By Trainee Rifleman Ujjwal Chemjong Limbu, 5 (Helles) Platoon

On the 9th of May 2023, we deployed to Catterick Training Area as a Company on Exercise INTRO 3, the final field exercise of the Basic Training phase for the Recruits. The trainees would be assessed in all the fieldcraft skills that have been taught so far. We must pass the summative assessment to move forward into the Initial Trade Training phase of the course.

The first day started with a kit inspection and drawing of weapons and other mission essential items. After that, we patrolled out to our harbour location. Upon occupying the harbour, we quickly had lunch and began to revise the lessons taught on previous exercises. Our Section Commanders taught us new drills and explained the lessons we were going to be assessed on the following day. On second day, the formative assessment took place. It was our final opportunity to hone our drills before the summative. Most of us passed on our first attempt, although some had to be re-assessed to meet the standard required.

The third day was the most important part of the Exercise, as we had to pass all the assessments to progress in the next phase of our training. On this summative assessment day, the areas of assessment were swapped between the No.1 and No.2 Company, to make it more challenging and ensure fairness. We all performed well during the morning assessments which included stalking, judging distance, and target indication. In the afternoon there was heavy rain which affected our performance, although most of us still managed to pass Individual Close Quarter Battle, Individual Fire and Manoeuvre and Pairs Fire and Manoeuvre. Following the summative assessment, we watched a Section Attack demonstration conducted by Section Commanders from across the Company, in preparation for future tactical exercises.

The exercise proved to be very productive, and all the Trainee Riflemen demonstrated that we have learnt all the lessons taught so far and are ready and excited to move forward into the next phase of the training, maintaining our dreams of becoming professional Gurkha soldiers.