Winter 2025 17 The first surprise for the Gnrs was the journey to the Falklands, departing RAF Brize Norton and a break at Ascension Island, 18 hours on a long haul flight was a test, with the major challenge of a new delicacy…. a Breakfast Burritto! The QRF phase took the Gnrs into advanced tactical live firing. For some it was the first time they practised their tactics live with grenades. The proximity of flanking fire machine guns was a novel experience, as was taking cover in a river! The scenario saw enemy special forces caught in a valley and elements of the Sqn deployed to clear the ground to allow vital convoys to pass. The ranges pushed everybody, including the directing staff, and in some cases, lessons were learnt the hard way. Living on Pleasant Peak (a true oxymoron!) was a huge part of the challenge as the bare unprotected area tested basic soldiering skills. Even moving on the uneven terrain, sometimes at night, carrying a full battle load of ammunition and patrol equipment was a challenge and the maxim ‘slow is smooth. Smooth is fast’ quickly hit home. With the backdrop of MPC, ultra-low flying Typhoons delivering shows of force, enemy patrols were engaged in small unit actions and destroyed during clearance patrols. “I got to command a Fire Team live and blank and made decisions that we had to act on, I was allowed to use my initiative, what I joined the Reserve for.” – LCpl On Base Activity was realistically delivered on an operating base, with population activity going on around the deployed patrols. VCPs, patrols and reaction teams were tested against role players, often they were just civilians, local police or contractors going about the normal business. But on occasion these role players became the enemy, shots and explosions rang out and fast vicious actions took place, testing low level leadership and initiative. The Force Development package visited Goose Green, Mt Harriet, Fitzroy Settlement and Black Eagle Camp. Being on the ground, physically affected by the weather and fully appreciating the terrain and challenge of a prolonged operation in those conditions focussed thoughts and hardened the lessons that had been learned in the training phases. The Falkland Islands are an excellent training facility, well supported by enthusiastic teams on island. Just operating there tests the skills of Gnrs before you add the activities of an enemy. “The best ACT I’ve ever been on” – Cpl The ex was a considered a success, but that quote made the whole thing worth it. Per Ardua Watch on Facebook
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