February 12, 2025
/
Highland RFCA’s Head of Engagement was invited along to the new Urban Facility at Oliver Barracks in Dundee to see Army Reservists honing their urban warfare skills during Exercise Urban Argyll.
The 17 to 19 January weekend was the first opportunity in 2025 for soldiers from 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7SCOTS) to get together for training. This was delivered by members of D Company specialising in urban drills and tactics.
Troops gather for a classroom lesson.
Training was achieved through theory and practical phases, the latter seeing the troops making use of kit to operate in low light and darkness. The simulation facility creates a realistic training environment for the soldiers, allowing them to practise their room-clearance skills. They also got to train using simulated ammunition (simunition), making the exercise more realistic.
Highland RFCA provided grants to enable the purchase of smoke, light, and noise equipment to help deliver an immersive training experience at the new facility.
A Canadian Reservist also joined in as she was part of a Reserve Forces Foreign Exchange Student programme from 48th Highlanders of Canada.
Lessons were also delivered on urban camouflaging of vehicles, as well as urban defence, focusing on anti-tank and personnel mines as well as improvised explosive devices.
The weekend included a visit from the new 19th Light Brigade Commander, Brigadier Lisa Brooks. Her Brigade – formed in 2022 – is tasked with the command and force generation of Army Reserve combat units. It is headquartered in York.
Brigadier Brooks addresses the troops.
This gave Brigadier Brooks the opportunity to see what 7SCOTS will be able to offer going into the next training year.
She said: “The opportunity for our Reservists to train locally in high-quality training facilities is hugely important. I am very grateful to Highland RFCA for their generosity to enable 7SCOTS to further develop this inspiring urban operations training facility which other local units and civilian organisations will benefit from in the future.
“It is an exciting time to be part of the Army Reserve; as part the 1st (United Kingdom) Division, 19th Light Brigade is increasingly focused on readiness and utility, this facility will enable soldiers from 7SCOTS to do exactly that.”
One of the highlights of her visit was the promotion of Private Hall to Lance Corporal. He also received a Brigade Commander’s Commendation for the support he has given to other 19th Light Brigade units over the last year.
Private Hall who was promoted to Lance Corporal as well as receiving a Commander’s Commendation.
Additionally, Major Harry Hood – Officer Commanding of D Company – was awarded a Commander’s Coin for his exploits on Exercise Cambrian Patrol in October 2024. Major Hood is also a Highland RFCA Southern Area Committee member.
To round off the weekend, troops were tasked with an urban navigation exercise, using vehicles. Troops were required to identify a route, achieve specific rendezvous points and observe and report on a small opposing force operating in the area. On return, a report was required to be provided to an instructor.
Many thanks to 7SCOTS for inviting us along to observe them in action.
Room clearing in the new Urban Facility.
A display of improvised explosive devices.
