Refuelling the fight: Marines play the 'enemy' in battlefield helicopter refuelling training
· Forces NewsRoyal Marines have played the "enemy" in an exercise where the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) trained to refuel helicopters in difficult environments and enemy territory.
The exercise, Exercise Green Reminder 2, involved the CHF's Aviation Combat Service Support Squadron (ACSS) going through drills as they get ready for next year's annual winter deployment to the Arctic Circle on Operation Clockwork.
The training, which took place on Salisbury Plain, was the second part, while the third, called Exercise White Reminder, will take place in Norway.
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The first instalment was held at the start of the summer and saw personnel learn about the equipment, practise and test it and understand the manoeuvres and the theory behind them.
Here's everything you need to know about the exercise.
What was the exercise?
Roughly 40 personnel used Ex Green Reminder 2, which lasted for four days, to provide tactical forward refuelling points to Merlin Mk4s from 845 Naval Air Squadron and Wildcats used by 847 Naval Air Squadron.
On the plain, personnel worked day and night to find, send back, and locate safe spaces for these helicopters to refuel.
Meanwhile, an A400M tactical aircraft worked alongside the ground troops to deliver fuel in proof-of-concept training.
Why did it take place in the summer?
The exercise took place during summer leave because the training area was quieter, giving participants more freedom of manoeuvre.
Who else was involved in the exercise?
Royal Marines from CHF were utilised for force protection in Jackal vehicles, Royal Navy aircraft handlers, Information Warfare Troop's communication specialists, Royal Navy and Royal Marine medics were all engaged in the exercise to make sure it ran smoothly.
How did the marines participate in the training?
The aircraft dropped simulated fuel supplies, which would routinely hold aviation fuel, reducing the requirement for vehicles to be used to transport fuel to the helicopters.
To make the exercise harder in the run-up to ACSS' deployment, Royal Marines from Cdo Mobile Air Operations Team acted as an opposition force.
The marines examined the vulnerabilities and signature of the forward refuelling points.
They were able to harness the latest technology as they flew mini drones to try to find the possible landing sites.
The UAVs took video and recorded data, which was subsequently rendered into 3D computer modelling, handing the marines a realistic view of the landscape.
What kit did the personnel test out?
ACSS got their hands on thermal camouflage systems from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and binocular night vision goggles, enabling the personnel to operate throughout the day and night.