It has been an interesting time to take over command of the Second. The Chief of the General Staff has described the looming Strategic Defence Review as a “horse/tank moment’”: whilst he is describing the radical nature of the change required across the whole Army to meet the demands of Defence, the connotations of the redundancy of the cavalry following WW1, and the modern corollary that no Challenger 2 tanks are deployed in any theatre of operations, are unmissable.
Therefore I see it as our duty in the Second to remain relevant to operations, and to advocate the role of the armoured soldier in modern ‘hybrid’ conflicts: fortunately one of the best opportunities to do so is this year.
I am confident that we remain the absolute experts in Mounted Close Combat, whatever the platform (and noting that we are proficient on CR2, CVR(T), WARRIOR, VIKING and MASTIFF); we provide fighting crews that bring vehicle manoeuvre to what is fast becoming a static campaign; our soldiers are schooled in a culture of quick thinking, independent action; and of course as bright and adaptable Tankies, we are eminently suited to mentoring and partnering of indigenous forces.
Indeed, it is worth noting that just since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, 2 RTR has deployed Regimental force elements on ten operations, invariably in the forefront of combat. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Capt Newton, Cpl Williams and LCpl Faulkner REME who have been awarded Chief of Joint Operations Commendations for their outstanding actions on Op HERRICK 10/11.
Thus I return to RD to find a fighting-fit Regiment, leavened with battle-hardened veterans, preparing to deploy to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 13. My sincerest thanks must go to Marcus Simson for handing over a Regiment at the top of its game. Having observed 2 RTR as the Brigade’s Chief of Staff for two years, in which time Marcus had command, I can say with some certainty that 2RTR was held in extremely high regard, whether in BATUS, on Ranges, conducting RSOI for the HERRICK Task Force or for the deployment of EGYPT. We wish Marcus, now in Afghanistan, good luck; and thanks must also go to Lucy, who has been a source of unflagging support for everyone in the Regimental family.
I myself have just arrived back from the 16 Air Assault Brigade recce to Afghanistan, in which the Ops Offr and I visited Kandahar and Helmand, to better understand the operational requirements for those 2 RTR squadrons and individuals deploying on Op HERRICK 13 (Marcus Simson described the proposed tasks in full in the last Edition). Many of the key staff in NERO, including the QM, QM(T), RAO, and MTO are preparing to deploy to the Bastion Joint Support Unit from July. When the Squadrons deploy, I shall command all the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance assets in Helmand with a small team from RHQ: nevertheless, myself, the Adjt and RSM will have plenty of opportunities to patrol with 2 RTR soldiers.
Mike Taylor’s D Squadron, 1 RTR, kindly hosted us in Bastion, where it was obvious to all that their VIKING Gp has been tremendously professional and effective as the Commander’s manoeuvre force, in the highest traditions of the RTR. We hope to emulate their achievements.
At the time of writing, BADGER, CYCLOPS and FALCON are busy preparing for operations, in barracks, on ranges and on exercise, whether in the Afghan villages of Thetford or the electronic deserts of CATT. NERO has been running the Crew Training School in which Paras and our other light role infantry brethren from 16 Air Assault Brigade are being trained in vehicle skills; and of course NERO has also been preparing our Squadrons for deployment and supporting normal Regimental activity. We have established a Maint Team to lift the burden of Equipment Care from the Squadrons under training. EGYPT has a key task to protect the all-arms, heavy armoured, battlegroup manoeuvre ‘seedcorn’, from which we can regrow a competent armoured battlegroup next year. EGYPT is now the only operational CR2 Squadron with all 14 of its CR2 held on its own tank park.
It is not only in training for operations that the Second is making its mark: OC FALCON led a team of ten runners to complete the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon (see article in this Edition); Army Sports colours have been awarded to LCpl Hoare REME and Tpr Cumberpatch; and OC BADGER won the inaugural Track Day Trophy at Brands Hatch. As the Regiment ramps up for operations, sport retains its crucial role in the Regiment.
I must say some (for me, premature) farewells. Major James Porter, late CYCLOPS, and Petrina leave us for the MOD: James generated an excellent Officers’ education programme that has seen an array of cultural events and guest speakers that would put the Oxford Union to shame. Major James Senior, late FALCON, and Victoria leave us for sunny Scotland: James’ litany of international sporting events will be long remembered. Capts Bridges and Tillotson, and Lts Hartley and Millen move to the First. Finally, I would like to welcome Graeme ‘Bufty’ and Victoria Mackay to CYCLOPS; Chris and Helene Fisher to FALCON; and ex-WO1(RSM), now Captain John Stork, with June, to the Officers Mess.