Our largest MRE

Planning: Cpl Adam Krongold conducts a briefing during Exercise Iraqi Dusk, the culmination of AMTG 2’s pre-deployment training.

By Capt Kate Noble

THE Combat Training Centre (CTC) has built on the lessons learnt during the preparation of AMTG1 to deliver the most complex and comprehensive Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE) of modern times.

The MRE involved more than 800 controlling and supporting staff in addition to the 450 personnel of AMTG2.

It began with a three-day series of stands focused on section-company level skills and tasks.

The training activities were tailored to each participating element and were designed to replicate the broad range of tasks the AMTG conducts on a weekly basis – government and community engagement, provision of security to the Japanese Iraqi Reconstruction Support Group (JIRSG), command and control within the UK environment, patrolling and static security.

A highlight of the training was a simulation in Robertson Barracks’ Battle Lab that gave troops the chance to conduct hands-on, free-play, force-on-force computer simulation in a virtual Al Muthanna environment.

The second phase incorporated the same training focus, but was conducted as a five- day exercise involving all elements of the AMTG operating as they currently do in southern Iraq.

Commander CTC Col Dick Stanhope said the exercise’s ability to deliver realistic training was supported by a recent validation trip by CTC to the AMTG.

“The validation was important to establish some ground truths and to access that current, in-country experience so we could replicate that in the MRE,” he said. “The intent has always been to practise serials during the MRE that will be then be experienced by the AMTG during their deployment.”

CTC’s commitment to delivering realistic training was further supported by the engagement of specialist functions from across the Army and from overseas forces.

Two members from AMTG1 and the British Light Dragoons were redeployed to Darwin for the exercise to provide the most up-to-date perspective on how business is done in the Al Muthanna AO.

A number of Japanese officers who had served previously with the JIRSG also supported the training, as well as several senior Jordanian officers.

“Having an actual Japanese liaison officer on the other end of the phone when the AMTG needs to access that experience is invaluable,” Col Stanhope said.

CO AMTG2 Lt-Col Peter Short said the exercise was the culmination of five months of focused training.

“During the exercise we sought to provide our people with experiences that they can draw from when confronted with real time operational incidents. This exercise was successful from that perspective,” Lt-Col Short said.

“The men and women of AMTG2 are as well prepared as could be hoped. They are ready and will prevail because we all know the hard work and commitment will continue throughout the operation.”