Ex Druids Dance and Wessex Warrior

9th October 2006

Exercise Druids dance and Wessex Warrior took place over the dates 17 Sep - 07 Oct 2006. This was to be the first time the Regiment had trained as a Battlegroup since returning FROM Iraq the same time last year. Build up for the exercise started in March with troops training at the Combined Arms Strategy Trainer (CAST). The next phase of training was an exercise at the Combined Arms Tactics Trainer (CATT) in june, where computer simulators replicate the various vehicles crewed by The Light Dragoons. The realism of these simulators shows when enemy are spotted and the heart beat quickens and the palms get sweaty prior to an engagement.

With all the drills practised on computer simulators, the regiment then deployed to Salisbury Plain where they would exercise using their Scimitar armoured vehicles. The Scimitars were fitted with simulators which represent the main armament firing or the effects of being fired on.

This was also the first time the regiment had used the new digitised Bowman radios on exercise. The added benefit of secure radios was instantly recognised and the passage of DATA impressed all who used it. Whether in a built up area or in the middle of nowhere the training becomes very real, especially when the enemy could be just around the corner.

At the end of the exercise there was a little time to capture a couple of good photo opportunities, with a stunning sunset. Quiet reflection before the next exercise for those who may have made mistakes, and a moment to bask in glory for those that did not.