The combination of roles which soldiers of W (Westminster Dragoons) Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry perform requires intense and interesting training. The specialist field of reconnaissance, detection and surveying of weapons of mass destruction in the battlefield context is technically and physically challenging. So too is armoured reconnaissance.
Recruits joining W Sqn RY initially concentrate on learning the skills needed to become an infantry soldier. As well as learning to march and look after their kit, recruits learn to shoot, to live outdoors in a tactical environment and the other combat skills required of all British Army recruits.
Once through basic training, troopers concentrate on learning Land Rover off-road driving and maintenance, radio communications, navigation and an introduction to our core specialism of CBRN reconnaissance.
On completing all these courses, soldiers in the Royal Yeomanry diversify into instructor courses such as combat marksmanship, range management, drill, signals, skill at arms and physical training instruction. Soldiers may also qualify as armoured fighting vehicle drivers and (later) commanders, as combat support troopers, medics or storemen.
All those skills are acquired by what is called “individual training”, on courses. To keep skills fresh and develop them further, all WDs follow a programme of collective training: exercises in the field (or in simulators) as a recce troop, squadron or regiment. Our recent exercises have covered:
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•FIBUA (Fighting in Built Up Areas)
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•CBRN reconnaissance
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•Tunnel fighting
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•Use of the Army’s Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) – essentially a giant networked computer simulation of an armoured battlegroup
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•Instruction by the Royal Marines and 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery
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•Light armour training and live-fire exercises in Sennelager, Germany, working with light armour and carrying out live-fire exercises
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•Training and working with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment in Sennybridge (Wales) and Gibraltar in 2006 and 2007
