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Welbeck Warrior (March 2011)

On Friday 11th March, the Upper Sixth drew weapons from the Armoury, collected stores and boarded the coaches to commence Exercise Welbeck Warrior 2011. Everyone, still recalling stories from last year’s Exercise, was nervously looking forward to the final Exercise which was to be held on Sennybridge Training Area in Wales. After a long coach journey, each Platoon arrived at the Obstacle Course in time for a quick admin period.

The first stage was a night navigation to various locations across the training area. In order to achieve maximum scores, Sections had to reach checkpoints within a short time slot making sound navigation and planning crucial. For some this was more challenging than for others, and it proved for some that there is still a long way yet to go in navigational skills alone before commencing Initial Officer Training. Upon arrival at the final checkpoints, already in the early hours of the morning, each Section Commander was given a location in which to site and occupy a Patrol Harbour to conduct administration and sleep until the morning.

Sections were up early to have a wash and eat breakfast before moving to the first stand of the day. Each Section rotated around a series of stands which ranged from clearing an IED lane, an obstacle course race, casualty evacuation, conducting Section Attacks and the inevitable Command Tasks. Included in the stands were important instructional periods on the orders process and clearance of buildings and compounds in the FIBUA village. Time pressure to move between stands meant the pace did not drop much throughout the day.

Warning Orders were soon issued for a Section Commanders’ Orders Group. We were collected and driven to the Training Officer’s location, still not knowing what was to come. Sections were reformed into Platoons and Platoon Commanders and Sergeants appointed. A detailed set of orders were received for a deliberate attack on a small cluster of buildings to be completed in a matter of hours. With the orders over and ammunition issued to Platoon Sergeants, battle procedure began. Estimates complete and outline plans in place we returned to the harbours in the Forestry blocks to write orders and build models. At this stage those in Command appointments were given complete mission command about how they went about the attack - this became quite apparent with a variety of approaches and methods taken by different Commanders.

With 0400hrs fast approaching I delivered a set of orders to my Platoon and fielded questions. With a few last minute rehearsals and a radio check we patrolled off towards the objective. Arriving at the Forming Up Point I was able to confirm the plan with my Section Commanders under the illumination of flares fired by the enemy. With the Fire Support Section placed on high ground overlooking the enemy and everybody clear on what was required of them, the two Assault Sections moved round using the dead ground and head rows without being observed. The Point Section managed to get within 20 metres of the enemy position before the first round was fired, with the second Section manoeuvring quickly downhill and destroying the first enemy position. With the radios struggling it came down to lots of vocal leadership and pre-determined signals to ensure the plan stayed on track. This is when we put newfound skills into effect in order to clear the building and search the position for information. The cordon was contacted by a depth position which was quickly destroyed whilst the fire support rejoined the Platoon. It became quite clear to everyone involved that the Platoon Attack was a success due to the hard work of everyone. Command and control was required down to the lowest levels, with everyone working hard for their Commanders to ensure maximum aggression to make the plan happen quickly and effectively. The position was captured in a matter of minutes, and after a quick check of casualties and ammunition the Platoon moved away from the position with speed. Collecting our bergens the Platoon patrolled back to Exercise Control. With 'EndEx' called, everyone was relieved to board the coaches and catch up on some sleep after a challenging weekend.

Exercise Welbeck Warrior served as the culmination of the Military Leadership Training Programme, testing a wide range of skills learnt during Welbeck, building up to a challenging final attack. Thanks must go to the Military Staff, in particular the outgoing Training Officer Flight Lieutenant Morgan, for organising the Exercise.

Sam Turner, Portland 09E

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