Combat and Survival June 2014 PDF

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Bob Morrison heads to Scotland to photograph Dutch Marines on the publishers. No reproduction is permitted whatsoever
JOINT WARRIOR 14-1 without prior consent in writing.
IMPORTANT: All individual combat and personal
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P34 Kit & Camo 1 MARINE SAPPER others and great care must be taken carrying out any
Bob Morrison focuses on the uniform worn by RNLMC Assault P38 such activities. Expert guidance should be sought and
Engineers from 24th CSS equipment checked for reliability before any activities
described here in are carried out. The publishers cannot
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P38 Elite Forces 2 THE VAN DOOS
Carl Schulze photographs Canada’s Royal 22nd Regiment on a ARTICLES AND PHOTOGRAPHS
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Submission of such shall be considered a warranty that
they are original and do not infringe on the copyright
of others. Unsuitable material can only be returned
P44 Survival TRAINING if you include a S.A.E. Loss or damage is not the
Jason Polley returns as our regular Survival Specialist and goes responsibility of COMBAT & SURVIVAL.
right back to basics P49 DISCLAIMER: The publishers make no representations,
endorsements, guarantees or warranties concerning
the products and/or services advertised within this
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relating to or arising from the sale, manufacture,
Greg Roberts takes an in-depth look at AT, AX & AMX sniper rifles in distribution, use or misuse of such.
a two-part mini-series
P58 Kit & Camo 2 UNFICYP UNIFORMS

Bob Morrison continues the mini-series with a look at a Slovakian
Blue Beret
P58
P62 Survival Gear TRIED & TESTED
Mike Gormley trials a day sack, sleeping bag, soft
shell jacket and foot & hand care products
P68 Security FLIGHT MH370

Robert Shaw ponders on the possible
reasons and asks if we will ever know what
happened P62
P70 Rations Marching Ammo Pt.19

Bob Morrison unpacks a rare find Angolan
Individual Combat Ration
P05: Comms P44 June 14 Cover Image:

P56: Reviews © Bob Morrison
P66: Working Knives © M.A.I. Publications 2014
Combat & Survival 03

In a break with tradition there is no
COMMS column this month. The
reason for this is that I am penning
this on Bank Holiday Monday during
a break in the MESOC (Middle East
Special Operation Commanders)
Conference, after spending the last
three days photographing about three
dozen Spec Ops teams from around
the globe competing in the WARRIOR
COMPETITION at the incredible King
Abdullah II Special Operations Training
Center. After scooting back to KASOTC
this afternoon to get the final results
and watch the Awards Ceremony, I
will be repacking my gear for a three
day assignment at SOFEX (Spec Ops
Forces Expo) 2014 to catch up with
the latest new SF gear on display.
If all goes to plan we should have
some interesting SpecOps (and SF
camouflage pattern) features for you in
coming months - BM

Peace Keeping
In early March C&S spent a Main Image: Two 1

week on the Mediterranean Serbian Blue Berets
island of Cyprus working with - the one nearest
troops of several nationalities the camera is a
serving under command of Warrant Officer -
Chinese Major General Chao
Liu as part of the United
on a familiarisation
Nations Force In Cyprus
patrol through
(UNFICYP). After visiting Sector 4
the Nicosia-based Mobile
Force Reserve (MFR) and 1: The Buffer
the Argentinian UN Air Flight Zone in Sector 4
(ARGAIR) in the UN Protected is less than 300
Area (UKPA), both of which metres wide at
we featured last month, we its narrowest
headed to the eastern end but about seven
of the island to first receive kilometres across
a briefing on the mission,
at its widest point
area of responsibility and
composition of the Slovakian- Nations, to refrain from any action or
led UN Sector 4 before going 2: These days most 2
UN Observation threat of action likely to worsen the situa-
on patrol in the Buffer Zone. tion in the sovereign Republic of Cyprus,
Posts are
O
or to endanger international peace;
n 4th March 1964, under the unmanned but asked the Government of Cyprus, which
unanimously adopted Resolution patrols still visit had the responsibility for the mainte-
186, the United Nations Security them regularly at nance and restoration of law and order,
Council: called upon all Member random intervals to to take all additional measures neces-
States, in conformity with their obliga- check for territory sary to stop violence and bloodshed in
tions under the Charter of the United incursions Cyprus; called upon the communities in

Peace Keeping
Cyprus and their leaders to act with Main Image: 3

the utmost restraint; recommended Slovakian and
the creation, with the consent of the Hungarian
Government of Cyprus, of a United observers checking
Nations Peace keeping Force in
Cyprus; and recommended that the
the front lines on
function of the Force should be, in
either side of the
the interest of preserving international Buffer zone near the
peace and security, to use its best Louroujina salient
efforts to prevent a recurrence of fight-
ing and, as necessary, to contribute 3: I reckon
to the maintenance and restoration of these Hungarian
law and order and a return to normal and Slovakian
conditions. peacekeepers
are, from left,
Fifty years on, UNFICYP is still in place
but, following the adoption of UNSCR
2nd Lieutenant,
1568 in 2004, when it was decided
Senior Sergeant 1st
that the political climate had thawed Class, Captain and
sufficiently, its military presence Warrant Officer 1st
was reduced and its emphasis has Class
10 Combat & Survival

3
Top right: Hungarian 4 5

UNFICYP personnel
wear the national
4-colour arid theatre
camo all year round but
their Serbian colleagues
changed to liaison and mediation wear 5-colour Digital
rather than interposition of forces. Temperate over the
winter
The 202-strong Blue Beret force military personnel serving in Sector 4,
responsible for the 95 kilometre long 3: Hungarians are using but the latter were on scheduled leave at
Sector 4 of the Buffer Zone between an Isuzu 4x4 pick-up but the time of our visit.
Turkish and Greek Cypriot front lines,
the Serbians are using
stretching from Famagusta on the During the current UN Mandate, which
coast westwards to the outskirts of
a Chevrolet LUV
is up for review in July, the Sector 4
the capital Nicosia/Lefkosa, excluding troop breakdown is 96 Slovakians, 57
the Soveign Base Area at Dekhelia, is 4: It may wear a Hungarians and 45 Serbians. One line
led by Slovakia but also has sizeable different grille but company is deployed along both cease-
Hungarian and Serbian contingents. the Chevrolet LUV is fire lines of the sector’s Buffer Zone.
The Slovakian commander and most actually a re-badged One platoon, provided by the Hungarian
of his national contingent are drawn Isuzu D-MAX contingent, is headquartered in Athienou
from the Air Force, primarily but not and has responsibility for the western third platoon is based in Pyla tasked
exclusively their equivalent Britain’s 5: For Slovakian half of the Sector; a second platoon, with monitoring military activity in the
RAF Regiment, the Hungarians are provided by the Slovakians, is based in only bi-communal village inside the
uniform details turn to
Army personnel, and the Serbians Dherinia and has responsibility for the buffer zone.
are primarily Military Police. There are
page 58
eastern half, including the abandoned
also two Croatian and two Ukrainian Varosha suburb of Famagusta; and a Pyla, which nestles below high ground

Peace Keeping
Top left: Compare a mark of respect. However, although

the Isuzu D-MAX in Pyla the two different peoples can
in this shot with co-exist one should not assume that
all is a bed of roses out in the rest of
the Chevrolet LUV
the Buffer Zone and UN personnel still
below have to be both skilled negotiators
and keen observers to prevent what
Below: Patrolling in other circumstances might be a
past the ruined disagreement between neighbours
village of Petrofani flaring up into an inter-communal
where bullet- dispute ... or worse.
to the west of the British SBA at When we visited the UN patrol base holes are still
Dekhelia, is a reminder of how Cyprus in the village square (unfortunately visible in the walls In addition to visiting Pyla we also
used to be before inter-communal no photos allowed, due to the forty years on joined a Slovakian vehicle patrol flying
violence broke out in the middle of sensitivity) and asked the Blue the flag through a 30 kilometre stretch
from the Turkish
the Twentieth Century. Greek and Berets on duty if the air of normality of the Buffer Zone and met up with
Turkish Cypriots co-exist in the village was unusual, they told us that there
Intervention in July Hungarian and Serbian Blue Beret
and, although most facilities such is now much greater tolerance 1974 patrols liaising at the boundary of
as bar/cafe and church/mosque are between the two sides. Indeed their individual areas of responsibility.
duplicated side by side, daily life is as shortly before our visit one of the Images © By chance, we also ran into another
peaceful and unhurried as in any other villages elders passed away and Bob Morrison Serbian patrol on a familiarisation tour
Mediterranean village I have visited during the funeral pretty much the prior to one of them taking over for the
outside Cyprus. whole community came to a halt as next roulement.

Joint training for public order
duties - close inspection of
uniforms reveals that both
Slovakians and Serbians (in
3-colour desert camo) are
participating
[Slovakian MoD image]
6
Except in times of increased 6: Our patrol

tension, a normal presence and through sector 4
reassurance patrol consists of two was in a Slovakian-
soldiers travelling in a 4x4 to ensure crewed Toyota
the comparatively small UN force Land Cruiser Prado
covers as much ground as possible
but to bolster the teams out on the
J-120
ground the ARGAIR helicopters
regularly fly random observation 7: When patrolling
or reinforcing patrols along the in the Buffer
line; something many troops look Zone all UNFICYP
forward to taking part in. The Mobile vehicles must fly
Force Reserve, aboard their Tactica the blue UN flag
armoured personnel carriers, will also which is illuminated
periodically deploy into the Sector at night
to fly more flags but in the main it is with soldiers patrolling unarmed, even
the Slovakians and their Hungarian though there is a weapon for every
7
and Serbian colleagues who ensure Blue Beret in the armouries should
tranquillity at the eastern end of the they be needed, but when tensions
UN Buffer Zone. on the island rise they have to be
prepared for public disorder and crowd
For the most part the UN mission in control so all are well trained for such
Sector 4 is low key and undramatic, eventualities.

1
OUR RECENT VISIT TO Main Image: From
FAMAGUSTA’S UN CAMP left: Hungarian NCO,
GENERAL M R STEFANIK AT Slovakian Police Major,
THE START OF OUT TOUR OF Eire Police Officer,
SECTOR 4 OF THE UNITED Serbian Major, Croatian
NATIONS BUFFER ZONE GAVE Lieutenant Colonel and
US AN OPPORTUNITY TO Slovakian 1st Lieutenant
MEET AND CHAT TO MILITARY
AND POLICE PERSONNEL 1: There are military
FROM SEVERAL NATIONS contingents from
WORKING IN HARMONY AS AN five nations based at
INTEGRATED FORCE TASKED Famagusta - during
WITH MAINTAINING PEACE our visit the Ukrainian
AND STABILITY BETWEEN officers were on leave
THE GREEK AND TURKISH so we were unable
B
CYPRIOT ARMED FORCES AND to photograph their efore our foray out into the buffer
CIVILIAN POPULATIONS AT uniform and insignia 2
zone we took the opportunity to
THE EASTERN END OF CYPRUS. photograph six of the team at
ALTHOUGH EACH SOLDIER OR 2: The white pip below Famagusta for our badge and
POLICE OFFICER WEARS THE the chevron indicates uniform collector readers. In the ac-
BLUE UNITED NATIONS BERET this Hungarian soldier companying photos we have focussed
OR BASEBALL CAP AND THE to be a staff sergeant on the headgear - note the different
CIRCULAR UN EMBLEM PATCH, - the only patch worn cap / beret badges - and the upper left
OF A MAP OF THE WORLD on his left sleeve is his sleeve, where national insignia is worn.
INSCRIBED IN AN OLIVE national flag Each of the camouflage patterns (with
WREATH, ON THE RIGHT UPPER the exception of Croatia) will be covered
SLEEVE, THEY DRESS IN THEIR Images © in a little more depth in our Kit & Camo
NATIONAL UNIFORM AND WEAR BOB MORRISON UNFICYP mini-series over the next few
NATIONAL INSIGNIA. issues.

3
Top Left: This Slovakian

1st Lieutenant wears his
national flag above the
SECTOR 4 multinational
patch - his uniform is in the
vz 2007 Pust camo pattern
featured on page 58 of this
issue
4 Top Right: The epaulettes

denote that this Slovakian
UNPOL officer is a major -
she wears a Police badge in
her national colours on her
upper left sleeve
3: This Croatian lieutenant

colonel wears his national
flag above his Armed 5
Forces of the Republic of
Croatia (Oružane Snage
Republike Hrvatske) sleeve
patch - he wears OSRH
pixellated desert camo
4: This Irish UNPOL officer

wears his national tricolour
below his collar number
epaulette and above his An
Garda Síochána sleeve patch
5: This Serbian major’s

rank slide is in the centre of
his chest - he does not wear
a national flag on his left
sleeve and his patch is the
shield from the centre of
the Serbian Armed Forces
coat of arms

Multinational Forces
This Bv 309 Sjuktransportbandvagn

ambulance also belonged to the vehicle fleet
of the Swedish contingent that took part on
Exercise COLD RESPONSE ‘14

The aim of exercise Main Image: A

COLD RESPONSE, which 1
French sniper
is held every two years, engages Canadian
is to train Norwegian
and allied forces in
troops - he is
military operations armed with a Fusil
under challenging à Répétition F2 (FR
winter conditions and to F2) sniper rifle
strengthen cooperation
between the forces of 1: Canadian troops
allied nations. This year’s taking part in the
exercise took place exercise mostly
between the 7th and 21st belonged to the 3rd
of March 2014 and saw Battalion, The Royal
the participation of troops
from 16 nations, including
22e Régiment ‘Van
land, air, naval and Doos’
special forces. Situated
well above the Arctic
Circle, the exercise area
stretched from Bordø to
Tromsø and also included
Swedish territory.

Swedish Stridsvagn 122 main battle tanks of the Norbottens
Regemente I19 advance along the E6 highway, one of the main
communication lines of northern Norway
2: Dutch Marines engage 4

dismounted Norwegian
armoured infantry during
heavy fighting along Route
C
OLD RESPONSE 2014 was Switzerland (2) and the USA (930). 851 on the 18th - the
the sixth of the Norwegian-led Another 280 personnel participating in Marine in the foreground
exercises to which Norway regu- the exercise belonged to NATO HQ and is armed with a Colt Licht
larly invites both NATO partners units. The exercise involved land, air and Ondersteunend Automatisch
and nations that participate in the naval forces as well as a 1,300-strong Wapen light support weapon
Partnership for Peace programme. The Special Forces contingent.
first COLD RESPONSE exercise was 3: LAV-25 A2 vehicles of the
organised by the Scandinavian country FREE PLAY USMC 2nd Light Armored re-establish the integrity of the borders
in 2006 and back then 10,000 troops Until now most of the COLD RESPONSE Reconnaissance Battalion of a country after the armed forces of a
from eleven nations took part. The exercises were focused on conducting advance on high ground - neighbouring country had invaded one
next exercises in the series followed in stabilisation operations but the scenario the main armament of the of its provinces; the area in question
2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012. of this year’s exercise differed, being vehicle is a 25mm M242 having had a long history of ethnic
mainly centred on high intensity war- Bushmaster automatic tension. The dispute about its ownership
With 16,000 participants from 16 fighting operations. The force-on-force cannon also was a result of the rich natural
nations, this year’s exercise is the field training exercise that was mainly resources discovered in the region.
largest COLD RESPONSE to date. The conducted on civilian land outside 4: This Swedish
following nations participated: Belgium military training areas was free play, Luftvärnskanonvagn 9040 The combat stage of the exercise was
(770), Denmark (77), Germany allowing the commanders of the Blue self-propelled anti-aircraft mainly divided in two phases. In the first
(570), Estonia (22), France (1,220), and Red exercise forces at all levels gun is taking up a new phase Blue conducted its attack in order
United Kingdom (785), Ireland (8), as much freedom to make their own position while Blue is to expel the Red invading forces, while
Canada (810), Latvia (23), Lithuania decisions as possible. fighting a delaying battle in these first fought a delaying battle and
(6), the Netherlands (1,440), Norway order to slow down the Red then moved into defensive positions.
(7,850), Poland (328), Sweden (1,473) The mission of the Blue forces was to counter-attack Under the second phase of the exercise

Red began its counter-attack from the Main Image:

16th onwards, with Blue now fighting Dutch engineers,
a delaying battle before moving into assigned to the
defensive positions.
Red forces, clear
RED AND BLUE LAND FORCES a path through a
While the exercise involved all three
minefield - note
arms of service plus Special Forces, their YPR 765 A1
we will only take a closer look at the Pantser Rups Genie
land forces involvement. The Red (PRGN) engineer
land forces were mainly provided by section vehicle in
the Brigade North, which is the only the background
remaining combat forces brigade of
the Norwegian Army after a major 5: Swedish mortar
restructuring over the last two decades. teams conduct a
While on the last COLD RESPONSE
exercises the brigade was usually split
fire mission - the
up with its units assigned to different
mortar used is a
sides, in 2014 it operated almost 120mm Grk 12cm
entirely as a complete formation for m/41which has an
the first time, providing its brigade effective range of
commander with the rather unique six kilometres and
possibility of commanding his entire can fire up to ten battalion-size French mountain infantry
6
force on a field training exercise. rounds a minute battlegroup was assigned to the
Norwegian brigade. Some 400-strong,
Major units of the Brigade North that it consisted of elements of the 27e
6: A Dutch Landing
took part in the exercise were: the Brigade d’Infanterie de Montagne (27
Bardufoss based Brigade HQ, the
Craft Utility (LCU) BIM), including an HQ element of the
Setermoen based Panserbataljon the
brings ashore 27e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins,
Rena based Telemarkbataljon, the heavy equipment mountain infantry companies of the 13e
Skold based 2. Bataljon, the Setermoen for the Dutch Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins and the
based Artilleribataljon, the Skold based Beach Master 27e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins, an
Ingeniørbataljon, the Setermoen based Unit, including a engineer platoon of the 2e Régiment component. The bulk of the personnel
ISTAR Bataljon, the Bardufoss based Werklust WG18E Étranger de Génie, JTAC Teams of the for the multinational HQ of the brigade
Sambandsbataljon, the Setermoen bucket loader 93e Régiment d’Artillerie de Montagne was provided by the Norbottens
based Sanitetsbataljon, the Bardufoss fitted with a laying and signals of the 27eCompagnie de Regemente I19 of the Swedish Army.
based Stridstrenbataljonen, the Rena Commandement et de Transmissions de This regiment also provided a 900-
system for metal
based Kampeskadron, the Rena based Montagne. strong armoured battlegroup for the
Haerens Befalsskole and the Bardufoss
trackways brigade that included elements of its
based Militaerpoltikompaniet. The Blue land forces were formed 192 Mekaniserade Bataljonen, 193
into a Multinational Brigade that Jägerbataljonen, 101 Insatskompaniet
For the duration of the exercise a also included a strong amphibious and 10 Hemvärnsbataljonen. Also

7
under command of the Multinational Main Image:

Brigade was a Canadian light infantry Norwegian Leopard
battlegroup, of which the personnel 2A4NO MBTs of the
mainly belonged to the 3rd Battalion, Panserbataljon,
The Royal 22e Régiment ‘Van Doos’ -
which feature a
see page 38.
120mm smoothbore
The British component of the tank gun, provide
Multinational Brigade consisted of overwatch while
a some 300-strong Royal Marines other tanks
battlegroup combined from elements advance over a and CV9040B armoured infantry fighting 8
vehicles supported by engineer assets
of 40 Commando Royal Marines and bridge during the
pushed in the direction of Bardufoss.
42 Commando Royal Marines, with the Red counter-attack
latter also providing the HQ element.
The amphibious forces were provided Around the same time on the second
7: At high speed axis, along the coastlines of the Lavangen
by a 500-strong battlegroup of the
a Norwegian and Sagfjord, the Canadians began their
Dutch Korps Mariniers, operating from
aboard of the landing platform dock
Leopard 2A4NO attack reinforced by a mixed Swedish-
HNLMS Rotterdam. Also part of the MBT crosses the Norwegian armoured infantry company.
amphibious force was a reinforced E6 highway - during The Royal Marines battlegroup was
company-size task force of US the field training deployed in the mountainous terrain
Marines, including troops of the 2nd exercise a lot of the between the two main axes, moving
cross-country on skis through the difficult
Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, the fighting took place
terrain and serving as a link between the
2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance along this vital line attacking formations.
Battalion and the 2nd Supply Battalion. of communication in
northern Norway With relatively few forces, Red fought
MINEFIELDS, AMPHIBIOUS a delaying battle along the E6 and the
LANDINGS AND MECHANISED 8: Here a NM201F3 coastline, slowing down the enemy
COMBAT Ildlederpanservogn advance again and again with minefields
On 12th March the combat phase of
JTAC/Observation and ambushes. Along the E6 the By 16th March the Blue forces had
COLD RESPONSE ‘14 commenced
with the attack of the Blue forces
Post Vehicle of Panserbataljon of the Brigade North was pushed back the Red forces onto a
the Brigade North employed while the French mountain line along the Malselve river, but did
in the early hours. Along two axes, infantry battlegroup was deployed along not manage to capture the important
the Blue forces pushed into the can be seen with
the coastline. On 14th March the attack bridges over the river at Olsborg and
territory previously invaded by Red. its mast mounted of Blue was reinforced by an amphibious Rundhaug. The first phase of the
The armoured battlegroup of the sensor head landing conducted by the Dutch Marines exercise saw the forces involved not only
Norbottens Regemente I19 advanced deployed monitoring in the vicinity of Sorreisa, deep behind fighting against their opponents but also
along the E6 highway, one of the positions of Blue the flank of the enemy lines. Around the against the harsh weather conditions.
main lines of communication of forces same time the Canadian troops were also These were extremely dangerous, as
northern Norway. From Fossbacken reinforced by the USMC company-size it was raining during the initial days,
the Stridsvagn 122 main battle tanks task force. drenching troops and equipment.

Swedish CV9040B armoured
infantry fighting vehicles of the
Norbottens Regemente I19 have
deployed along a tree line - the
CV9040B is fitted with a 40mm
40/70Bc Bofors automatic cannon
During the nights the temperatures tanks along the E6 from Olsborg into
then dropped to well below zero, a the direction of Bardufoss. Further to the
combination that certainly would have West along the coastline the rest of the
caused countless cold weather injuries Telemarkbataljon began to push the Blue
such as frostbite if proper care had not forces back, expelling them from Sorreisa.
been taken. While Blue successfully fought a delaying
battle in the next days, Red managed to
It was during this time that the troops continue with its attack gaining more and
changed the name of the exercise to more ground.
WET RESPONSE. However, the days
Supported by CV9030N armoured
of rain were followed by two days of infantry fighting vehicles Norwegian
When Blue forces conducted an
heavy snow with eight inches (200mm) armoured infantry attacks enemy
amphibious landing on the 18th, again
falling in one night alone. As a result of positions held by Dutch Marines
in the vicinity of Sorreisa, the Red forces
this the avalanche risk in the mountains were seriously troubled for the first 9
became an issue that had to be taken time. This time it was the turn of the US
into account. Marines to go ashore; they had previously
boarded the Dutch landing platform dock
COUNTER-ATTACK HNLMS Rotterdam and now were brought
In the late afternoon of the 16th the ashore by Dutch LCVP and LCU landing
Brigade North had begun its counter- crafts. Among the troops landed were
attack. During the following night heavy an element of the 2nd Light Armored
fighting took place between Rundhaug Reconnaissance Battalion equipped with
and Bardufoss. Here the Panserbataljon LAV-25 A2 light armoured reconnaissance
attacked positions of the Royal Marines vehicles.
battlegroup. The Royal Marines with
their Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Also on the 18th, Red forces conducted
Weapon Systems Javelin gave the a large heliborne assault in the vicinity
Norwegians quite a tough nut to crack. of Setermoen in order to regain the 9: “If the Snow Monster wants 10
momentum of its attack. During the to get you, it will get you!”
In fact the fire and forget top attack operation the complete French mountain After slipping off the road a
LFATGWS Javelin proved to be a game infantry battlegroup was air-lifted forward CV9030N AIFV is recovered
changer for the armoured infantry in several waves by Norwegian Bell 412
with the winch of a Leopard
assets of Red forces. The CV9030N 1 based NM217 armoured
utility helicopters. On the afternoon of recovery vehicle
AIFV were no match for the LFATGWS the 18th heavy fighting took place along
Javelin and were knocked out regularly. the Route 851 between Sjovegan and 10: While his comrades storm
As a result the infantry had to dismount Brandvoll. Here the mechanised infantry of an enemy position a Norwegian
at quite a distance, close in onto the the Telemarkbataljon tried to fight its way machine-gunner provides
British positions and clear them before covering fire with his 5.56mm 11
through a series of Blue defensive lines MINIMI light machinegun
the armoured vehicles could follow manned by the Canadian light infantry,
unharmed. the Dutch Marines and armoured infantry 11: The Dutch Navy landing
assets of the Norbottens Regemente I19. platform dock HNLMS
Parallel to the attack of the Rotterdam served as
Panserbataljon the combined tank The fighting continued up to the time operational platform for the
companies of the Panserbataljon and amphibious forces of the
the combat phase of Exercise COLD Multinational Brigade - here
the Telemarkbataljon began to attack RESPONSE 2014 ended, during the night an LCU is just returning to
with their Leopard 2A4NO main battle of 18th and 19th of March. the ship

The Dual Role MWD
British Forces (Military Working
Dog) is a force
multiplier as it and
its handler give the
infantry section
or multiple a four-
legged additional
Manoeuvre and
Strike capability -
drill weapons were
used in this demo

Insurgents open fire
on an infantry section
accompanied by a Search
dog which has also been
trained in the Strike role
1 2 3
At the recent media facility ist training for those dogs selected for the 1: The Dual Role MWD
during Exercise GRIFFIN HERALD, crucial frontline roles. handler releases his 4
at which C&S was briefed on the dog which until now had
composition of the new Force With what UK MoD sees as being the been trying to detect any
Troops Command structure (see successful conclusion of Operation Improvised Explosive
page 72 of last month’s issue), HERRICK now being superseded by Devices buried ahead of the
we were also introduced to the training for Contingency Operations, advancing troops
new concept of the Dual Role based on lessons learned in Afghanistan
Military Working Dog (MWD). the Dual Role MWD concept has been 2: Off like a rocket when
Luffenham-based 1st Military introduced to combine Strike and commanded by the handler,
Working Dog Regiment, which Manoeuvre capabilities in one force the MWD races straight for
we covered in some detail in our multiplication package. In the Manoeuvre the insurgents who have just
August 2011 issue, is one of the role the MWD is able to investigate routes taken a shot at the troops
constituent parts of Aldershot- ahead of infantry patrols to detect any
based 29 EOD&S (Explosive surface laid and buried IEDs or to search 3: A sandbagged sangar is 5
Ordnance Disposal & Search) areas, compounds and vehicles for cleared in one bound as the
Regiment which in turn is part of explosives or ammunition, but it is also working dog goes in for the
Minley-based 8 Engineer Brigade trained to defend the patrol in the Strike take-down
under command of the new Force role, with or without word of command,
Troops Command organisation. plus it can also attack and detain the 4: One insurgent has vacated
enemy on command. the sangar but the other was
B
ack in 2011 Carl introduced us not fast enough to escape the
to High Assurance Search Dogs, The DR MWD is a bespoke asset which MWD which is doing its best
introduced shortly beforehand as can be modified to order, with its basic to ensure he doesn’t flee too
an Urgent Operational Require- ability to both search and bite being
ment for the Afghanistan theatre. Another expandable to include other disciplines 5: Once the insurgent has
canine UOR for operations in Helmand such as tracking or weapons search. It been detained the MWD
Province was the Improvised Explosive also has the ability to be trained to locate reverts to its Search role
Device Detection Dog. These new MWD new explosive threat odours in a matter of and its attention is turned
classifications were additions to the more days, thereby ensuring heightened Force to the insurgents’ nearby
conventional and familiar search and Protection levels and giving the ground vehicle ... where it quickly
guard dog categories which have existed commander an exceptional additional detects hidden explosives in
for some time and required highly special- asset. the wheel arch

Elite Forces
The Royal Netherlands Main Image: Dutch

Marine Corps (RNLMC), Marines, like their
the amphibious infantry British cousins,
component of the Netherlands use winterised
Maritime Force (NLMARFOR), and waterproofed
is a near 3000-strong self-
sufficient brigade capable
variants of the Land
of undertaking autonomous
Rover 110 XD Wolf
operations anywhere in the - 7.62mm GPMG
world. Deployable within 48 mount is specific
hours, its primary mission is to RNLMC Land
to participate in international Rovers
NATO and United Nations
peacekeeping and peace 1: RNLMC BvS10
support operations. Normally Viking armoured
the Dutch Marines work very troop carrier
closely with other NATO
nations and over the last
rolls of a Dutch
LCU (Landing Craft 2
forty years they have played
a major part in NATO’s United Utility) at the Luce
Kingdom/Netherlands Landing Bay beachhead
Force (UK/NL LF). In late
March and early April the 2: Dutch Marines
Korps Mariniers participated BvS10 Vikings are
on Exercise JOINT WARRIOR virtually identical
14-1 with 3 Commando to those used by 3
Brigade. Commando Brigade
T
he core of the reconfigured
RNLMC brigade is two Marine
Images ©
Combat Groups, 1 MCG and BOB MORRISON
2MCG, each numbering 726
troops and consisting of a headquar-
ters plus six squadrons (i.e. company
strength formations). One of the
squadrons is tasked in the Reconnais-

Elite Forces
sance, Surveillance & Target Acquisition Main Image: A

3
role and there are three Raiding Squad- British Beach
rons which are supported by a Combat Armoured
Support Squadron and a Combat Recovery Vehicle
Service Support Squadron.
gives a Dutch
The other two of the brigade’s four
Landing Craft Utility
conventional battalion-equivalent a gentle nudge off
formations are the Surface Assault the beach - note
& Training Group and the Seabased HMNLS Johan de
Support Group, plus the Netherlands Witt , sister of
Maritime Special Operations Forces HMNLS Rotterdam,
provides the Korps Mariniers with a anchored 5km
fifth, conventional and non-conventional offshore
forces, battalion under direct command.
The SA&TG includes a headquarters
3: Dutch Viking
element plus: an Amphibious Support
Group, a Fast Raiding Interception &
climbing up
SF Craft Squadron, a Landing Craft from the beach
Utility (LCU) Troop, a Landing Craft - the recent
Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) Troop, a winter storms each of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s two
Light Landing Craft Control Team and reconfigured the Rotterdam Class LPD (Landing Platform 4
a Heavy Landing Craft Control Team. Luce Bay shoreline Dock) assault ships. An MCG can either be
The SSG includes a headquarters from previous used independently or can provide mutual
element plus: an Equipment Support years and created support for its sister MCG, but it can also
Troop, a Weapons & Ammo Troop, a some interesting operate as a component within the UK/NL
Workshop & Transport Troop, and a Landing Force alongside Royal Navy ships
challenges
Communications Information Systems and Royal Marines from 3 Commando
Troop. The other RNLMC component Brigade.
is the independent 32nd Company, 4: Royal Marines
stationed on the Dutch island of Aruba beach party If necessary, the MCG can provide
in the southern Caribbean off the north supervises conventional back-up to the Netherlands
coast of Venezuela. unloading of BV206 Maritime Special Operations Forces
and BvS10 tracked (NLMARSOF) but its main roles are:-
The two Marine Combat Groups are vehicles from a • Amphibious Operations; from aboard
the primary operational formations of Dutch Landing Craft amphibious vessels, to undertake Non-
the brigade and are standalone light Utility Combatant Evacuation Operations or to
infantry battalions with fully integrated conduct combat assaults from the sea
fire support and logistical support; using landing craft and helicopters.
normally one MCG is allocated to • Maritime Security Operations; to protect

The unarmoured Hägglunds BV206 - this is
a mortar carrier variant - is still used by
the Dutch Marines, especially for support
and logistics roles
Dutch national interests, including 5: Stop group with 5
protection of merchant shipping against machinegun-armed
pirates. Land Rover and
• Stabilisation and Crisis Management
Operations; anywhere in the world
Viking on overwatch
at short notice, usually working in
of the coast road
conjunction with other NATO or UN to the south of the
partners. beachhead
Surface Assault & Training Group 6: These armed

(SATG) provides fast and manoeuvrable soft top Wolf Land
vessels to support the deployment of Rovers, converted
the MCGs in general and the Raiding by Ricardo,
Squadrons in particular, operating perform the same
independently from an Amphibious
Forward Operating Base or from naval
recce and fire
vessels. Their LCU and LCVP vessels
support roles as
are of a different type to those used by Royal Marines
the Royal Marines, but they are similar in R-WMIK+ Land
both dimensions and capacity meaning Rovers
they can operate equally from either
Dutch or British amphibious landing 7: Another view of
ships and transport men and materiel a mortar variant
from either nation. The roughly 100- BV206 in travelling
strong Seabased Support Group (SSG)
6 7
configuration - the
is the logistics element which allows the
Dutch Marines to operate independently
cab unit seats four
for extended periods, of at least thirty
Marines allowing
days, by supplying food, ammunition mobility for a 3-man
and fuel etc. from fleet to shore. mortar team plus
driver
On Exercise JOINT WARRIOR 14-1,
which we will cover in more detail

Elite Forces
Main Image: Setting up

the mortar line above
the beachhead just
minutes after arriving
ashore by LCU -
stabilisers between
loadbed and tracks
lock up the suspension
for firing
8: The medium
mortar used by the
Dutch Marines - they
use 60mm light and
120mm heavy mortars over the next couple of issues, the
too - is the British 2nd Marine Combat Group from the
81mm L16 A2 amphibious assault ship HNLMS
Johan de Witt formed part of the
9: Canopy rolled Lead Commando Group with 40
back to reveal Commando Royal Marines and went
mortar - the weapon ashore in Luce Bay near Stranraer on
10 can be fired from the morning of 31st March. While two
the rear loadbed, companies from 40 Cdo captured
or dismounted if and secured the airfield at Castle
necessary, and spare Kennedy in a two-pronged assault, by
rounds can be carried RAF Chinook helicopter and in BvS10
on the vehicle too Viking armoured personnel carriers,
Dutch Marines secured the beachhead
10: HMNLS Johan de perimeter and set up a mortar battery
Witt, seen through to provide fire support for their British
my longest lens, brothers.
was anchored 4800
metres away - HMS The accompanying images were taken
Bulwark and RFA during a four hour period on the first
Mounts Bay were morning, during a brief window in the
the other amphibious weather and before dense sea fog
force ships reduced visibility. A Non-Combatant
participating in this Evacuation Operation was mounted 24
phase hours later.

Kit & Camo Special

Kit & Camo Special
From the mid-eighties The primary

onwards those Royal personal weapon
Netherlands Marine Corps carried by this
(RNLMC) personnel serving
Dutch Marine
with the battalion which
formed the core of the Dutch
sapper is the
visibility chevron shoulder tabs signify (pants) are manufactured from a
element of NATO’s UK/NL 5.56mm Colt that he is a Marine 1st Class (Royal durable polycotton ripstop fabric.
Landing Force wore combat Canada (formerly Marine equivalent would be Lance Normally a matching helmet cover
uniforms in a slight colour Diemaco) C8A1 Corporal) and he wears the KORPS would be worn. Webbing on this
variation of British DPM carbine and his MARINIERS black on light khaki shoul- Marine is in the coyote brown shade
(Disruptive Pattern Material) secondary weapon der title at the top of the left sleeve but others on the same exercise wore
temperate or woodland is the Glock 17M of his BDU-style (i.e. US Battle Dress olive green or woodland pattern; for
camouflage fabric; however 9mm pistol which Utility) combat shirt. variations see the feature on pages
the other Marine battalion is carried here on 29-32. The boots worn here are black
wore uniforms in the US M81 The Woodland camouflage pattern Meindls but I also spotted several
his right thigh in a
Woodland pattern. As part of worn here is identical to the US M81 Dutch Marines wearing similar brown
the gradual restructuring of
Blackhawk holster.
four-colour design of reddish brown, boots stamped Meindl MFSystem.
the Korps Mariniers following The camouflage subdued grass green and black Protective eyewear is the Sawfly
the early 1990s break-up of image above right on a light tan background which model by Revision, with the yellow
the Soviet Union DPM camo is the back of this was used by the US Army, USMC lenses which increase contrast in
was phased out and these Marine’s M81 and US Air Force for non-desert overcast light or misty conditions.
days M81 Woodland camo combat blouse. theatres from the 1980s through to
is worn across the Corps the introduction of the unsuccessful At present although the Dutch Army
for most exercises and Images © Universal Camouflage Pattern still mostly wears DPM a number of
deployments. BOB MORRISON - (UCP) in 2004. This M81 pattern is a prototype digital patterns have been
Military Scene derivative of the post-WWII era ERDL fielded to a limited extent and the
T
he Dutch Marine featured this (Engineer Research and Development KCT (Korps Commando Troepen)
month is an Assault Engineer from Laboratory) scheme which went Special Forces have operationally
14 Close Support Squadron of1 through a couple of evolutions with deployed in MultiCam in Afghanistan,
Marine Combat Group photo- one of these being used by US plus Army Special Forces have been
graphed on the beachhead at Luce Marines in Vietnam. seen wearing the commercial A-TACS
Bay near Stranraer during the initial AU (Arid/Urban) digital pattern, so it
amphibious landing phase of Exercise Like pre-UCP American combats, is presumed that M81 Woodland will
JOINT WARRIOR 14-1. The single low the Dutch shirt (blouse) and trousers soon be phased out by the RNLMC.

Elite Forces
The Royal 22e Régiment is one Main Image:

of the French-speaking infantry Wearing snow
units of the Canadian Army, camouflage suits
nicknamed the ‘Van Doos’ over their combats
which is an Anglicized version soldiers of the 3rd
of vingt-deux (twenty-two). The
3rd Battalion of The Royal 22e
Battalion armed
Régiment is a light infantry
with 5.56mm C7A2
formation that includes a Automatic Rifles
high ratio of parachute- fight their way
trained personnel. Between through a wood in
7th and 21st March, elements northern Norway
of the battalion took part in held by French
Exercise COLD RESPONSE troops
2014 held in northern Norway.
While following the exercise 1: In an ambush
C&S bumped into the elite
Canadian troops again and
position soldiers
again.
of the Royal 22e
Régiment armed
1
8th March, 12:45 hours, with a 7.62mm C6
Strokkenes, 2.5km east of Sjove- Medium Machine
gan, on Route 851. From their po- Gun and a 66mm
sitions along a ridge the soldiers M72 Light Anti-
of the 3rd Battalion of The Royal 22e Armour Weapon
Régiment have a good view onto the await the arrival of
bridge in the valley below. The structure a column of enemy
spans across a waterway that links the
Ovrevatnet lake with the Nervatnet lake
armour
and is of great importance for both the
Multinational Task Force of the Blue Images ©
exercise forces, to which the Canadians CARL SCHULZE
belong, and the Brigade North of the
Norwegian Army, which is providing
most of the opposing Red forces on the
exercise.

While Blue forces need to keep the bridge Main Image: 18th 2
intact and in their possession in order to March, 12:45 hours,
allow launching a counter-attack, Red Strokkenes,along
forces need to capture the bridge in order Route 851 - from
to thrust further into enemy held-territory.
positions on a ridge
Earlier on the ‘Van Doos’ had beaten off a
first attack of enemy mechanised infantry,
Canadian troops
but it seems only a matter of time before bring heavy small
the Red forces will try again to take the arms fire to bear
bridge, so the Canadians keep a low against Norwegian
profile in their positions that have been dug infantry trying to
deeply into the snow. cross a crucial
bridge
Prior to the first contact with the enemy,
only sentries had been posted in order 2: Mobility for most
to allow the bulk of the troops to rest
of the Canadian
and shelter from the decidedly sub-zero
temperatures, but now everybody is in
contingent was
their place. All over the area soldiers provided by
armed with 5.56mm C7A2 Automatic Rifles Norwegian Bv 206
(some of which are fitted with 40mm M203 tracked articulated a radio and the sounds caused by a strong
Underslung Grenade Launchers), 5.56mm all-terrain carriers breeze. 3
C9A2 Light Machine Guns (LMG), 7.62mm - this one is fitted
C6 Medium Machine Guns and 66mm M72 with a Canadian Then, suddenly, the silence is disturbed
Light Anti-Armour Weapons monitor the 40mm C16 Automatic by the screaming of engines and the rattle
other bank of the waterway for any signs Grenade Launcher of metal tracks. At high speed CV8030N
of enemy movement. From high ground, Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicles of the
deployed in the front gardens of buildings, Norwegian Telemark Battalion emerge from
teams armed with 40mm C16 Automatic
3: A Canadian anti- dead ground, dash across the fields deeply
Grenade Launcher Systems cover the tank team equipped covered in snow and head for the bridge.
approach to the bridge on the opposite with an 84mm Carl While on the move, the AIFVs engage some
side. Gustav Medium of the Canadian positions with their 30mm
Range Anti Armour automatic cannons and coaxial machine
On this side of the waterway soldiers armed Weapon waits to guns. The blank fire is answered by a wave
with 84mm Carl Gustav Medium Range engage Norwegian of flares indicating the use of anti-tank
Anti Armour Weapons are in position along armour once it weapons by the Canadians.
the road passing over the bridge to take is crossing a key
out any armoured vehicle that manages to Close to the bridge the CV9030N carriers
bridge that spans
cross. It is quiet around the bridge, with the stop, disgorging their load of infantrymen.
only noise being the occasional crackle of
over a waterway The Norwegian dismounts now are greeted

The Van Doos soon
renamed the exercise
Elite Forces WET RESPONSE
2014 - here the name
was been written in
the snow sticking to
the rear of a Bv 206
tracked articulated
all-terrain carrier
by heavy Canadian small arms fire. Despite 4: A FOO/ FAC

this they make their way over the bridge, party carefully 4
covered by fire from the CV9030N. Once scans the bank
on the other side they immediately begin to of a Norwegian
storm the ridge held by the Canadians. For
fjord for
the next fifteen minutes fierce fighting takes
place around the Canadian positions and
enemy activity
between the houses on the ridge. It is now - the Vectronix
the umpires’ turn to decide if the Norwegian Vector laser
attack was successful or if the ‘Van Doos’ rangefinder
have beaten it off a second time. binoculars are
connected to
CANADIAN ARMY CONTINGENT an AN/PSN-
The Canadian Army took part in Exercise 13 Defense
COLD RESPONSE 2014 with a total of 351 Advanced GPS
troops, the bulk of these originating from Receiver
the 3rd Battalion of The Royal 22e Régiment
light infantry battalion belonging to the
5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
5: While the bulk
(CMBG) and based at Canadian Forces of the troops of
Base Valcartier in Quebec. The remaining the Royal 22e
troops were drawn from other units of the 5 Régiment were 5
CMBG, as well as from the 5 Military Police armed with the
Platoon also based at CFB Valcartier and 5.56mm C7A2
the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre Automatic Rifle
(CMTC) based at CFB Wainwright. this soldier
has a short
The personnel of the CMTC served as
barrel 5.56mm
umpires while members of the 5 Military
Police Platoon joined a Multinational Military
C8A3 Carbine
Police Task Force that cooperated closely with 3.4x28
with the local police force and, among magnification
other tasks, ensured traffic safety while C79 Optical sight
the exercise was on, as it mainly took part
outside training areas and on public ground.
During the exercise some Canadian officers
also served in the HQ of the Multinational
Brigade of the Blue Forces. In preparation
for the exercise in northern Norway the
Canadian troops were put through Exercise

6
RAFALE BLANCHE held in Beauce, Quebec,

in February 2014.
Main Image:
The 5.56mm
MULTINATIONAL BATTALION C7A2 Automatic
GROUP Rifle of the Van
During COLD RESPONSE ‘14 the soldiers of Doos soldier in
the 3rd Battalion of The Royal 22e Régiment the foreground
formed the core of the Multinational Battalion is fitted with a
Group that also involved Norwegian and 40mm M203
Swedish troops. The MBG belonged to the Underslung
Multinational Brigade of the Blue Forces Grenade
and was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Launcher
Steve Jourdain, Commanding Officer of the
3rd Battalion. Within the Group the Canadian
battalion provided the HQ, two Light Infantry
6: Canadian
Companies, a Combat Support Company,
troops patrol the
an Engineer Section, a Forward Observation high ground along
Officer/ Forward Air Controller element and a a Norwegian
Combat Service Support Platoon. fjord - they
are wearing
Mobility for the 100-strong Canadian light waterproofs
infantry companies was provided by Bv in Canadian
206 tracked articulated all-terrain carriers Disruptive
borrowed from the Norwegian Army. The Pattern (CADPAT)
Combat Support Company numbered some
55 troops and included, among other assets,
over their
a reconnaissance platoon and several sniper
combats
teams. The Engineer Section numbered
16 troops and was mainly equipped for 7: Using an 84mm
mine clearing tasks. The FOO/FAC element Carl Gustav
counted eight troops and coordinated Medium Range
7
artillery and fire support for the troops of the Anti Armour was reinforced by a platoon of Swedish
MBG. Logistics and transportation support Weapon Canadian Armoured Infantry from the Norbottens
for the force was provided by the 27 troops Regemente I 19 equipped with CV9040B
troops engage
of the Combat Service Support Platoon. AIFVs.
a Norwegian
The Canadian troops were reinforced by
AIFV during FIGHTING ALONG THE
a Norwegian Armoured Infantry Company
the fighting in COASTLINE
equipped with CV9030N Armoured Infantry Sjovegan In the beginning COLD RESPONSE
Fighting Vehicles. This company, in turn, ‘14 saw the Blue forces conducting

Elite Forces
From high ground,

deployed in the front
gardens of buildings,
teams armed with
40mm C16 Automatic
Grenade Launcher
Systems cover the
approach to the bridge
over the waterway that
links two lake.
offensive operations up to the 16th of March 8: This column of

2014. During this time the Multinational Canadian operated
Brigade attacked along two axes, one being Bv 206 tracked
the E6 highway running from Fossbakken articulated all-
to Olsborg, where the heavy armour was terrain carriers
employed. The second axis, where the
Canadian-led group was employed, ran
was seen during a
along the coast to the west of the E6. While
lull in the fighting of
pushing along their axis the Canadians had the offensive phase
to fight through villages such as Sjovegan, - note that the first
Medby and finally Sorreisa, most of the time vehicle is fitted with
being opposed by French forces of the 27e a 40mm C16 AGLS
Brigade d’Infanterie de Montagne.
9: A gunner
During the fighting the Canadians fought night alone.
manning a H&K
in close cooperation with the Norwegian 40mm C16
and Swedish AIFVs. Usually the AIFVs From 16th to 18th March the Blue forces
were in the lead in more open areas,
Automatic Grenade then were put into the defensive with the
while the Canadian infantry took the lead
Launcher System mission to hold as much of the gained
when villages or other confined space lay stands at the ready terrain as possible. For the Canadians
ahead. But fighting the French was not to engage advancing this meant that they were now fighting
the only challenge during the first days enemy troops - the a delaying battle against superior
of the exercise, as the unusually warm C16 AGLS first Norwegian armoured forces, most of
climate for this time of the year in northern entered Canadian them belonging to the elite Telemark
Norway resulted in a lot of heavy rain service in 2012 Battalion. The final engagement of the
combined with stormy winds. With the exercise for the Canadians was fought
troops coming from Canada, where a lot in the vicinity of Sjovegan. First the Van
10: Canadian fire Doos managed to hold the town for
of snow fell during this winter, they were
soon joking that the exercise should be
team await the quite a while and later on they again
renamed WET RESPONSE 2014. However,
order to open engaged the Norwegian troops to the
due to the weather the soldiers had to take fire on advancing south and east of the village, fighting
extreme care of themselves and their kit, Norwegian infantry from well chosen blocking positions.
as getting wet during the day and having they are armed with
temperatures drop well below zero during a 56mm C7A2 fitted GOOD TRAINING promote relations with Norway, for the
the night can quickly result in frost bite with a 40mm M203 While from the political point of view participating Canadian troops of the Van
and other troubles. The joking about “WET Underslung Grenade Exercise COLD RESPONSE 2014 Doos it was a perfect opportunity to train
RESPONSE was soon ended when heavy Launcher and a was a perfect possibility for the in cooperation with foreign forces during
snowfall started during the last days of the Canadian government to show its will winter war-fighting activities at a tactical
5.56mm C9A2 LMG
offensive phase, with 40cm falling in one to cooperate with NATO Allies and to level.

Survival
You know that what lies Main Image: The 1

ahead is uncertain, perhaps wilderness - you
life threatening. You know cannot always
back-up will be either non-
predict the future,
existent or minimal. How do
you prepare yourself, what
but you can
skills and knowledge could prepare for it
you – should you – set about
acquiring? 1: Constantly
practise making
S
urvival training is the best form fires - from basic
of insurance against the un- materials and
known, and will keep you alive under varying
when equipment and people conditions
let you down which, sadly, they often
do. You need to plan ahead, and get
the appropriate skills and knowledge
2: Practise shelter
before you need it. Survival training building in different
takes several different forms; let’s seasons and in
start with actual survival courses. different terrain
the object of the lesson. You need to
SURVIVAL COURSES Images © appreciate the effects of hunger. You 2
Most civilian courses run over either JENNIFER POLLEY become irritable and fatigued, and
a long weekend or a week. Many building a shelter or foraging for berries
offer follow-up advanced level becomes very difficult. You need to
training. understand the importance of rationing
calories. You don’t want to spend
You will be taught how to build hundreds of calories collecting food
shelters and fires, and how to that generates only twenty calories. Use
collect and purify water. You will natural features when making a shelter,
probably be shown some edible and build as little as possible from must address it before incapacitated by
plants common to the area you are scratch. fatigue.
in. You usually sleep in a shelter you
made by yourself. Animal traps and You learn first-hand that snares are Courses are generally military in style,
snares are set early on, as you are often ignored for days and that fruit but there are some more bushcraft-
not usually given any food to eat on trees are either nowhere to be seen, or orientated courses out there too. Be
these courses; you get hungry pretty simply out of season. In a real survival clear as to which type you prefer. The
quickly! situation you need to appreciate Classified section of C&S runs some
catching and collecting food is a hard, adverts of course providers. Most
Bringing your own food defeats time-consuming task and therefore you organisers will send you a kit list and

3 Main Image: Having 4
a positive mental
attitude and seeing
opportunities, not
obstacles, will
always aid your
survival
3: Practice at
improvising and 5
adapting for when
the right equipment
is not available
4: Keep medical
skills sharp, like I
do, by volunteering
to be a First Aider
programme beforehand. professionals. Contact the British Red
or First Responder
Cross or your local Adult Education
Centre for course details. The British
at work or in the
Regular outdoors people need to
complement their survival training with Mountaineering Council (0161 445 6111) local community
courses in outdoor pursuits. Courses and the Expeditionary Advice Centre
in mountaineering, orienteering, (0207 591 3000) may be able to help 5: Join a gym, but if
sailing, canoeing, etc. also need with more specialist medical courses. this is not possible,
to be undertaken. They could give some basic home
you the edge when Plan A has to be SURVIVAL BOOKS equipment will help
abandoned. Apart from my own book, Teach Yourself keep you in shape
How to Survive Outdoors, there are some
In my opinion you must also complete specialist books to consider:- life saving tips.
a First Aid course. Ensure you also • RYA Sea Survival Handbook, by Keith • The Ultimate Desert Handbook, by
know how to deal with common Colwell and Steve Lucas. Designed Mark Johnson. A detailed book which
problems such as sickness and to accompany the Royal Yacht deals with the problems of water, food,
diarrhoea, insect bites, toothache, Association’s sea survival course. medical conditions, vehicle issues, as
sprains, etc. Medical knowledge is • U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Jungle well as navigation and the wildlife you
as important as survival knowledge if Survival Secrets by Don Mann. Written will probably run up against.
you intend spending significant time by an ex-SEAL commando with first- • SAS Mountain and Arctic Survival by
beyond the easy reach of medical hand experience of jungles and full of Barry Davies. Written by a former SAS

Survival
6
member and has advice specific to are, the easier it usually is to cope. Main Image: Keep
very cold environments. fit, as this could
• Pocket First Aid and Wilderness To this end, run and swim regularly. Join
make the difference
Medicine by Dr Jim Duff and Dr Peter a gym and improve yourself. You must
Gormly. Superb little book to help you learn to invest in yourself. Make yourself
when Plan A goes
deal with everything from mountain more useful, more dependable, tougher. out the window
sickness, to infectious diseases, to Remember the value of Chris Ryan’s
frostbite and hypothermia. supreme fitness in his The One Who Got 6: Build upon your
Away. basic knowledge
Other books on survival generally with more detailed
include:- SURVIVAL MENTALITY information
• Hawkes’ Green Beret Survival Survival training should also be about from those with
Manual by Myke Hawke. A brick of a acquiring a certain mentality. You cannot specialist skills
book by a former captain in the US afford to be shocked and paralysed by
Army Special Forces. Excellent but a life threatening situation, or the sight of
too big to carry with you. your mate bleeding heavily and needing
• The Commando Survival Manual urgent help. The psychologists tell us
by Hugh McManners. Written by a that survivors often have the following
former British Commando and, being qualities:-
a Dorling Kindersley book, is full of • Are calm and not inclined to panic
superb photographs. • Have a positive attitude and see
• The SAS Survival Handbook by opportunities around them
John Wiseman. An encyclopaedic • Can adapt quickly and easily
book by a former SAS instructor. • Can see the bigger picture and rise
Plenty of detail and well laid out. above discomfort
• Bushcraft Survival by Ray Mears. • Are assertive and decisive; introverts
One of the few good non-military often die waiting for someone to tell
orientated books on the subject. them what to do.
FITNESS PRACTISE, PRACTISE,

Tip the balance in your favour and PRACTISE
ensure you are able to meet the You must practise all your skills -
unexpected physical demands of a survival, medical, map reading, etc.
Plan B. The fitter and stronger you - as frequently as possible, and under

Left: In addition
to writing two
previous long-
running Survival
feature series
for COMBAT
& SURVIVAL,
Highlands-based
Jason Polley is
the author of the
How To Survive
Outdoors title in
the prestigious
Teach Yourself
range of books
published
by Hodder & varying conditions. For example, routinely practise fire-
Stoughton in the lighting with a spark, or making a shelter, or simply map
reading, in all weathers with only very minimal equipment.
UK and McGraw-
Hill in the US. In essence, Survival Training needs to incorporate:
• Courses
Right: Read up on • Supplementary reading on the subject
more specialised • Physical fitness training
areas of First • Having the right frame of mind
Aid and medicine • Practising less frequently used skills as often as
to complement possible
your existing
knowledge See you next time, when we will discuss Survival Kits and
Equipment.
During Exercise JOINT WARIOR 14-1

we bumped into a staff sergeant from
the New Zealand Army, an amphibious
logistics specialist on attachment to
the Royal Marines, who was wearing
the latest Multi-terrain Camouflage
Uniform on the beachhead at West
Freugh. We simply do not have enough
space to cram in even a short feature
on this very interesting camo, but
realising that this will be the first
time that many of our readers in the
Northern Hemisphere will have seen it
here’s a teaser pic. Introduced in 2013
for all ranks of the NZ Army and by
New Zealand Defence Force deployed
on operations, MCU has replaced
Disrupted Pattern Material (DPM) and
Desert Disrupted Pattern Material
(DDPM) uniforms previously worn by the
Army.
MORE NEXT MONTH, IF SPACE ALLOWS.

Firearms
Main Image:
Accuracy
Accuracy International International
(AI) can be said to have (AI) has supplied
come into being when Dave sniper rifles
Walls and David Caig (work and associated
colleagues and shooting
equipment to
enthusiasts) decided to
try their hand at creating
military, law
working replicas of Colt enforcement and
1860 Army and 1873 Single civilian users
Action Army revolvers. Their around the world
first attempt at making for the past 30
guns from scratch was so years
successful that Caig and
Walls started their own 1: The range
company and designed their of new sniper
very first target rifle. This
rifle models
brought them into contact
with Malcolm Cooper, gold
from Accuracy
medal winner at the 1984 International
Summer Olympics in Los encompasses all
Angeles and at the 1988 popular calibres
Summer Olympics in Seoul.
In 1986 Malcolm was also Images ©
World Champion in 300 metre GREG ROBERTS
Standard Rifle, a non-Olympic and Accuracy
rifle discipline in which he International
claimed several European
and World titles, as well as
holding the World Record
for a period. Walls, Caig
and Cooper were the main
founders and
driving force behind Accuracy
International.

Firearms
A
I as a company has supplied Main Image: The base
2
sniper rifles and associ- models have a right
ated equipment to military, law side folding stock, a
enforcement and civilian users match grade, stainless
around the world for the past thirty
steel and free floating
years and during that time its primary
concern has been to provide users
quick release barrel
with the best tools for the job. Their available in different
rifles have always been accurate, lengths from 20 to 27
rugged, reliable, easy to maintain inches long
and, based on customer inputs, have
evolved and been improved over 2: The addition of a
time. The company has, during the sound suppressor and
past eight years, focused on further bipod increases the
improving the designs and processes range of operational
to provide the best quality products
condition in which the
and has significantly increased pro-
duction to ensure that it can meet the
rifle can be used.
This is as applicable to product
demands of the market for Accuracy 3
3: The Quick Loc barrel design as it is to architecture. At
International products.
system allows the user AI they pride themselves upon
understanding the necessary function
MISSION to change a barrel of their products by staying in
The AI company mission is based on very quickly by using a constant contact with the community
the principles of world class simple hex key that uses them and using the
engineering and knowledge they gain as the starting
point for their design process. Some
things are fundamental, given the
nature of their use. Sniper rifles
must be highly accurate, rugged
and reliable. Consequently these
characteristics are incorporated into
every product AI make. Recognising
that operational requirements differ
and each user has individual needs,
their products are easily configured
manufacturing, teamwork, to accommodate this using simple
mutual respect and trust, with the rugged feature and controls. When an
objective of maintaining the company Accuracy International rifle is selected,
reputation as producers of the ‘best it is because consistent, reliable, high
sniper rifle in the world’. performance is required.

To achieve these goals requires Main Image: The 4
the deployment of advanced tools design of the AI
and methodologies. They employ rifle enables the
world class computer aided design user to easily
(CAD) and analysis tools to optimise
adapt it to the
function and durability. By combining
this with advanced prototyping
environment that
technology on site, they can rapidly they are operating
assess a large number of design in
options and iterate towards the
optimum design concept. The 4: The muzzle brake
prototype development processes attached to the end
are enhanced by use of a high of the barrel both
speed video camera that allows their eliminates muzzle
engineers to analyse the behaviour flash and dissipates
of the products in exquisite detail,
the muzzle blast
whether it be visualizing the gas 5
flow through a muzzle brake, seeing
how the rifle chassis flexes when 5: The colour of the
dropped or capturing the movement stock on the rifle
of the firing mechanism. Only by can be matched
understanding the performance of the to the operational
rifle to this degree can they take their environment that it
designs to the next level, which is will be used in
critical to the task in hand.
will continue. Both rifle systems will be with pistol grip, 24-inch plain barrel,
LATEST PRODUCTS available from February 2014 and AICS 10-round double stack, magazine,
Launched at the 2014 Shot Show in kits at the end of March 2014. bipod mount and comes in black,
Las Vegas USA, AI’s latest range of green or pale brown stock-sides, with
products, the AT and AX rifles and AT IN .308 WINCHESTER black metalwork. Options include a
corresponding AICS kits, are no The AT is a logical evolution of the AW folding stock, 20- and 26-inch barrels
exception. Based on proven designs, .308 Winchester calibre rifle and AWM and a muzzle brake; a standard double
with new or enhanced features, the rifles, while combining features of the chamber, or tactical threaded for an
AT replaces the AW and AE rifles cutting edge AX system. The rifle is user Accuracy International suppressor. The
and a new AX 2014 will replace the configurable and mission adaptable barrel can be changed in under a minute
current AX models in .308 Winchester making it a compelling choice for both using a 4mm Allen key.
and .338 Lapua Magnum calibres. law enforcement and competition
An AX300 Winchester Magnum shooters. After-market accessories include night
calibre version will also be available vision mount, side rails, thumb hole
and production of the current AX50 The base model has a fixed stock stock-sides, bipod and later in 2014 a

Firearms
rear butt spike. The base model AT is

priced at $3,550 or £2,366, exclusive
of taxes, and has been available from
AI distributors from January 2014. Main Image: The

A .300 Winchester Magnum calibre chassis systems
version will be available during the for the Remington
second half of 2014. 700 rifle barrelled
action platforms 7
AX 2014 VERSIONS that have proven to
The latest evolution of the Accuracy
International combat proven sniper
be so popular and
rifles is the AXMC (AX Multi Calibre) reliable have also stowed under cheek piece, does not updated to the new 2014 AT and AX
which is user-configurable, long been updated to the require a breech extension and can be styles as well.
action, multi-calibre, mission- new 2014 AT and changed in less than one minute.
adaptable rifle with optional calibre AX styles AXMC 2014 MODEL
change kits consisting of complete The AXMC has a full length action Available calibres for this rifle are the
bolt assembly, barrel and magazine 6: The night vision and fore end rail STANAG 4694 / 1913 .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester
to change between 338 Lapua device attached Picatinny with 20 MOA incline machined Magnum and .308 Winchester (Long
magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum in front of the day on the AX308, and 30 MOA incline Action). The weight is 6.6kg (14.6lb)
or .308 Winchester calibres. The machined on the AXMC. The fore end empty with magazine, no telescopic
telescopic sight
AX308 is a user-configurable short tube incorporating the patent pending sight, with a 27” barrel with a muzzle
action mission-adaptable rifle for
enables it to be
key lock slot system is 13-inch on AX308 brake fitted. The overall dimensions are
.308 Winchester calibre. used in darkness and 16-inch on AXMC. Accessory 1225mm x 180mm x 90mm (with the
as well. side rails are fitted as standard; one stock folded it is 965mm x 180mm x
The base models have a right x 140mm plain and two x 80mm flush 100mm) with a 27” barrel fitted and no
side folding stock, a match grade 7: You can see cup. The rear frame includes a friction telescopic sight.
stainless steel, free-floating quick the Accuracy locking mechanism for lateral and
release barrel and are available in International Key height-adjustable cheek piece and The rifle has a proofed steel action
different lengths from 20- to 27- Lock system on the length of pull adjustment. Also included featuring Accuracy International’s
inches ( 20- to 26-inch for AX Short fore end of this AX is a corrosion resistant 10-round CIP patent pending Quick Loc quick release
Action .308 Winchester). A double length magazine and the rifle comes in barrel system, bolted and bonded to an
rifle in .338 Lapua
chamber muzzle brake is fitted as black or green stock sides with black aluminium chassis. The bolt is a six lug,
standard or the tactical threaded
Magnum calibre
metalwork or pale brown stock sides 60 degree bolt with AI combat proven
muzzle brake for use with the and metalwork. leaf spring extractor. The safety is AI’s
Accuracy International suppressor three-position type with the two-stage
is available as an option. Other The polymer and alloy chassis systems trigger adjustable for trigger weight
barrel lengths are available for for the Remington 700 rifle barrelled between 1.5 and 2.0 kg. A detachable
special applications. The barrel is action platforms that have proven to be 10 round capacity CIP length double
user removable with a 4mm hex key so popular and reliable have also been stack magazine is supplied; this can

also be top loaded through the rifle’s
Main Image: 8
ejection port and there is a left side
magazine port cut-out for ease of
The enhancements
magazine insertion incorporated into
the new AI rifles
The factory barrel options include will enable them
.338 Lapua Magnum, from 20-inch to be continue to
to 27-inches long, with a one in 9.35 be used in any
inch rifling twist. It is also available environmental
in .300 Winchester Magnum, in 20-, conditions found
24- and 26-inch barrel lengths with a worldwide
one in 11 inch rifling twist and in .308
Winchester with similar three barrel
lengths but with a one in 12 inch
8: The new versions
rifling twist. All barrels are available in of the Accuracy
stainless steel and plain and can be International
threaded for muzzle brake or sound rifles are also
moderator. intended for use in
law enforcement
Options include a tactical threaded operational
double chamber muzzle brake for an environments
AI suppressor and
accessories include STANAG 4694 / Mil barrel, with no telescopic sight. Action,
Std 1913 accessory rails to attach to quick release barrel system and bolt etc.
AI’s patent pending Key Slot mounting are generally as previously described for
system, bipods and rear butt spikes, the AXMC.
suppressors, calibre conversion kits,
slings, Harris bipod mount, transit There is a right side folding stock over
9 9: The removal of cases, hand stop with sling loop and bolt, adjustable cheek piece, adjustable
the muzzle brake cleaning kits butt pad with spacers, pistol grip, flush
and flash eliminator cup sling attachment points, 30 MOA
enables a sound AX308 2014 MODEL machined incline STANAG 4694 Mil
This rifle is available in .308 Winchester Std 1913 Picatinny action rail and 16”
moderator to be calibre short action. The weight is 6.3 fore end tube and rail, and double
attached to the end Kg (13.9lb) empty with a magazine, no chamber standard muzzle brake, plus
of the barrel telescopic, sight, with a 24 inch barrel one 140mm plain accessory rail and two
with muzzle brake. The dimensions are 80mm flush cup accessory rails, user
1170x180x90mm. With the stock folded manual and one 10-round double stack
it is 965x180x100mm with a 26 inch CIP magazine. Stock colours are also as

Firearms
10
per the AXMC. Main Image: The

enhancements to
AT308 2014 MODEL the new AI rifles
This rifle is available in .308 will enable police
Winchester calibre short action. Its tactical firearm
weight is 6.3 kg (13.9lb) empty with units to benefit
a magazine, no telescopic, sight and
with a 24-inch barrel with muzzle
from these new
brake. Dimensions with a 26-inch
versions as well
barrel and no telescopic sight are as
per the AX308. Action,quick release 10: Accuracy
barrel system and bolt etc. are International make
generally as previously described for use of Computer
the AXMC and base model details Aided Design (CAD)
are primarily the same as the AX308 Technology in the
and options 11
design process of
their sniper rifles
ACCESSORIES
A tough and hugely versatile range
of modular back packs, drag
11: The classic
bags and valises which exploit the
Accuracy
removable barrel feature of the new International AW
AI rifles are available, designed (Arctic Warfare)
by world record breaking British sniper rifle in
sniper Craig Harrison. You can find 7.62mm calibre
out details and more information on issue to elite
on rifles and accessories on the Dutch Marines
Accuracy International websites, photographed
which are accuracyinternational. recently by the
com for the European market and
accuracyinternational.us for North
Editor
America.
TO BE CONTINUED...

1 2
Product
Review
Main Image: The 3

Atins Cool Bandana
BUFF worn as
an improvised
‘dressy’ top for
evening wear
1: The Leli Helmet

Liner BUFF is very
similar to Swedish
M90 ‘Splinter’
pattern camo
2: Atins Cool 4
Bandana BUFF can
be worn round
neck and pulled up
to give a sand/dust
mask
3: The pattern
on the Atins Cool
Bandana BUFF is
also a ‘splinter’
T
LAST MONTH I SAID: his month we are looking at two camo but in brown
“IT NEVER CEASES TO more variations of this simple tube
AMAZE US NOT ONLY HOW design, the Helmet Liner Pro and 4: Several nations
MANY DIFFERENT WAYS the Cool Bandana BUFF, which now issue genuine
IT IS POSSIBLE TO WEAR are primarily aimed at outdoor sports BUFF products to
A BUFF, THAT SIMPLE and pursuits types but also could prove
TUBULAR HEADGEAR ITEM
their armed forces
useful for soldiers and adventurers or
MADE FROM SEAMLESS anyone who regularly wears a helmet in
- these two elite
STRETCHY FABRIC, BUT a hot environment or ventures into dusty Belgian Commandos
ALSO HOW BUFFERA THE regions. were photographed
SPANISH MANUFACTURERS in Scotland recently
KEEP REINVENTING IT The Helmet Liner Pro is a short version on Ex. JOINT
WITH FABRIC TWEAKS AND of the original tube design, made WARRIOR 14-1
TREATMENTS THAT OFFER from Fastwick Extra Plus fabric which as a facemask for keeping out
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS is both highly breathable and able to Model : VICTORIA the elements; if wearing an open-
AND ADVANTAGES.” WELL, absorb sweat thereby keeping the head necked shirt the Bandana BUFF can
FIRST AN APOLOGY, AS cool and comfortable under a helmet. give neck protection too, just like
I DROPPED A BIT OF A Additionally, by regularly washing the
Images © a cowboy’s bandanna in these old
BOLLOCK THERE. BUFFERA Buff you can negate that ‘old trainers’ BOB MORRISON Hollywood movies.
ARE MERELY THE UK & pong that builds up as bacteria has a
US DISTRIBUTOR AND IT field day in the helmet padding or lining. Two designs, the ‘Leli’ Helmet Liner
IS ACTUALLY BUFF S.A. The Bandana BUFF is also essentially and the ‘Atins’ Cool Bandana,
WHO MANUFACTURE tubular but it is cut diagonally at one end come in camouflage patterns as
THEM IN A SMALL so that it finishes in a point rather than an alternative to the wide range of
CITY TO THE WEST OF having a straight bottom. This garment funky civvy designs. Incidentally, the
BARCELONA WITH A LONG can be worn in several ways, primarily Bandana BUFF is stretchy enough
TRADITION OF TEXTILES either as headgear with the point at the to be used as makeshift top by the
MANUFACTURING. back or, with the point at the bottom, ladies.

Our recent assignment Les (Woodland) digital camouflage uni- When we visited the four.
in Cyprus, covering the form, sometimes called Kocky (Cube) multinational Mobile
main contingents serving pattern, which is classified as vz.2007 Force Reserve Like many modern era Desert camo
with UNFICYP on its 50th Pust (Desert) pattern; vz. being the on UNFICYP’s patterns the Slovak Pust uses a
Birthday, gave us an unique abbreviation of verze, which translates slightly pinkish stone shade as its
opportunity to photograph as version. As the the names suggest,
50th Birthday base, primarily because this colour
several different camouflage both were introduced in 2007 and they
there were not only blends in with many arid
uniforms in a similar replaced Slovakian equivalents of the ten Slovakians, backgrounds but it also reflects the
format. Last month we Czechoslovak vz.95 and vz.85 patterns including the surrounding predominant colour.
started presenting each one respectively. Lieutenant in This means that if it is being worn
individually, commencing with command of 1 Rifle in an urban environment the overall
an Argentinian NCO. Hopefully The Pust pattern is three-colour with the Platoon, detached garment can take on a greyish hue
our images and notes will be base being a light stone shade. The from SLOVCON and and in a more verdant environment it
of use to our uniform / camo secondary colours, the cubes, are light spread through the can become less pink to the naked
collector readers and to green and reddish brown. Although eight Rifle Sections. eye with the green and brown adding
badge collectors, and possibly many of the shapes do appear to be depth. In a Cyprus spring Pust is not
to Living History re-enactors cubes, close inspection shows that
On the upper right as good as MultiCam which, despite
too. Each soldier has been not only are the true cubes of different
sleeve they wore armchair experts continually telling me
photographed in the same sizes but there are also rectangular the rectangular otherwise, based on what my eyes
way - kneeling, front, left, shapes, including some which are MFR patch and have told me in various scenarios
back and right - plus there long and thin, so it erroneous to call circular United I believe to be a superb multi-
will be close-ups of both camo it a cubic camo. These square and Nations badge and environment camo; however when the
pattern and badges worn. rectangular shapes - pixels if you will - on the left they island turns to shades of capuccino
are also considerably larger than most wore their national in summer through to early winter I
T
his Slovakian Blue Beret serving current generation digital patterns; our flag. reckon it will be excellent.
as a Rifleman with the 1st Rifle facilitator ‘Sniper John’ asked us if this
Section of the 2nd Platoon of the might be the same as the 2006 Kuwaiti One question for the boot geeks.
Mobile Force Reserve is actually Desert digital camo (which he has an
Images © Anyone know what these ones are? I
a Lance Corporal but he wears no rank example of) but the Slovak shapes are BOB MORRISON - thought they were the Haix Airpower
insignia. His combat uniform is in the markedly larger plus it only has three Military Scene P9 but the heel isn’t right and there
arid theatre variation of the vz. 2007 colours whereas the Kuwaiti camo has are extra lace tunnels.

1
Kelty, of Boulder in Colorado, Main Image: On a

is a new range for me. I used 2 3
snowy Helvellyn,
the Redwing 50 as my day
pack on a snowy and cold trip
summit in view, the
up Helvellyn and it proved
Kelty worked fine as a
comfortable to wear. substantial day sack
E
ven though the Redwing’s central 1: Zipped top opening
aluminium stay is placed over the takes a bit of getting
backbone it was not at all intrusive, used to – but it works
which I at first thought it might be.
The shoulder straps are comfortable to
fine
use, as is the waist band which has a
centre fixing with adjustment on both 2: The Redwing has a
sides. I like this. good range of fixings
for the likes of my
The Redwing has a useful range of Trail Crampons
features and, unusually, has a zipped
top opening, which does take a bit of
getting used to over the more ‘normal’
3: The straps and back
flap closure, in some ways offering a
panel design all work
more convenient access to the top of well
the sack. This worked fine for me.

Product - UK Contact: Gehwohl/Keeble Care Result/Result Clothing Kelty/SMG
Telephone/Web: 01284 763 152/keeblecare.co.uk 01206 798 131/resultclothing.com 01752 241 010/smgeurope.com
I do not profess to be an expert … and I did. In a couple of days the

on things medical but I do know problem was solved and I have not had
when a product works, and an issue since. Say no more. This stuff
especially so in the case of the really works!
Gehwol Med; a salve for cracked
skin. For some years, I have I have also been using Gewohl’s Foot
suffered quite badly from cracks Cream, and again have noticed an
on both my thumbs (I’m biting my improvement in the condition of the skin
tongue, Ed.), which I put down on my feet. After a long day on your feet,
to previous injuries; something try the Refreshing Balm. Joy! Especially
which in cold and wet weather, if you put socks back on to extend the
and dependent on the work I effect.
A nice to wear jacket this. Above: The Result Osaka am doing, always come back to
Elasticated panels to allow for jacket is well suited to haunt me as painful splits. Not All these products come in both tubes
a close but not interfering fit. such a day as this - chill uncommon, and if you get them and sachets, the latter being ideal if you
sea breeze but not you will fully understand just how are just out for a short time and need
Ideal for a casual walk out on a
lashing down though it painful and inconvenient these to reduce what you carry. By the time
day which is chill, or for a trip
can deal with some rain are. you read this, I will probably be trekking
to the pub when it will be a cold
the Tour de Mont Blanc and there will
F
walk home with the chance of a if needs be
or years I have tried a wide selection definitely be some Gehwol in my kit.
shower. This vibrant red is also a of common, and not so common,
good colour for personal visibility 4: A picture of boxes and
tubes of these products products to try to overcome this As well as working well, you need
on the evening walk home. problem – with marginal effect. So very little of these products for each
does not really do them
when Keeble Care asked if I would like to application so a tube goes a long way,
S
justice, but this is what
oon after you put on this jacket you try the Gehwol products and I noticed the which is a bonus. If you regularly read
you are looking for when
get a warm cosy feel so although you go to buy some - Med salve, the challenge was on! Great this column you will, for sure, from time
quite a thin jacket the materials are timing as it was cold and wet, I was work- to time give your feet and hands a hard
note they also come in
doing their work. A good UK sum- ing out in it, and my hands were suffering. time. So my advice is to give them a
sachets if small amounts
mer jacket for sure. A classic time for me to have cracked skin treat. They deserve it.
are required.
5 6
Kelty have a wide range of 5: In the supplied

sleeping bags including this stuff sack the Kelty
down-based model. Down is a Ignite is quite large
filling you have to be aware of making it possibly
in case it gets wet, but this one not ideal if hiking
has a machine-washable fill …
with care. 7
6: If used in the
I
was at a slight disadvantage when right conditions this
first field testing this bag as I took it is a well featured
out on Dartmoor in February, when down filled bag
it was really quite cold, and it is a
Regular size not Large so I did not fit 7: On a cold
it so well. It is also rated at 20/25F and February night
outside it was a bit colder than that, so on Dartmoor I
all in all it was not totally fair to say I was was at the limits
on margins of comfort. It is also quite a This said, the Ignite it is a nice bag with
bulky bag for its capability but it does
of comfort in this good neck baffle and good zip and
not have a compression bag, only a stuff
20/25F rated bag so it does the job nicely in the right
sack, so is not perfect for back-packing. conditions.

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Working Knives
NORMALLY THE WORKING Main Image: The 1 2

KNIVES WE COVER IN C&S BHC Survival Knife
ARE MASS-PRODUCED, is made from
USUALLY IN HIGH-TECH
MODERN FACTORY
recycled EN47 steel
FACILITIES CHURNING OUT
from a Land Rover
IDENTICAL DESIGNS BY THE leaf spring
THOUSAND WHERE THE
BLADES AND HANDLES ARE 1: The BHC
MACHINED TO PRECISELY Medieval Bowl
THE SAME DIMENSIONS Knife is crafted
EVERY SINGLE TIME. IF from a specially
YOU ARE A MILITARY RE- made alloy of 3 4
ENACTOR OR A LIVING CM370 steel
HISTORY ROLE-PLAYER OR
A PERIOD ACTOR ON STAGE,
FILM OR TELEVISION,
2: Jez also
HOWEVER, YOUR KNIFE produces
WILL NEED TO LOOK THE traditional design
PART. ENTER JEZ OF BLACK leather sheaths for
HAND CRAFTS AND HIS his knives
HISTORICAL BLADES AND
THEATRICAL WEAPONS. 3: The Bowl Knife Many of Jez’s most popular knives Incidentally, Jez also teaches
is specifically
A
are made from a combination of EN47 blacksmithing in Plymouth (sessions
lthough Jez actually started designed for steel recycled from old Land Rover for are just £25 for two hours in the
out going to university to study
media production, he drifted
hollowing out truck leaf springs and railway bolts, workshop and students keep
into blacksmithing and has

wooden food bowls for particularly hard knives, or an alloy everything they make) so if you
of CM 370 steel which he has made fancy learning how to smith your
now been working as an armourer for him specifically. The hand crafted own knife or armour this could be
for fourteen years, primarily sup- 4: The handle of the
Survival Knife pictured here is from your chance. With an extensive
plying weapons and armour for Survival Knife, seen EN47 Land Rover spring, and the background in both martial arts and
historical re-enactments and films. here in a basic Medieval Bowl Knife is forged from outdoor survival - Lofty Wiseman is
During this time he has studied with sheath, is cut from CM370. Each item from his website his hero - Jez’s hobbies combine
a number of traditional blacksmiths deer antler comes with a lifetime guarantee, with his love of history to heavily
and armourers enabling him to com- though he has yet to have anyone influenced the knife designs he
bine classic techniques with modern Images © return a knife and he plans to keep makes. Check out the Knives
tools and engineering equipment
to create the finest of hand-crafted
BOB MORRISON standards this high so no customer and Survival Equipment page on
will have to resort to cashing in the blackhandcrafts.co.uk to see which
knives and swords. guarantee. designs are in stock.

Security Industry
One of the major security its successors, then they would have a to either close down an enemy air
(OPTIMALRISK.COM) IS A FORMER BRITISH ARMY ATO AND IEDD/

WIS OPERATOR TURNED EOD THREAT AND COUNTER-IED TRAINER
preoccupations this month distinct advantage over the other side defence network (although this
has been the loss of Flight who don’t have one. would tell them they are under
MH370 and the subsequent attack) or, better still, have their
search for the missing plane. Both submarines, which are difficult to systems show an empty sky even
ROBERT SHAW OF OPTIMAL RISK MANAGEMENT LTD.

There have been lots of detect and destroy before launch, and as they are under attack, as we saw
theories as to what happened, aircraft are capable of carrying nuclear with Israeli attacks on Syria.
and many questions asked weapons. These need to be capable
IMAGE © BOB MORRISON : MILITARY SCENE

as to why the plane behaved of penetrating a coordinated and If you don’t have access to large
in the way that it did. One of sophisticated enemy air defence screen fleets of stealth aircraft then one
the most startling theories and as defence systems and radar option is to hijack a commercial
to appear though was the evolve and become more capable how aircraft and fly it into your target, as
suggestion that it may have does an aircraft manage to get through, we saw with 9/11. Since all of the
been a cyber hijack. aside from terrain masking or active above are known about though and
jamming? stringent countermeasures have
I
s this possible? Apparently it is, de- been put in place, which include
AND CONSULTANT.
pending on the type of aircraft, but The answer is by switching to the use of the shooting down of commercial
it is a sophisticated act and would unmanned aerial vehicles such as cruise airliners that are deemed a threat,
be state sponsored rather than a missiles (which could use saturation then there now has to be another
terrorist act. tactics to penetrate an opposing air way. Even training individuals as
defence screen, without pilots would come under scrutiny
Cyber warfare has been recognised losing vast amounts unless it was a state sponsored act.
as a new and very effective form of of highly trained and
warfare and, as such, many military expensive aircrews) Since screening security equipment
forces have created departments to and stealth prohibits smuggling explosive,
both defend against enemy cyber technology, or of course nuclear devices, on
attacks and attack enemy infrastructure which board a civilian aircraft then one
through its dependence on networks. reduces way of getting a weapon of mass
Until we find the plane wreckage and one’s destruction inside enemy airspace
examine it thoroughly we will never radar would be to place the device on
know the exact circumstances of its an aircraft at the point of origin and
loss, but what if it was a ‘proof of use a known, expected, commercial
concept’ in the new form of warfare? aircraft type and route to fly it to the
Why would anyone want to be able to target as a form of Trojan horse. If
take control of a commercial airliner the target were a command and
remotely and be able to fly it to a signature control system that manages the
known point? to the country’s nuclear arsenal then
extent this form of a ‘first strike’ would
One of the issues throughout the Cold that radar potentially knock out the enemy’s
War was the fact that each side had operators ability to react.
massive nuclear arsenals that could see an image
destroy the entire planet several times not associated One of the advantages of using
over. This fact ensured a policy of with an aircraft but a Trojan horse to deliver an initial
Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) with something smaller. The next step is nuclear attack is that it would be
and this brought about a form of to combine the two and have unmanned very difficult to then prove who was
stability as neither side could ‘win’. So aerial aircraft that utilise stealth design. responsible and therefore to be
if one side could suddenly produce This type of technology, and the threat it able to retaliate. There then remains
a defensive system that could nullify poses, is in use today. the issue of who you get to fly the
incoming enemy ballistic missiles, aircraft and what do you do with the
such as the ‘Star Wars’ programme or Another option is to use cyber attacks real commercial flight that would be
FLIGHT H370
registered on that time and space?
If you take over an aircraft

and fly it remotely (in
the same way drones
in Afghanistan are
piloted by operators
Will We Ever
in the US) then
that solves one
problem. If you take
Know?
over the original
commercial aircraft
and switch off the
oxygen and kill the
occupants then that
takes care of the second
- By Robert Shaw issue.
All sound a bit far-fetched? Let’s

hope so!

1
Rations
W
IT HAS BEEN SAID A henever possible we try to Top Left: Menu Inside the battered and water-
MILLION TIMES BEFORE, taste the rations covered in sheet is in damaged olive green corrugated card
AND IT IS VERY DOUBTFUL Marching Ammo - indeed Portuguese with carton, which is marked Menu 3 but
THAT NAPOLEON in some cases we have to French and English had a Menu 1 components list inside,
BONAPARTE WAS THE FIRST
TO SAY IT, BUT AN ARMY
taste them as they are the only food translations on the we discovered: Breakfast - 2x instant
REALLY DOES MARCH ON available to us when on assign- back coffee sachets, 4x condensed milk
ITS STOMACH. ON THE ments - but in this case we have pouches, 1x 30g pack of biscuits, 1x
MODERN BATTLEFIELD drawn the line as these are well out 1: Angolan ICR 25g chocolate bar, 2x25g strawberry
THERE IS EVEN LESS of date and it would be silly to try. carton is olive jam pots and 1x 22g instant orange
CHANCE OF LIVING OFF We do not know precisely when this green thin drink powder sachet; Lunch - 1x 300g
THE LAND IN THE WAY THAT Angolan ICR was issued and as it is corrugated card tin of Mão de Vaca com Grão (knuckle
NAPOLEON’S TROOP’S unclear whether some of the dates of beef and bean stew), 1x65g tin of
OPPONENTS WERE OFTEN on items are Best Before or Pro- 2: 300 gramme pate and 2x 25g apple purée pots;
EXPECTED TO DO, SO duced On stamps, our best guess lunch and dinner Dinner - 1x 300g tin of Arroz com
THE INDIVIDUAL COMBAT
RATION PACK IS AN
is that is five to seven years old. It main course tins Frango (chicken and rice), 1x 75g
ESSENTIAL PART OF THE was donated by our old mate Andy tin of Atum em Pedaços em Oleo
KIT CARRIED BY ALMOST of East West Trading, who stumbled 3: Tuna tin (dinner) Vegetal (Tuna Chunks In Vegetable
EVERY FRONTLINE SOLDIER across it purely by chance and with its olive green Oil) in a green box and 1x 30g pack
TODAY, BE THAT IN OR ON knows nothing of its provenance but outer box and pâté of biscuits; plus 1x125g pack of water
HIS VEHICLE OR IN HIS reckoned we would be interested tin (lunch) biscuits which had deteriorated into
PACK AND WEBBING. in it. brown gunk, 2x10g sachets of sugar

5
6 7
8 9
4: There are two dried

coffee sachets and one
orange powder sachet
(of which one had turned to syrup)
5: Four condensed milk and 3x 1g sachets of salt.
sachets are supplied for
the coffee In addition to to foodstuffs the
carton contains a strip of four
6: There are four jam water purification tablets sufficient
and marmalade pots for four litres of water, a box of
safety matches, a rudimentary
7: A box of twenty pressed metal tin opener, a pack
matches plus a pack of of ten commercial brand tissues,
ten tissues is included a plastic bag for refuse and the
10
menu sheet which has both
8: Can opener, water English and French translations on
tablets, sugar sachet the reverse. The producer of these
and three salt sachets rations was SPA - Sociedade de
Produtos Alimentares of Luanda.
9: There are two packs
of biscuits included – Although we have not tasted
both still look edible the contents and cannot vouch
for their quality, outwardly the
10: The 125g pack of compare quite favourably with
crackers has not fared the 24 hour individual combat
well but 25g chocolate rations issued by many NATO
bar is still solid nations ten to fifteen years ago, so
our impression is that they were
Images © probably perfectly adequate for
BOB MORRISON their intended function. If they were
still in date I’d have tried them.

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SEND IN THE MARINES!
Next month we will be focusing
heavily on elite amphibious
troops including both Royal
Marines and US Marines
photographed by Carl in Arctic
Norway on the recent Exercise
COLD RESPONSE ‘14 plus both
Belgian Commandos and Royal
Marines photographed by
Bob in Scotland on the recent
Exercise JOINT WARRIOR 14-1.
Greg will be finishing off
his two-parter on Accuracy
International sniper rifles
and, if space permits, we will
continue our 50th Birthday
mini-series on UNFICYP with
a look at Royal Engineers
deployed on the Green Line
through Sector 2.
In addition to working with 3
Commando Brigade on JW14-1
we also went up to north-
east Scotland to catch 16 Air
Assault Brigade seizing Kinloss
airfield in a heliborne raid but
unfortunately that one will
need to be held back until the
August issue as unfortunately
there definitely won’t be any
room in the July issue to cram
in 3 Para too!

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Editor: Bob Morrison

Subscriptions and Back Issue Orders

P58 Kit & Camo 2 UNFICYP UNIFORMS

P68 Security FLIGHT MH370

P70 Rations Marching Ammo Pt.19

P05: Comms P44 June 14 Cover Image:

Combat & Survival 03

Combat & Survival 05

In early March C&S spent a Main Image: Two 1

Combat & Survival 09

Cyprus and their leaders to act with Main Image: 3

10 Combat & Survival

Top right: Hungarian 4 5

Combat & Survival 11

Top left: Compare a mark of respect. However, although

12 Combat & Survival

Except in times of increased 6: Our patrol

Combat & Survival 13

16 Combat & Survival

Top Left: This Slovakian

4 Top Right: The epaulettes

3: This Croatian lieutenant

4: This Irish UNPOL officer

5: This Serbian major’s

Combat & Survival 17

This Bv 309 Sjuktransportbandvagn

Combat & Survival 19

The aim of exercise Main Image: A

20 Combat & Survival

2: Dutch Marines engage 4

Combat & Survival 21

Red began its counter-attack from the Main Image:

22 Combat & Survival

under command of the Multinational Main Image:

Combat & Survival 23

24 Combat & Survival

26 Combat & Survival

Combat & Survival 27

The Royal Netherlands Main Image: Dutch

Combat & Survival 29

sance, Surveillance & Target Acquisition Main Image: A

30 Combat & Survival

Surface Assault & Training Group 6: These armed

Combat & Survival 31

Main Image: Setting up

32 Combat & Survival

34 Combat & Survival

From the mid-eighties The primary

36 Combat & Survival

The Royal 22e Régiment is one Main Image:

38 Combat & Survival

Combat & Survival 39

by heavy Canadian small arms fire. Despite 4: A FOO/ FAC

40 Combat & Survival

RAFALE BLANCHE held in Beauce, Quebec,

Combat & Survival 41

From high ground,

offensive operations up to the 16th of March 8: This column of

42 Combat & Survival

You know that what lies Main Image: The 1

44 Combat & Survival

Combat & Survival 45