Scottish troops open fire in Cumbria

Troops from The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) have honed their skills during live fire and tactical training at Warcop Ranges in Cumbria, as they prepare to deploy in support of NATO operations, according to a press release.

Sixty members of B Company, 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS), undertook rigorous training that included a battalion live fire range package. Soldiers completed the Annual Combat Marksmanship Test, conducted night and daytime attacks, and culminated in a challenging company attack using night vision optics.

Second Lieutenant Simon Owtram, 4 SCOTS Platoon Commander, explained the goals of the exercise:

“The aim of the training was to get the soldiers used to being in a tactical scenario firing live rounds and getting familiar with their surroundings on the range. It builds confidence so they are competent to do what they are trained to do.”

The training also focused on strengthening soldiers’ resilience in challenging conditions. With temperatures dropping to minus one degree, the soldiers practised maintaining tactical focus while braving the cold, a precursor to the even harsher conditions they will face in Romania.

The exercise is part of 4 SCOTS’ preparation for Exercise Steadfast Dart, a major NATO operation on the alliance’s eastern flank. The UK will contribute the largest contingent, deploying over 2,600 personnel and 730 vehicles to the region.

Highlander Marcus Watson reflected on the experience, he was quoted in the release:

“I enjoyed days like this, it gets us out of camp. I like to get in and amongst the action and get the job done. Every day is a learning curve, so it was good to be out here and develop as a team.”

Looking ahead to the deployment, Lance Corporal Sandy MacClennan added:
“As we’re looking forward to deployment, I’m ready to get more hands-on in the job, work with foreign armies, and see how they work.”

4 SCOTS, a light mechanised infantry battalion, forms part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the senior line infantry regiment and the only Scottish line infantry of the British Army.