The Recruit Intake 2023 completed Exercise SAMJHANA BIRSHANA took place on the Sennybridge training area. The exercise aimed to assess the recruits’ field craft skills and drills, which they had learned during their nine months of training.
On arrival we quickly grabbed our kits and daysacks from Dixie’s Corner and proceeded to our designated harbour locations. Once the harbour was fully occupied, the Platoon Commander assigned 1 Section the task of conducting a Recce patrol to gather enemy’s information for the following morning’s Platoon Deliberate Attack.
On the second day, we successfully executed a Platoon Deliberate Attack under the guidance of our Platoon Commander. Despite the darkness, rain and wind, our well-practiced skills and drills enabled us to overcome these obstacles and accomplish our mission. Later that evening, 2 Section conducted a recce patrol to gather intelligence on enemy activity for a Platoon Ambush.
Following our Platoon Commander’s orders, we set up an ambush early, the next morning. Despite the long wait and adverse weather conditions, our unwavering determination and motivation propelled us to complete the mission successfully. Upon returning to our harbour location, 3 Section was tasked with conducting a Recce patrol in preparation for the next day’s FIWAF.
The woodblock we were assigned to clear was located a considerable distance from our harbour, necessitating an early morning start. Utilizing the night vision equipment, we navigated to the FIWAF location and successfully destroyed all four enemy positions within the woodblock. After completing our mission, we made our way back to the harbour. While advancing, we encountered enemy contact midway. Reacting swiftly to our Platoon Commander’s Quick Battle Orders, we systematically cleared each enemy position under the command of our Section Commander. Once we had concluded this advance to contact, we returned to the harbour, then all Sections were assigned for a standing patrol to gather enemy’s information for the final Platoon Deliberate Attack.
We executed the final Platoon Deliberate Attack with utmost difficulty, manoeuvring in pitch darkness with a mix of heavy rain and strong wind while maintaining the highest level of battlefield discipline. This final attack was truly a SAMJHANA BIRSANA, not only for us but also for the Training Team. Unfortunately, we sustained a couple of casualties during the attack. However, we successfully extracted all casualties to the Helicopter Landing Site and then proceeded to clean the area for handover to the training area wardens.
By Trainee Rifleman Nischal Laksam, 1 Section, 5 Helles Platoon
