22 Regiment’s squadrons have been busy preparing for deployment to Estonia later this year.

5 Armoured Engineer Squadron are currently on exercise on Salisbury Plain and Storm Ciara has made this exercise particularly challenging with the Squadron experiencing 80mph winds, rain and even snow

Elsewhere on the Plain, sappers from 52 Armoured Engineer Squadron have been practicing their skills prior to deploying with First Fusiliers, with their plant operators preparing scrapes and battle positions under strict time pressure.

Recce troop have been experimenting by conducting bridge reconnaissance remotely with a drone. By using commercially available software they created a fully interactive digital model of the bridge site in under 15 minutes. All measurements on the digital model are accurate to within 5cms.

In warmer climes, members of 33 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 33 Regt are currently deployed to Belize on Ex SAILFISH 20/1. Ex SAILFISH is a construction exercise that tests a sub units ability to perform under austere conditions while remaining self-sufficient. The Squadron is deployed until 1 May 20.

CO BOWS OUT

Last Thursday, 26 Regiment RA said farewell to the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Keiron Sheldon, as he was driven out of Larkhill camp in a MLRS launcher.

His two- and half-year tenure has seen the Regiment change role, change structure and rebase, leaving Germany after 30 years to settle in Larkhill.

They said good bye to AS90s, 17 and 16 Batteries while welcoming launchers, 176 Battery & H (now 19) Battery who, along with 132 Battery, moved down from their home in Newcastle.

PLAYSTATION GENERATION SOLDIERS

Last week, members of our Royal Tank Regiment Sabre Sqns took to Unit Based Virtual Training (UBVT).

UBVT is an excellent tool used to teach the troops the mechanics of our doctrine before they go out and put it into practice. It’s also a safe way to allow non-commanders to try their hand at commanding a CR2 crew.

Last week the RTR Officers Mess was pleased to host former MP, broadcaster and journalist, Michael Portillo.

Mr Portillo gave a fascinating insight into his career, life in Government and beyond as part of the Officer Education programme.