Ex MAPLE FORGE

Scribe: Capt Newbery

4ACS Bn REME recently ran Ex MAPLE FORGE, a two-day exercise which marked the Battalion’s reformation to the Future Soldier structure, St Eligius Day, and incorporated Op TEAMWORK. Day one consisted of a parade where the Bn reformed to its’ new structure, with 17 Field Company becoming 17 HQ Company, followed by participation in Op TEAMWORK. Day two was formed of a formal parade and church service led by the RSM to mark St Eligius Day, followed by a sporting competition and technical challenges where the companies competed against each other.

Wednesday morning kicked off with a well drilled showing on the parade square under the RSM’s command (after a rehearsal the previous day where the Bn practiced marking time). During this parade, the Bn was reformed under the Future Soldier Structure, where 17 Field Company became 17 HQ Company. The Bn was then privileged to welcome Brigadier Cornwell OBE, Commander 12 Armoured Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), to then address our soldiers before awarding Sgt Benton and Sgt Sakong Commander’s Coins for their contributions to the Brigade.

On completion of the parade, the companies proceeded to present readiness demonstrations to Commander 12 ABCT, followed by lunch and Op TEAMWORK where group discussions were held on multiple topics.

The following day the Bn again formed up on the parade square, this time in No 2 Dress, welcoming both Maj Gen Eastman MBE (Corps Col Comdt) and Col Williams (Comd ES 3XX). After a photo with AJAX and BOXER platforms, the soldiers marched to the

Garrison Church accompanied by the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Tank Regiment where the Padre hosted a church service marking St Eligius Day. In sharp contrast to the earlier dignified activities, the Bn then partook in an inter-company sports competition. This competition was fiercely competitive, comprising of a large-scale football match followed by Tugof-War. 17 HQ Coy came out on top of this competition, having defeated both 9 and 10 Armd Coys in the tug-of-war.

In the afternoon, the technical side of St Eligius Day was marked with an inter-company technical challenge. This contest included challenges relating to all the different trades represented in the Bn, including a Chef’s challenge which consisted of cooking omelettes using eggs fired by catapults the teams had previously constructed, a Technician’s challenge completing a circuit board to fire off a confetti cannon, a Supplier’s challenge involving forklift driving and many more. The results of the technical challenge were combined with the sports competition to decide who were the winners of the inaugural 4 REME St Eligius Day Trophy. This year 10 Armd Coy won after cruising through the various technical challenges. The two-day extravaganza culminated in a BBQ and drinks to celebrate the various victories and occasions marked.

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