Op CABRIT 7

Operation CABRIT 7

From motor shows and cadres through to working with Allied Forces, working as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence isn’t all mud and snow.

Scribe: Lt V Naker - EMELt

5 RIFLES LAD is nearing the end of their deployment on Operation CABRIT 7 as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Estonia. The BG LAD led by 5 RIFLES also comprises of elements from the Fitter Sects of D Sqn (QRH), 5 AES (22 Engr Regt), Chestnut Tp (1 RHA), 5 Armd Coy (3 Bn REME), 3 Regt RLC and 27 Regt RLC. A deployment under the context of COVID-19 has presented new challenges to overcome but, as expected, the tradesmen’s output and morale has remained high. The LAD is responsible for maintaining c.470 items of equipment, both armoured and wheeled, including bespoke platforms providing niche capabilities. All personnel are also permanently held at either six hours or 12 hours NTM.

The workload has been demanding, testing individuals in conditions foreign to what they are usually accustomed to. Despite this, they have found time to exploit some of the excellent extracurricular opportunities available in Estonia. These have included; skiing, ice-driving, motor shows and battlefield studies.

The BG did a brilliant job to ensure that Christmas felt as festive as it would do back home; consistent snow on the ground went a long way to helping! Decorations, Christmas trees and ‘gunfire’ on the day are just some of the ways in which we were able to embrace the Christmas spirit. A massive thank you goes to those organising Operation CHRISTMAS BOX which gave each member of the BG something to open on Christmas Day. Finally, the biggest thanks are reserved for the friends and family back home. The support received during these testing times has not gone unnoticed and we are all looking forward to some well-deserved time off together in April. But for now, here’s what we’ve been up to so far…

HOTO

Scribe: LCpl Thomas, VM 2, HQ Coy Ftr Sect

Christmas on operations

Op CABRIT 7 started for much of the LAD at the end of August, with a two-week isolation period at either The Defence Academy in Shrivenham, AKA ‘The Hilton’, or the far less glamorous settings of Swynnerton and Capel Curig. Following the usual ‘on the bus, off the bus’ exploits at South Cerney and Brize Norton, we arrived in Estonia at the start of September. We immediately rolled into a HOTO with the previous LAD, exchanging a full BG’s worth of equipment within a small window. Usual challenges were faced due to a short turnaround; nevertheless, we soon gave a socially distanced wave goodbye to our comrades and wished them a safe trip back. With the HOTO now complete, there was limited time to prepare vehicles for the upcoming exercise phase – so we cracked on. A validation ALERTEX was soon called by 1st Estonian Bde to judge how quickly the BG can react to an imminent threat. As expected, the ALERTEX was called in the early hours of the morning. Everyone quickly rubbed the sleep from their eyes and made best speed towards, firstly, the armoury and then to the vehicle sheds. Watching and listening to the noise generated as an entire armoured BG’s worth of equipment formed up within their Combat Teams was truly impressive. The number of vehicles that made it to the FUP was a real testament to efforts of the various REME attachments. Once all were present and accounted for, we rumbled out the gate, deploying onto the Central Training Area (CTA) and into Op FURIOUS BUGLE…

Op FURIOUS BUGLE –Interoperability Training with Danish and Estonian Forces

Scribe: Cfn Gurung, VM 2, 5 AES Ftr Sect

October was a busy month with the Fitter Section deploying on Op FURIOUS BUGLE (CT1 - CT3)

Recovery Mechanics at work during Op FURIOUS BUGLE

from 29 September - 10 October. The exercise took place outside Tapa Camp, on the CTA.

During the first phase of the Operation, D Sqn ran through the basic principles of operating as an Armoured Sqn, moving into conducting a SOC 4 (Obs Xing) using TITAN, TROJAN and TERRIER to provide mobility support.

Moving into the CT3 phase, the Squadron was broken down into Combat Teams, supporting A Coy 5 RIFLES, D Sqn QRH and Vidar Coy from the Danish Contingent. I was part of Combat Team 2 operating in the CRARRV crew working with both D Sqn and Vidar Coy. The marshy, forested swampland of central Estonia was new to the majority of the vehicle drivers and commanders, differing significantly from the UK and BATUS. We were kept busy providing recovery to vehicles getting stuck in the soft sand, whilst simultaneously supporting the T3 Fleet.

During the Op, I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to work alongside our NATO counterparts. We had a chance to work with both the Estonian and Danish Armies, improving our interoperability, mutual respect and confidence.

ENDEX was called with a crew photo and we looked forward to the week ahead - preparing kit to re-deploy on Op FURIOUS AXE in Latvia…

Op IRON SPEAR – Multinational Gunnery Competition

Scribe: Cpl Smith, Armr 1, 6 Bn REME attached to D Sqn QRH (The Black Pigs) Ftr Sect

As an Armourer, I have had very few chances in my career to go to multinational competitions. In October, I gained this opportunity as part of the support team for the IRON SPEAR Gunnery Competition. This was hosted in Latvia by the Canadian BG, who are currently sharing a multinational camp in Adazi. The eFP Estonia BG entered two CHALLENGER 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) and a WARRIOR Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) to compete with.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and some of the Squadron still being on exercise in Estonia, we deployed as a small support team. The competition was a sight to behold with 12 nations competing for the two trophies; Best MBT and Best AFV.

The main attraction for all was the CHALLENGER 2. Most nations were in a LEOPARD variant and the French brought the LECLERC, yet, despite its age, the CHALLENGER still drew the largest crowd. This year was the first year for the AFV event and we took a WARRIOR from A Coy 5 RIFLES. The WARRIOR was up against CV90s and held its own. Overall, the Norwegians put in an amazing performance and won both categories.

After three days of competition, there was a fire power demonstration conducted by day and night. Each nation lined their equipment up on the firing point and obliterated the targets in front of them. Artillery fire and air support, from two Eurofighter Typhoons flying only meters above the viewing platform, accompanied the barrage. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am pleased I got the chance to be a part of it.

Op FURIOUS AXE – 1st Estonian Brigade Integration and Validation Exercise

Scribe: Cpl Henderson, Tech 1, 1 RHA Ftr Sect

The Chestnut Troop Fitter section, from 1 RHA, deployed on Op FURIOUS AXE to support a fleet of AS90s, WARRIORs, BULLDOGs and variety of B Fleet. The Section was right to it

Recovery Mechanics at work during Op FURIOUS AXE

with jobs coming in straight off the HETS. Within 24 hours we had already diagnosed a charging fault on a WR 514, leading to the team doing what REME does best, and working late into the night with a pack lift. We finally felt at home.

Following this, the fleet deployed onto the area where, due to the undulating ground, tracks were getting thrown left, right and centre. Shortly after, it was ‘job on’ for the 512-crew, heading out to pull a BULLDOG that had thrown a track and then taking the lead with helping the crew put their track back together. Sadly, our own vehicles caved in on us, which kept the VMs and Tech occupied with two charging faults for the 512 and the ‘Tiffy’ bus. However, the positive was that Cfn Hicks is now a subject matter expert in the removal and fitting of fuel pumps, having changed numerous BULLDOG pumps within the first week, including his own!

The first week was over and it was onto the live firing phase for the guns. After a steady week before, the Armourers were ready for it to step up a gear and so it did. Sgt Witcomb utilised some unorthodox engineering methods to fire the last round of the day off; his work was recognized and rewarded with a CO’s coin. The Recovery Mechanics also had their work cut out for them that week, with the CRARRV on standby for the sub units remaining in Latvia. Jobs came in day and night. Cold and wet, the Recovery Mechanics embraced it, as they do, and got the job done on every occasion. On their return they were welcomed back like heroes, to 5-star REME accommodation with ponchos and a fire set up; some solid foundation training for the CWOC course in January. All in all, it was a successful deployment for the Fitter Section and an enjoyable one too with high morale throughout. We even managed to get a couple of games of cricket in, with a record of one win and one loss - don’t expect to see us in the REME Cricket Team any time soon!

Op IRON WOLF - NATO BG vs BG Light Role Training

Scribe: Cpl Sanderson, VM 1, FSp Coy Ftr Sect

It was Wednesday 4 November and it was time to deploy on Operation IRON WOLF, to demonstrate Allied capabilities for collective defence and deterrence across the Baltic States and Poland.

Starting with a surprisingly late Armoury timing of 0700hrs to collect weapons, we mounted up in our vehicles ready for the long haul through Estonia, Latvia and finally into Lithuania. The highlight of the journey was the blue light escort we received whilst driving through Latvia.

A quick and precise brief from the Latvian police, and our orders were…. “Do not worry about adhering to speed limits or slowing down for speed cameras! Keep the gaps closed and we (the Latvian Police) will control the civilian traffic.” The police were true to their word and controlled everything in a well-rehearsed and professional manner. Whether it was stopping traffic at a junction or using appropriate force with oncoming traffic, they made sure the convoy had plenty of space on the road. One breakdown and 15 hours later, we arrived at our final destination; a disused and ageing ceramic factory.

During the exercise, we experienced very little equipment failure, obviously because the FSp Ftr Sect always maintains its fleet to the highest possible standard. This resulted in only a few VM jobs and Cfn Easton having to repair two weapons. This gave him time to become fully acquainted with the modern equivalent of the ‘puffing billy’, ensuring that we constantly had a hot brew at hand.

Cfn Delieu, demonstrating the ‘Soldier First’ ethos, had his kit packed and prepped. He deployed on the ground in a light role with the Company. Recce Pl took him under their wing, enjoying the fact they were able to pay him back for all the ‘level 1’ work he had given them. His efforts throughout the ‘recce’ taskings have not gone without credit. Upon hearing of a REME tradesman deploying out of his primary role and holding his own in some bleak conditions, the Lithuanian Brigade Commander awarded him with a coin. A very notable achievement, showing the experienced soldiers of Fire Support Coy, that we, tradesmen, can live up to our REME motto… Arte et Marte!

The BG LAD

Tartu Motor Show

Scribe: LCpl Smith, Tech 2, 5 Armd Coy, 3 Bn REME

In October, members of 5 Armd Coy from 3 Bn REME, had the opportunity to attend the Tartu Motor Show.

The show was attended by members of the public and personnel from the eFP BG, who were there to showcase the vehicles and equipment used by ourselves. Because of this, entry to the show was free; an offer too good to miss out on!

The show itself had a lot to offer, no matter your interests. Whether you prefer two or four wheels, or even mobile homes, there was something there for you. There was even an opportunity to see some

astonishing restored cars. The attention and engineering proficiency given to them was something which all, let alone REME, could appreciate.

Overall having this opportunity whilst out on operations was amazing and enjoyed by all; perhaps due to the fact it offered a brief respite. Seeing the engineering achievements of the vehicles, whether they were restored or modern, was brilliant.

PNCO Cadre

Scribe: Cfn McAdam, VM 2, A Coy Ftr Sect

Faced with the harsh winter of Estonia, five members of the BG LAD attended an Infantry PNCO Cadre. After surviving the first day’s arduous eight miler, which saw a pass rate of under 50%, Cfn McAdam, Cfn Tabron, Cfn Sutcliffe, Cfn Westall and LCpl Roslyn were off to a good start. Soon to be housed for up to six weeks in stunning 5-star accommodation (a hangar), the students could not wait to start their daily training.

The cadre covered ADLP, M Qual, K Qual, DTTT and daily outdoor PT sessions that were a shock to the system (“Rats!”). Nonetheless, the REME contingent kept up with the group and finished every session; giving the Infantry a run for their money. In the final exercise the cadre deployed onto Soodla Training Area. Temperatures had dropped into the negative and the ground was covered with snow. Initially living under ponchos, the students had to be moved into arctic tents.

The exercise allowed the REME students to use weapons that they would not normally use, as well as experience Infantry tactics that we would not typically see. Despite stagging on, we got more sleep on some nights than we were used to, as we temporarily left the pack lifts behind us. The long days and short nights turned out to be no issue for the REME personnel, who all passed the course. Although it was a very tough cadre, which took us out of our comfort zones, it was a great opportunity to be tested in arduous conditions and successfully come out the other end. Congratulations to Cfn Westall who was awarded Best Attached Arm Soldier.

While on the PNCO Cadre

St Eligius Day

Scribe: Cpl Henderson, Tech 1, 1 RHA Ftr Sect

On St Eligius Day, the Fitter Section had an opportunity to unwind after regenerating the kit from the initial back-to-back exercises, whilst also being given the chance to work as a team and showcase our engineering ingenuity. The day started off with a BG LAD photo, followed by an engineering challenge where the teams would fire their ‘spud launchers’. Teams competed in two competitions; the target hitting for accuracy and the longest distance for pure power.

Preparing to fire potatoes to mark St Eligius Day

With a clearer picture of the enemy’s capabilities following the previous night’s recces, the next day was spent going through various serials designed to test the section’s abilities to react to events unfolding in front of them. The serials included various clearance patrols, vehicle IEDs and mass casualty triage and evacuation. The final night proved to be an eventful one, with the harbor area being attacked, forcing the platoon to withdraw to a hasty harbor location. Roaming patrols were conducted throughout the night in -8 degrees - it was lucky the nearest JPA terminal was a vast distance away.

As dawn broke, the Platoon stepped off to complete the final attack. The attack was carried out with good aggression throughout; however, as usual there was room for improvement and points to work on. To the relief of all involved, those beautiful words of ENDEX were whispered with a hot brew and bacon baps waiting for us on our return to camp. On reflection the BCS FTX was a good test of our field admin in the face of the harsh Baltic winter, and helped brush up on our basic soldiering skills with many of the LAD due to go on ALDPs this year.

Over the weeks leading up to St Eligius Day, the teams assembled their potato cannons using only materials available within the Workshop. Our design comprised of a simple but effective build, consisting of a hydraulic housing filter (Gas chamber), pallet post (barrel), electrical spark (igniter) and a lot of e-metal.

When it came to the competition, we were confident in our build. Not only did we win the accuracy event, hitting two out of the three targets and collecting a bonus point for obliterating one (much to the frustration of the Trg WO); we then went on to win the distance challenge by a country mile, with a distance of 250m. Our efforts were rewarded in the evening at the REME ‘smoker’ when each member of the Section received the prize of a portable charger, thanks to The REME Charity. It was a fun day and a better feeling to win following our recent defeat in the cricket on the previous exercise!

Summary

Overall it has been a thoroughly enjoyable lived experience for all REME tradesmen employed within the eFP BG LAD. The vast and varied fleet has given us all an opportunity to expand our trade expertise and spread our knowledge amongst our peers. We have seen four successful Class 3 to 2 presentations delivered that have enabled career progression for those individuals. Due to the scale of the deployment and the training opportunities available it has also been a real pleasure to see the direct impact of REME productive output. Equipment availability has consistently remained above 80%, which has allowed the Armd Inf, Tanks, Engrs and Arty to do some bespoke high-quality training. We are now looking forward to the Cold Weather Operators Course, a light role defensive Operation and then scrubbing down the wagons ready to hand over to 1 MERCIAN BG in March.

Ex FURIOUS CRAFTSMAN - REME BCS

Scribe: LCpl Thomas, VM 2, HQ Coy Ftr Sect

With white space in the FOE at a premium, the start of December was deemed the only feasible time to down tools and re-affirm our basic soldiering skills. Members of 5 RIFLES LAD and a section of volunteers from the ES Pl set out on a three-day BCS FTX with the EMELt, 2Lt Naker, installed as the PC.

The aptly named Ex FURIOUS CRAFTSMAN was to be designed to refresh and refine the skills and drills that are often given a backseat over production. The first morning was spent going through dry drills and confirming SOPs in the vehicle compound; this was followed by an insertion tab out to the training area and the occupation of the harbor. Once the harbor was fully established and nightfall had arrived, each Section was given its first set of orders to conduct individual ‘recce’ patrols on an area with a known enemy presence.

Engineering in process