Welsh training area supports troops' Afghanistan preparation
Soldiers from 2 RIFLES upped the tempo at a Welsh training area, as they prepared for their important role of protecting troops, running the Media Operations Centre and escorting the British media and VIPs when they deploy to Kabul later this year.
Some 96 soldiers from 2 RIFLES’ B Company, took part in the week-long exercise at the Caerwent Training Area, which forms part of a wider package of training to practise all aspects of the Company’s role.
The troops carried out a range of training activities during their week-long stay in Monmouthshire. They conducted mobile patrols from Forward Operating Bases, sentry and guard duties. Soldiers also practised Quick Reaction Force tasks and techniques to prepare them for sudden and unexpected situations.
To mimic reality the soldiers carried out high-tempo mounted patrols, up to three times faster than what they may encounter in reality, covering everything from journalist escorts to mass casualty extractions.
The exercise was based in Foxhound and Civilian Armoured Vehicles, which gave the soldiers the opportunity to get to grips with the vehicles and tactics needed in the mounted role that they will carry out in Kabul.
While not deployed on routine patrol, the Riflemen have also been learning about other mission specific skills such as life saving, first aid under fire – using the Bowman radio – compound clearance, and language skills in Dari, the most widely spoken language in Kabul.
Major Shercliff, Officer Commanding, 2 RIFLES B Company said:
“Caerwent Training Area is an ideal place in which to train and test our troops. There are not only over 400 buildings and bunkers on the site, but also an operating railway and comprehensive road system - ideal for logistics exercises and driver training.
“This training area provides my soldiers with the opportunity to increase their collective armoured expertise and prepare for the urban challenges that will face them in Kabul.”
Caerwent 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.
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Further information:
Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Senior Communications Officer 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk
DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio
Twitter: @mod_dio
Read DIO’s blog: https://insidedio.blog.gov.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.
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.
4) 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. Picture caption – please credit ‘Crown copyright/MOD 2014’:
Solders from The Rifles on exercise in Caerwent.
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