Exercices Multinationaux

Départ de la 4e compagnie du 27e bataillon de chasseurs alpins (27e BCA) en véhiculé articulé chenillé (VAC) pour un entraînement
grand froid.

Après avoir débarqué du véhicule articulé chenillé (VAC), un chasseur alpin du 27e bataillon de chasseurs alpins (27e BCA), équipé d'un
FAMAS avec son système FELIN se poste derrière un bâtiment pour sécuriser la zone

L'équipage du véhicule articulé chenillé (VAC) de la 4e compagnie du 27e bataillon de chasseurs alpins (27e BCA) installe les éléments
de camouflage rapide (ECR) afin de ne pas être vu par l'ennemi.

Bivouac du centre des opérations (CO) du 27e bataillon de chasseurs alpins (27e BCA) sous tentes norvégiennes dans des conditions
difficiles.

Un tireur d'élite appartenant au 27e bataillon de chasseurs alpins (27e BCA) en surveillance du port de Sjovegan.

Vue de la lunette montée sur le fusil de précision PGM HECATE 2, de calibre 12.7 mm depuis la position d'un tireur d'élite du 27e bataillon
de chasseurs alpins (27e BCA).

Un chasseur alpin de la 4e compagnie du 27e bataillon de chasseurs alpins (27e BCA) surveille (sous la pluie) l'arrivée des chars suédois
avec son poste ERYX.

Having waited in wet, muddy woods surrounding a mocked-up village since arriving in the small hours by road in Viking vehicles, the four companies of marines had their plan ready.

Moving around the civilian population, they began to attack the enemy that had set up camp and who had also prepared for the assault.

Firing blank rounds and dummy grenades the marines launched the full might of the Taunton-based unit at their prey, pushing themselves forward and ensuring their enemy had nowhere to go.

As part of the scenario – which falls under Exercise Joint Warrior – there were also civilian casualties that needed treatment and fleeing citizens that required protection.

Royal Marine troop commanders made sure those that needed first aid were treated while trying to ensure the villagers were not caught up in the attack.

Inverness-born marine Chris McDougal, 24 of 4 Troop B Company, said: “Battle prep for this has been going on since yesterday afternoon we have been well prepared for what we might face.

“We have been laying up since the early hours in a wood block and it was rainy and wet but as soon as we began the assault the adrenaline kicked in and we forgot about it.

”To reach the enemy, troops from A,B,C and D company had to fight their way through buildings and smallholdings with steep embankments and crisscrossed tracks, all of which was made harder by the slippery mud and chilly conditions.

The assault which began at around 5am was the culmination of an exercise which began on Sunday night with Royal Marines landing ashore from helicopters launched from HMS Illustrious at three locations in Luce Bay.

From there they had to free the Castle Kennedy airfield from the enemy – who are part of a rebel army that opposed a fictional government as part of the scenario of Exercise Joint Warrior.

Further major attacks included Shalloch before the marines then made their way to the last enemy stronghold of Edingham Castle.

“The exercise all this week has been really good and worthwhile for us – it has tested all our skills and put everything we know into operation,” added Marine McDougal.

“This morning is going to be a long assault as this is our final one.”

As well as testing their battlefield capabilities, Exercise Joint Warrior ensures that the Royal Marines of the overarching Brigade – 3 Commando – are fully tested in their core amphibious skills.

Living on HMS Bulwark and HMS illustrious as they would in an operational situation, they must then use helicopters and landing craft to get ashore before fighting their way across land.

Exercise Joint Warrior involves all three Services but is Europe's largest naval exercise. More than 34 warships are taking part from the UK, US, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Turkey and Norway with the aim to test the high readiness of the forces involved and the range of capabilities available for short notice operations across the globe.

As well as the marines exercising their amphibious skills, the 12 Royal Navy ships and their international counterparts will be tested in air defence, surface attack and underwater warfare during the three weeks at sea.

The personnel involved will use the exercise to prepare for imminent deployments to the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Middle East where they will carry activities such as maritime security operations, reassuring allies and providing humanitarian disaster relief.

Exercise Joint Warrior finishes on April 11.