The Royal Gibraltar Regiment have returned from a recent training exercise that took place in Garelochhead, Scotland.

During a distinct three-phase exercise, Ex Jebel Tarik consisted of survival training with 43 Commando, a blank exercise, and a live firing package. Each platoon took turns to go on the exercise, which took place over 7 weeks, with one platoon deployed and the other conducting routine duties in Gibraltar.

The first platoon deployed from Gibraltar to Scotland, arriving at Garelochhead camp before commencing survival training with 43 Commando.

On the soldiers’ first day, they conducted theory and practical assessments based on survival training. The soldiers were taught how to build a shelter, build and maintain a fire, and the principles of survival in difficult situations before putting their learning into practice.

Royal Gibraltar Regiment’s Second Lieutenant Bailey said:

The most difficult aspect proved to be maintaining a fire in the damp and freezing conditions of Garelochhead in order to keep warm and cook the dinner.

The platoons then returned to camp and conducted some build up training in the surrounding areas, working from fire team up to section attack lanes. Afterwards the platoons deployed on to the training area to start the platoon level exercise. The blank firing training consisted of tactical actions at section and platoon level. The troops remained in the training area throughout and had to adapt to living in sub-zero temperatures. Culminating in a platoon dawn attack, troops got to practice a number of skills including the use of night visibility equipment, communications, and map reading.

On returning to camp, the platoon was escorted to the Barry Buddon Military Training Camp in Dundee, to conduct a live firing package.

During the final week of training, the troops completed assurance shoots on individual weapons and various weapon systems before working in teams up to a platoon level live attack.

The Officer Commanding I Company, Major Garcia White, commented on the success of the exercise:

Exercise Jebel Tarik 23 provided I Company with an opportunity to train in an unfamiliar environment which tested the soldiers’ resilience and adaptability. The exercise met and surpassed its objectives and qualifies the Rifle Company to conduct its tasks and missions in Gibraltar and abroad. Photo by Thomas Nugent, Wikimedia commons.