Troops get innovative on Salisbury Plain
Troops from the Queen's Royal Lancers stepped into their leaders’ boots as part of an innovative training exercise on Salisbury Plain.
The month-long Exercise FONDOUK LANCER 13 saw troops carrying out training roles one rank above themselves, as the manoeuvres tested the ability of troops and squadrons to carry out both mounted and dismounted reconnaissance tasks.
With a Squadron soon to be part of the Interim - Lead Armoured Battle Group (I-LABG) and with a BATUS tour for the Regiment next summer, this training was vital in confirming the firm foundations of reconnaissance soldiering after the success of Op HERRICK 17.
Over 300 soldiers and some 40 CVR(T) Scimitar and Spartan took part in the exercise which comprised both mounted and dismounted phases. Troops were taught on a range of subjects from Route Reconnaissance Patrols to Observation Posts, with time allocated for rehearsals prior to putting into practice what they had learnt.
Troops received innovative training that was designed to challenge them, as well as giving them the experience of working at the next level. It also allowed them to understand the challenges that the next-in-command face. Soldiers took part in original troop versus troop exercises designed to make training competitive and more exciting.
Major Alex Bowie, Officer Commanding D Squadron said:
“The exercise has been fantastic. We have been practicing some core reconnaissance skills and have put all of the troops through their paces in new, and what we believe are innovative ways.
“We’ve made the training different to what the troops may have been accustomed to really test the soldiers, but also to ensure that they remain receptive and learn. We couldn’t have asked for more from Salisbury Plain Training Area – it has provided the prefect backdrop for all this to take place.”
The soldiers were also challenged in delivering core skills in novel ways with Netheravon Airfield selected as a target for the Observation Post Phase. The exercise took place over the Plain from Warminster to Bulford and used locations such as Copehill Down, Westdown Camp and Imber Village for both real life support and for the delivery of the training scenario.
Salisbury Plain Training Area is maintained by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which delivers the training service, enabling defence training users to live, work, train and deploy at home and overseas.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Hiskett, Principal Training Safety Officer, DIO Operations Training South West, said:
“DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations. Salisbury Plain is a large and diverse training area and is ideal for exercises such as FONDOUK LANCER 13. We are pleased to be able to offer the environment and facilities that enable our military personnel to hone their skills in new and innovative ways.”
At over 38,000 hectares (94,000 acres), Salisbury Plain is the UK’s largest training area and offers first-class and diverse training facilities to enable the British Army to meet its training requirements to prepare for operations worldwide.
ENDS
Further information:
Press enquiries: Tony Moran, DIO Senior Communications Officer on 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk
Notes to Editors
1. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) plays a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces by building, maintaining and servicing what the men and women who serve our country need to live, work, train and deploy on operations. We are working hard to become even better by becoming a world-class infrastructure delivery organisation over the next few years.
2. DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties, as well as providing related support services, to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.
3. Our work includes supporting operational units by providing and improving single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, and its heritage is protected, and to achieve its environmental goals.
4. Picture captions - please credit 'Crown copyright/MOD 2013':
Troops from the Queen's Royal Lancers participate in Exercise FONDOUK LANCER 13 on Salisbury Plain.
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