Overseas Exercise
Ex BARBURY SUN 21, Gibraltar OC – Captain Lewis Sandoe. CSM – WO2 Steven Draper All the members who deployed on Ex BARBURY SUN 21
General
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n the 4th August 2021, 2 Field Company of 5 (Force Support) Battalion REME deployed on Exercise BARBURY SUN 21, flying from RAF BRIZE NORTON to Gibraltar International Airport. A total of 68 personnel took part in the exercise, with 2 Platoons deploying, Instructors for military activities and a variety of roles providing real life support such as Chefs, Medics and a G4 element. Despite COVID-19 providing a significant challenge to the world as well as a significant portion of 2 Field Company being deployed on Ex DEFENDER 21 until July 2021, the Company was still able to continue with overseas training. The training proved to be challenging yet rewarding with adventurous training elements involved at the end of the exercising phase.
Training Utilising the skills learnt from the preconditioning exercises of Exercise CASTLE FORTIFY and Exercise CASTLE TUNNEL, the Platoons were deployed to Buffadero Training Area at the South of the Peninsula. Here, they conducted an initial close quarter marksmanship range package in order to prepare them for the military training taking place in the complex FIBUA village as well as the tunnels of Gibraltar’s famous rock. As well as undertaking a vast amount of military training, the Company also learnt about the history of Gibraltar as part of the cultural phase of the exercise, understanding the importance of the Peninsula geographically from a strategic point of view. Furthermore, they also completed some adventurous training in the form of coasteering to push mental boundaries and strengthen bonds throughout the Battalion.
Operating in a COVID-19 Environment The deployment to Gibraltar provided great difficulties due to the impact that COVID-19 has had on the world. The disease presented
Patrolling through the streets of Gibraltar
Recovery Platoon setting off prior to their night attack on the FIBUA village constraints in planning and initial deployment, allowing us to show the flexibility and positive mentality that 5 Bn REME has in order to complete the training in Gibraltar; whilst adhering to the Force Health Protection measures. All Military Personnel on the exercise were required to conduct two PCR tests and three lateral flow tests to ensure that they were able to complete their jobs whilst staying safe from COVID-19.
Summary Exercise BARBURY SUN has been an excellent opportunity for 2 Field Company to participate in close combat training in an unfamiliar environment. The deployment enabled an excellent opportunity to develop cohesion within the Company following an extremely busy period of personnel being deployed on numerous different exercises and prepared us to be stronger for future deployments.
Looking over the Bay of Gibraltar as part of the cultural element of the exercise.
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