Over the early May Bank Holiday, Two Platoon from Royal Russell Army section took part in their annual 48hr fieldcraft weekend, Exercise Wild Bush. However, this year it was very different compared to last year’s camp.

We were very fortunate to have the rare opportunity to practice TIBUA (Training In a Built-Up Area) exercises in and around Longmoor Village, situated adjacent to Longmoor Training Camp where the contingent attended Easter Camp 2024 just a few weeks prior. These exercises included: tons of blank firing, urban tactics, and crowd control.

Just after noon on the Friday, each cadet in Two Platoon arrived at the CCF hut where they packed their personal kit (spare clothing, wash kits etc) into their bergens which was issued on the Monday night prior to the exercise. Shortly later, everyone was issued with a rifle, and ancillaries before jumping on the minibuses and deploying to the training area.

Upon arriving at Longmoor village, Two Platoon patrolled to their billets where they soon had dinner, bombed up magazines with ammunition and prepared for a night ambush on the enemy’s main supply route (MSR) that was to be carried out later that evening. We gathered around the model of the area where Sergeant Cascarini successfully delivered his Ambush orders. Two Platoon had been tasked with patrolling to an abandoned railway line, where they would take cover behind its rusted tracks, and wait for the enemy, known as the Longmoor Lancers, to arrive. Once everyone had been briefed on the mission, Two Platoon did a rehearsal of concept (ROC DRILL) before setting off. In the end, the mission turned out to be a great success. With the enemy’s supply route effectively disrupted, the platoon regrouped and made their way back to their billets for a good night’s sleep with hour-long sentry duties in pairs throughout the night.

With reveille at 0600hrs, Two Platoon woke up swiftly and assembled for an all-round defence around the billets, ready for stand-to. This is the most likely time of day when the platoon could come under attack. Following the morning stand-to, the platoon had a delicious breakfast, consisting of sausages, bacon, eggs and beans before patrolling to the abandoned police station. There, we engaged in a lesson on identifying individuals and vehicles (SCRIM and A-H), followed by a practice session where we concealed ourselves within buildings, noting down any people or vehicles we saw.

After that, the platoon was broken down into its three sections to conduct building clearances. This tactical exercise involved searching and clearing a building for potential enemies. B Troop have been practicing this for the last couple of weeks during usual CCF training, However, this was completely new for A Troop. I am pleased to report the tactics were quickly picked up. Following this, each section cleared their designated buildings in search of any potential enemies.

Throughout the afternoon, each section engaged in three different training exercises:

1. A first-aid mission to a crashed helicopter, where each section was tasked with effectively treating the injured patients and swiftly transporting them to the med-evac point.
2. An IED (Improvised Explosive Device) mission, requiring pairs within each section to safely search for and mark out a path to identify any potential IEDs before the enemy’s arrival.
3. A crowd control lesson, where cadets learnt the techniques of using public order shields to effectively maintain a cordon with a rowdy crowd under the direction of their section commander. This particular exercise quickly became a favourite among the platoon members.

After dinner, Staff Sergeant Harrison was tasked to plan a defensive mission for that evening. The objective: to protect the buildings cleared earlier in the day from the enemy force. After an Orders session using the map model, the platoon split into its three sections. Each section proceeded to their designated areas to conduct standing patrols and maintaining vigilance until the anticipated arrival of the Longmoor Lancers.

Initially, the local civilians of Longmoor village approached the area. However, thanks to one section’s crowd control skills learnt earlier, the villagers were swiftly prevented from returning to the village and getting caught up in enemy activity, despite valiant attempts to break through the line by throwing tennis balls. Shortly after, One and Two section swiftly positioned themselves in a defensive formation around the buildings as shots were fired in their direction by the Longmoor Lancers. Three section remained strategically positioned within the buildings, providing fire-support to bolster defensive lines.

After an intense and protracted firefight, during which the platoon emerged victorious, each section regrouped. The section commanders received instructions regarding the night’s sentry duties. This time, sentries were organised into fire teams, and tasked to defend the captured buildings for an hour at a time.

The following morning at 0600hrs sharp, the platoon woke and assembled for an all-round defence around the billets once again, ready for stand-to. After another delicious breakfast, the platoon bombed up magazines and gathered around a map model for one last set of orders. Captain Quick delivered orders for a deliberate attack on an enemy position situated in the houses the platoon had guarded through the night.

The platoon swiftly conducted more ROC drills before patrolling to the area of operations. One section was tasked with clearing the captured building of any enemies. Two section provided fire-support to distract and fix the enemy force, while Three section remained as a reserve in support was required or in-depth positions were identified.

After successfully recapturing the building (objective gold), the platoon regrouped at the house and began to defend against any enemies and threats in the surrounding area. There were numerous positions throughout the village, however one platoon were able to clear through and successfully destroy the enemy force. This was achieved just in time, so we could enjoy a delicious lunch of sausage and chips. A big thank you to Sergeant Wickes for arranging such a tasty meal – It made a big difference to the usual pasta and meatballs!

After lunch, the platoon began the not as exciting but essential task of post-exercise admin, which included stripping and cleaning the rifles, collecting brass and returning the accommodation before heading back to the CCF Hut.

Overall, the entirety of Two Platoon had a positive experience at this year’s Wild Bush and are eager to participate in future events. Many thanks to all the Officers for their organisation and assistance during the exercise.

Onwards to the next activity – White Water Rafting on the 8th June!

Lance Corporal K Petkov