deploy to the Drasko Pomorski Training Area in Poland for about 3 months every year to assist the combined arms manoeuvre training. ARMTAT form part of the Field Training Group whose role is to provide Observer Controllers to each sub unit and to assist them in their low level training progression. This is a very rewarding and worthwhile if demanding role and much depends on the personality and experience of the SNCOs who are per- forming it. The team members have already performed the job of Troop Sergeant in their regiments and this is their opportuni- ty to pass on their expertise and knowledge to a wider training audience. Unfortunately, this year’s brigade level exercise in Poland was cancelled and replaced with a logistics exercise where SSgt Smart found himself observing an RMP Company. He developed a rather disturbing level of intimacy with them, and we are convinced that he turned ‘coppers’ nark’ as he is now able to drive at whatever speed he likes unimpeded by the long arm of the law. SSgt Hayes suffered momentarily from an unex- pected bout of flexibility, but following extensive and rather intrusive investigation, this sudden lapse was treated and he made a full recovery. The rest of the team could not believe that such a condition was possible in this person and were all treated for shock. ARMTAT are also responsible for advising, assisting and analysing armoured and formation reconnaissance regiments on their gunnery at Bergen-Hohne Ranges SSgt Hayes, Lt Co/ Bennet, SSgt Smart during the British Firing Periods, which comprises a total of 9 weeks a year. We are responsible to DRAC for implementing the Army Shooting Policy, ensuring high standards of gunnery and the sharing ofbest practice. To pass constructive comment on other regiments’ performance and training is a tremendous privilege and one that is taken extremely seriously. The best aspect of the job for all of the team members is the constant professional and social contact we have with the other RAC regiments in Germany, which is extremely beneficial. The 9th/12th Lancer members of the team are able to see a great deal of the Regiment during the range periods in Hohne and makes them feel a little less homesick. |
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