OFFICIAL

Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps

Falklands House, Oxpens Road,
OXFORD OX1 1RX

Telephone: +44(0)1865 255345

Military: (9)4256 8354
Skype: 0300 153 1632
Email: shureshkumar.thapa706@mod.gov.uk

See Distr Date 02 March 2023

Reference: OUOTC_Ex_BLUE_PHOENIX_23

EXERCISE BLUE PHOENIX 2023 (15 - 30 JUNE 2023) – ADMIN INSTRUCTION

References

A. OUOTC Training Calendar Training Year 2022-23

B. Range Standing Orders – Castlelaw Dry Training Area and Map
C. Range Standing Orders – A Range Castlelaw
D. Range Standing Orders – B Range Castlelaw
E. Range Standing Orders – Spadeadam Dry Training Area
F. Close Combat – Ranges Pamphlet 21 Training Regulations for AFV, Infantry Weapon
Systems and Pyrotechnics - 2022
G. Close Combat - Lethality SA80 System, Rifle 5.56 mm, L85A2/A3m /Carbine 5.56 mm,
L22A2 and UGL 40 mm L123A3 – 2022
H. Close Combat – Lethality Grenades, Pyrotechnics and Associated Equipment – 2021
I. Warfare Branch, Headquarters Field Army Urban Tactical Handbook
J. JSP 375 Accident Reporting
K. Close Combat – Survivability Streetcraft, Battle Lessons and Exercise - 2022
L. Infantry Platoon Tactics
M. All Arms Tactical Aide Memoire
N. ACSO Number 1200. The Army's Safety & Environmental Management System. January
2021.
O. RMAS Commissioning Course Short Syllabus Module A/B Military Syllabus
P. JSP 482, Edition 3, Chapter 27 – Free From Explosives Regulations.

Q. JSP 375 Chapter 41 - Heat Illness Prevention

R. JSP 375 Chapter 42 - Cold Injury Prevention
S. BCS_Light_Role_Infantry_Section_ALPHA_v1.pdf
T. BCS_Light_Role_Infantry_Platoon_BRAVO_v1.pdf

SITUATION

1. Introduction. OUOTC will conduct their Summer Camp - Ex BLUE PHOENIX 2023 (BF23)
from 15 – 30 Jun 23. The first week, RSOI package will be conducted in HMS Caledonia,
Castlelaw Training Area (CTA) and Castlelaw Ranges covering fitness, Live Firing (LF) ranges,
March and Shoot, Patrol competition, educational visit and social. The second week tactics phase
will be on Spadeadam Training Area (STA). The final week, OCdts will travel to Halton for
Adventure Training to develop their leadership, resilience, coping strategies, decision making,
teamwork, physical fitness and courage.
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2. Aim. The aim of this Instruction is to outline the SoM, allocate tasks, conduct planning,
and commence administration.

3. Training Objectives. The following TOs in line with the Ref O will be achieved:

a. TO1. Completion and confirmation of Mod A & B.

b. TO2. Occupy a Platoon harbour and conduct routine.

c. TO3. Conduct section/platoon dismounted movement.

d. TO4. Take Offensive Action with Platoon

e. TO5. Introduce Close Target Recces (CTRs) and Ambush.

f. TO6. Developing leadership and teamwork through early task organisation into
sections, competing in a March and Shoot, Military Skills Competition and operating together
during the tactical phase.

g. TO7. Conduct a range package designed to give the OCdts live firing experience up to
300m.

EXECUTION

4. Concept of Ops.

a. Intent. The intent is to deliver a challenging, engaging, fun and inclusive training
package whilst reinforcing attract and retain activity. BP23 will be a remind and revise ex with
teaching limited to introductory subjects.

b. Scheme of Manoeuvre. The exercise will be designed around 3 phases.

(1) Shaping (01 Feb – 14 Jun 22). OUOTC will conduct the preparation over the
period Jan to Jun 23 with activation from 15 Jun 23 at HMS Caledonia.

(2) Decisive (16 – 29 Jun 23). BP23 will be delivered in 5 phases.

(a) Phase 1 – Deployment

(b) Phase 2 - Reception Staging and Onward Integration (RSOI).

(C) Phase 3 – Final Test Exercise (FTX). Tactical field exercise culminating in a
Coy level deliberate attack at STA.

(d) Phase 4 – Adventure Training

(e) Phase 5 – Post Ex admin and recovery

(3) Sustainment. OUOTC will conduct post ex admin ensuring all equipment is
returned cleaned and serviceable for summer closedown

c. Main Effort. The ME is to ensure all OCdts are challenged and enjoy the experience
with a view to encouraging their Pipeline application.

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5. Missions and Tasks. The table below sets out the key appointments and tasks for the
training event.

Appointment Rank Name Task

Exercise Director (ED) Lt Col Campbell  Ex Director

 DDH

Senior Planning Officer Maj Thapa MVO  SECO – Coord BP23 on behalf of the Ex Director
 Conduct confirmatory recces as required.
 Coord Supporting elements
 LO to DTE
 EASP, RA and Medical plan in place to cover all
activities.
 Ensure sufficient resources to conduct trg safely
 Ensure OICs hold the appropriate qualifications to
conduct trg safely.

2IC Maj Emery  Support training activity

 Deputise for CO

Adjutant/RAO Capt Carpenter  Emergency Contacts

 Appendix checks
 Visitors
 Supporting training activities

PSI CSgt Rendell  Plan and deliver Section March and Shoot
 IC Ranges
 Produce details MEL for the FTX
 Support and planning and delivery of trg activities.
 AMMO IC

PSI SSgt Devoy  IC Ranges

 Support and planning and delivery of trg activities.
 Plan and deliver Adventure Training.
 Deliver Hea

PSI SSgt Wilson  Plan and deliver Section Patrol Competition

 Support and planning and delivery of trg activities
 Plan and deliver a quiz night and social event

RSM WO1 O’Brien  Provide MT requirements

 Duties
 Discipline
 Support delivery of training activities
 RSD

SJM Trg Offr Capt Martin  BPT act as Coy Comd for the FTX
 ECO
 Produce OSW/Scenario
 OpFOR Comd

QM/RQMS/RQMS(V) Capt Dryden  OIC G4 / RLS

WO2 Summerscal  Manage & co-ordinate transport requirements
es (until 16  Coord BBQ
Jun)  Plan and deliver educational visit to Edinburgh Castle
WO2 Roche  Design Ex BP23 T-shirt

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OCs/2ICs/Trg Offrs Maj Davis  ECOs

Maj Skeggs  BPT act as OIC training activities
Maj Emery  Support delivery of training activities
Capt Burns  Coy lead during Final Test Ex
Capt Quarrie

COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS

6. Key Locations. The table below provides grids for key locations in HMS Caledonia, CTA and
STA.

Ser Location/Feature Grid Remarks

1 HMS Caledonia Staff and OCdts accm throughout RSOI
phase
Castlelaw Training Area
2 Range A NT 227 636
3 Range B NT 225 638
4 Castlelaw Hill NT 2245 6477 Safety Veh loc
Spadeadam
5 RAF Spadeadam Camp NY 6166 7023
6 Greymare East FOB NY 6382 7376 EXCON/G4 accommodation
7 Greymare West FOB NY 6242 7429
8 Airfield NY 6504 7463 Coy final attack
Halton
9 Halton Camp SD 4867 6423

7. Exercise Area & Range Recce. The final recce will be conducted on 24 and 25 May 23.
PSIs are required to attend.

8. Timings. A provisional timeline for the BP23 is as follows

Thu 15 Jun Fri 16 Jun Sat 17 Jun Sun 18 Jun Mon 19 Jun Tue 20 Jun Wed 21 Jun
Adv Party Main Body LF Ranges, March and Shoot, Patrol competition, Educational visit
On route Castlelaw Ranges and Training Area
HMS Caledonia

Thu 22 Jun Fri 23 Jun Sat 24 Jun Sun 25 Jun Mon 26 Jun Tue 27 Jun Wed 28 Jun
Final Test Exercise Adventure Training
RAF Spadeadam Training Area Local Training Area
RAF Spadeadam Camp Halton Camp

Thu 29 Jun Fri 30 Jun 01 Jul 02 Jul

Adventure Training Recovery Post Ex Admin (if required)
Local Training Area Route Falklands House
Halton Camp Falklands House

9. The Scenario. See Annex D.

10. Main Events List. See Annex A for MEL in general and Annex F for MEL in detail.

11. Daily Coordination Conference. These will run daily throughout the exercise; timings will
be published on the ground. All PS are to attend.

12. OSW.

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a. Baseline OpO. The Baseline OpO will be available on the OU OTC SharePoint site
from 6 Jun 23

b. FRAGOs. All OSW is at Coy level. The FragO for the initial insertion from CTA into
STA and first strike op, will be issued to PS Pl Comds during the LF phase to allow
preliminary planning. A pack of subsequent FragOs (for the FTX) will be issued to PS Pl
Comds prior to the start of FTX to allow them to deliver as they deem fit. A breakdown of
FTX OSW can been seen in the table below (subject to change):

1 Pl 2 Pl 3 Pl
Op READING WngO Op READING WngO Op READING WngO
Op READING FragO Op READING FragO Op READING FragO

Op BROOKS WngO Op BROOKS WngO Op BROOKS WngO

Op BROOKS FragO Op BROOKS FragO Op BROOKS FragO

Op CIRENCESTER WngO Op CIRENCESTER WngO Op CIRENCESTER WngO

Op CIRENCESTER FragO Op CIRENCESTER FragO Op CIRENCESTER FragO

BUCKINGHAM WngO BUCKINGHAM WngO BUCKINGHAM WngO

BUCKINGHAM FragO BUCKINGHAM FragO BUCKINGHAM FragO

Op GLOUCESTER WngO Op GLOUCESTER WngO Op GLOUCESTER WngO

Op GLOUCESTER FragO Op GLOUCESTER FragO Op GLOUCESTER FragO

Op OXFORD WngO Op OXFORD WngO Op OXFORD WngO

Op OXFORD FragO Op OXFORD FragO Op OXFORD FragO

13. Standing Orders. CTA, STA, Range A & B Standing Orders are at Reference B - E, a copy
of which is held by XO. All Activity OICs are to issue a full safety brief, as per the EASP
prior to commencing activities and confirm with the XO when this has been completed. All
weapon and ammunition handling is to be in accordance with Reference F. All Coy PS are to
ensure they have read standing orders for CTA, STA and Ranges.

14. Safety. The EASP and Risk Assessment for the dry training phase are at Annex B
& Annex E. The Safety Brief will be briefed to all OCdts as part of the RSOI process but must be
fully understood by all staff.

15. Visits. All expected visits will be briefed at the XO’s daily conference. The Adjt will
coordinate the visits.

16. De-confliction and Other Users. OUOTC will share STA with numerous other users, which
may have been allocated a higher priority for the use of specific facilities. Initial training area de-
confliction took place at the recce on 25 May 23. Any changes to the areas used as enemy
positions or Pl activities must be cleared with the XO, who will de-conflict with other users and the
Ops Room.

17. Access / Booking On and Off Training Areas. The XO is responsible for booking on / off
Training Areas. All PS are to book in and out through the Ops Room for OCdts and PS leaving the
training area.

18. Battlefield Discipline and Security. Coys are to ensure the highest standards of military
battlefield discipline and security of weapons and ammunition are maintained throughout the Ex.

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Since members of the general public have rights of way across CTA and STA, security is essential.
The same approach must also apply to the post exercise clear up and administration.

19. Medical. A safety vehicle with stretcher and a first aid kit will be located with each Pl. The
medical plan for the exercise area is contained within the EASPs at Annex B and Medical plan at
Annex C. Casualty evacuation will be coordinated by the ECO.

20. Risk Assessment. The Safe System of Training is in place. All training is conducted on
recognised training areas, delivered by qualified and competent and current personnel, and the
equipment used is safe. Training area SOs contain the training area risk assessment. The training
activity risk assessment is at Annex E.

21. Injured personnel. The nature of the terrain and type of exercise means that OCdts who
are not able to patrol cross country are unlikely to be able to take part with their Pls. Injured OCdts
will be dealt with as follows (depending on nature of injury/sickness):

a. Employed in Pl Tac HQ
b. Accommodated & employed at EXCON, if not able to return to the ex.

c. Bedded down at EXCON.

d. Bedded down in Camp Spadeadam or at a local civilian hospital.

e. Return to OXFORD.

22. Climatic Conditions. If required and, in line with JSP 375, a WBGT will be monitored
throughout to ensure the risk of heat is dynamically managed throughout the day.

23. Area Bookings. RSM is to ensure training area bookings remain allocated to the OUOTC
and inform XO if bookings are changed.

24. Walking out policy. There will be no individual walking out at HMS Caledonia in the
evening except for organised functions which will require prior permission from the XO. Further
details will be promulgated in due course. For organised group outings, the RSM is to maintain a
booking in and out register.

25. Security. Security of personnel, equipment, information, and IT assets remain a top priority
in line JSP 440 – ACSO 2007. The Guardroom, staffed by the MOD Guard Service (MGS) must
always be informed of any incident which occurs on MOD property. The following will take place:

a. PSIs or Coy Staff will complete a 100% qty check of all ACTO prior to departing base
locations for deployment, relocation, and recovery

b. All personnel will be given a G2 Security Brief on arrival by the Adjt/RSM.

c. Any change to the UK Security Threat Level will be communicated to all immediately.

d. Any activity or incident relating to the security of ACTO equipment is to be reported

immediately to the QM.

26. Fire Drill. The RSM will carry out a fire drill within 24hrs of arrival and inform the DIO site
service manager on ext: 94740 8416 who will record it in the Daily Occurrence Book.

27. In-Briefs. Upon arrival at HMS Caledonia, the following briefs will be conducted.

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a. Site Brief (Infra, Equipment, Catering, Facilities, Stores) – QM

b. Security (G2, Personal, Location, Kit and equipment) – Adjt/QM

c. Conduct – RSM

d. Ex Brief (Safety, Medical, Outline, Orbat) – XO

e. Heat & Cold Illness Prevention – PSI - CSgt Devoy

f. Ex Scenario – SJM Trg Offr

28. Enemy Forces. EUOTC will provide 10x OCdts to act as OPFOR to support week 2 at STA
to arrive on Wed 21 will return to Edinburgh on Thu 25 Jun 23. QM is requested to organise their
pick up/drop off and G4 support.

29. Attendance. All OTC personnel are to confirm their attendance through the MS form or QR
code below by 22 May 23. A list of confirmed participants can be found at Annex K.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?
id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5XxkfyuW1s1Fii8je1YBIm1UQTc4TVBRNzdSNDE2UFY0VDdNVDc1Mj
cwSy4u

SERVICE SUPPORT

30. CSS. G4 post Recce report can be found here.

31. Transport. The RSM is requested to facilitate the transport plan as per the Annex H.

32. Vehicles. All vehicles supporting the exercise will be pooled and managed centrally by QM.
Pls will be allocated one 4x4 for their use. All vehicle movements must be booked in and out from
the EXCON which will be established at HMS Caledonia/STA.

33. Drivers’ brief. A drivers’ brief will be given to all the drivers prior to the start of Ex BP23. This
should cover the drivers’ hours, safe driving, breakdown procedures, POL, convoy procedures,
training area, out of bounds area and filling in of the necessary paperwork by the drivers. There will
be an RTA WARGAME session and actions on TEWT. RSM is to org a brief.

34. Feeding plan. ORP throughout the Ex. RQ is requested to coordinate the following meals.

Ser Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner Remarks

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (h)
1. 15 Jun 23 NA NA Fresh Advance party – 6 pax

2. 16 Jun 23 NA Packed Lunch Fresh Main body – 90 pax(tbc)

3. 17 Jun 23 Fresh Fresh Fresh HMS Caledonia

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4. 18 Jun 23 Fresh Packed Lunch Fresh Tea/Coffee to provide for the Ranges

5. 19 Jun 23 Fresh Packed Lunch Fresh Tea/Coffee to provide for the Ranges

6. 20 Jun 23 Fresh ORP ORP

7. 21 Jun 23 ORP Packed Lunch BBQ

8. 22 Jun 23 ORP ORP ORP FTX Phase

9. 23 Jun 23 ORP OPR ORP

10. 24 Jun 23 ORP OPR ORP

11. 25 Jun 23 Container BF Packed Lunch Fresh

12. 26 Jun 23 Fresh Packed Lunch Fresh AT Phase

13. 27 Jun 23 Fresh Packed Lunch Fresh

14. 28 Jun 23 Fresh Packed Lunch Fresh

15. 29 Jun 23 Fresh Packed Lunch Fresh

16. 30 Jun 23 Fresh Packed Lunch Return Journey to FH

35. Weapons. All OCdts deploying will sign out the PW and ancils on 16 Jun 23. Note:

a. Weapons will remain with and on the OCdt in the FTX and Patrol Competition.

b. The QM will sign out a qty of spare PWs to cover breakages and 10x En Forces.

c. An armoury has been booked for weapon storage at HMS Caledonia. PWs will be
returned to the armoury each night.

d. Weapons are not required AD 25 Jun 23. They may be bundled and returned to OTC
as required.

e. All weapons will be cleaned and prepared for closedown during post Ex Admin.

A. Ammunition. CSgt Rendell is requested to submit an ammunition request to the

RSM/RQMS as per the Annex I and arrange the transport plan to move from Falklands house to
HMR Caledonia.

36. UAS. The Unit Ammunition Storeman (CSgt Rendell) is to read HMS Caledonia Ammo
Compound SO.

37. Stores. PSIs are requested to submit their coys’ store requirements well in advance.

38. Maps. CSgt Rendell is requested to order 120 copies of all the training area Maps (CTA &
STA).

39. Packing List. Ex BP23 packing list is at Annex J. OCdts who are unclear on the dress
policy should consult with their chain of command in the first instance. The following orders of
dress will be required.

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a. Field dress. All green and range activity will be conducted in PCS MTP. Field kit is
required.

b. Planters/Smart Casual. Planters is required for cultural visit (Edinburgh Castle) in wk

1 and smart casual when attending meals or walking out.

c. Sports/AT kit. Clean sports’ kit may be worn when off duty Phase 2 and 4. Clothing
appropriate to the AT will be required in phase 4.

40. PSI’s are to ensure that kit issued in accordance with the packing list and that each OCdt has
the kit required for the weather conditions.

41. Accommodation. All PS and OCdts will initially be accommodated in HMS Caledonia, STA
before relocating to Halton Camp. PS will be accommodated in single rooms at HMS Caledonia;
OCdts in three-person rooms. Halton camp has limited accommodation; hence the rooms will be
shared between two to eight people. A bed, mattress, pillow, duvet, and bed sheet will be provided
at HMS Caledonia; however, sleeping systems are required for both STA and Halton Camp.

42. Laundry Facilities. HMS Caledonia provides excellent free self-service laundry facilities.

43. Portaloo Locations. CSgt Rendell is requested to indent for:

a. 4 x Portaloo to be located IVO – GR NY 61986 6996

b. 2 x Portaloo to be located IVO – GR NY 5993 7196

c. 3x Portaloo to be located IVO – GR NY 6242 7429

d. 3x Portaloo to be located IVO – GR NY 6382 7375

e. 3x Portaloo to be located IVO – GR NY 6513 7444

44. Harbour Areas. Coys Hbr locs as follows:

a. Hbr 1 - GR NY 6218 6998

b. Hbr 2 - GR NY 5994 7192

c Hbr 3 - GR NY 6242 7429

45. Hearing Protection. Wearing issued, serviceable hearing protection is mandatory

when using blank ammunition or pyrotechnics. The PSIs/2ICs are responsible for checking
everyone has the correct hearing protection. All personnel (military and civilian) are responsible for
safeguarding their own hearing by wearing the hearing protection.

46. Ammunition and Ammunition Management. The issue, storage, use, recovery and return
of ammunition are always to be conducted within a safe system. All PS are to have read and be
familiar with RMAS Standing Orders Book 2, Part 4, Annex R, RMAS Orders for the management
of Ammunitions and Explosives. The procedures laid down in the EASP are to be adhered to in
order to minimise waste of ammunition and reduce the chances of incorrect procedures taking
place.

47. Alcohol. Ex BP23 is a DRY exercise for all exercising troops and PS. Exemptions should be
sought through the Exercise Director via the XO. Exemption has been granted for the Champagne
Breakfast on 25 Jun 23.
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48. Reporting Procedures for Accidents on Exercise. In the event of accidents on exercise,
the responsibility for immediately dealing with the accident lies with the ECO in accordance Ref F.
Trg Staffs are to inform the ECO who will then inform wider the wider RMAS chain of command if
required. As with non-exercise procedures, Coy 2ICs are responsible for submitting the completed
MoD Form 510 to AINC. This procedure is explained in the EASP.

49. Damage and Rubbish. The PSIs and Coy OC/2ICs are the ex DAMCON officer. Any
damage must be reported through the chain of command. All rubbish and Ex equipment will be
accounted for and removed from the training area. No rubbish generated by ammunition natures is
to be placed with general rubbish. All spent ammunition, pyrotechnics or parts of pyrotechnics are
to be collected, placed in clear plastic bags and handed back to the PSIs as directed by the RSM.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

46. Communication. Signal App is to be used for messaging throughout BP23 and Airwave as
the primary voice comms with mobiles as secondary. Mobile numbers are all available through
Signal App.

47. Tac Radios. PRRs are to be deployed as tactical comms for exercising troops.

48. Point of Contact. The PoC for the exercise is:

a. SPO. Maj Thapa MVO: 07518268009.

a. QM. Capt Dryden: 07712187565

49. EXCON. EXCON will be located throughout the FTX at Greymare East FOB. The Senior
Planning Officer and Senior Exercise Conducting Officer will be located at EXCON throughout the
FTX.

50. Co-ordination Conference. There will be a co-ordination conference between all staff
supporting Ex BP23 at Falklands House on 6 Jun 23 at 1900hrs.

SUPERVISION

51. Supervisory Care. Everyone must be alert to the pressures that OCdts are under,
particularly in relation to the additional strain imposed by demands of the OTC on their academic
studies. Good leadership and personal example are the preferred approach to providing successful
support to the OCdts. All staff, including external instructors, must be made aware that, as students
in full-time education, officer cadets require extra attention to how we look after and interact with
them. Full details are within the CO’s Supervisory Care Directive.

52. Fraternisation. Fraternisation is a form of misconduct defined by the Forces as developing

an inappropriate personal relationship with colleagues or subordinates either in, or extending
beyond, the workplace and working hours. Sexual activity is the most obvious form of this
misconduct, but it also incorporates words and/or gestures that promote a sense of a relationship
extending beyond that appropriate to sound, professional military conduct and interaction, and is
most easily recognised by applying the Service Test in any suspected case. Fraternisation
damages morale and discipline and undermines the integrity of OUOTC. Above all, it is an abuse
of the delegated authority and moral trust reposed in staff working with the OCdts. Such
fraternisation between staff members (including external instructors) and OCdts is forbidden at any
time.

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53. PXR. PXR points should be submitted to XO by Tue 18 Jul 23. Details of any injuries
sustained during this ex should be highlighted to XO as soon as practicable and follow-on reporting
detailed in the EASP at Annex B must be carried out.

shuresh

S K Thapa MVO
Maj
SPO/SECO

Annexes:

A. MEL
B. EASP
C. Medical Plan
D. Scenario
E. Risk Assessment
F. MEL Detail
G. G4 – Post Recce report
H. Tpt Plan
I. Ammo
J. Packing List
K. Attendance List

Distribution:

Action:

OC AB Coy
OC SJM Coy
2IC AB Coy
2IC SJM Coy
SJM/AB Pl Comds
RSM
RQMS
PSIs

Info:

CO
2IC
QM
Adjt

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