[GER/GBR] Exercise Armoured Resolve

[Vaka]

Exercise Armoured Resolve ​

OFFICIAL JOINT TRAINING EXERCISE
SEPTEMBER 1997
TOP SECRET​

Situation Report:
Armoured Resolve promotes regional stability and security, while increasing readiness, strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. This combined training opportunity greatly improves interoperability among participating allies and partners. The exercise provides a real-world training environment for Soldiers to practice battle scenarios, but that’s only half the battle. The unique terrain at the Bergen-Hohne Training Area allows Soldiers to work through not only unfamiliar territory but also weather. This change of scenery and climate allows them to work through obstacles while putting them in situations that push their problem solving and communication skills, sometimes beyond comfort. Both nations work together during a 10-day exercise, which requires them to find solutions and overcome situations in a tactical environment. Participants of Armoured Resolve use Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System to help create more realism. MILES gear is used by the German military, and other armed forces around the world, for training purposes. It uses lasers and blank cartridges to simulate actual battle. OCT (observer, coach/trainer) teams are on the battlefield as well, making sure the playing field stays fair.



Belligerents:

BLUFOR:

Republic of Germany

Great Britain

OPFOR:

Intelligence:
NTR

Units Deployed:
203rd Panzer Battalion (Bergen-Hohne Training Area)

[358] Personnel​

[42] Leopard 2A5​

[10] M93 Fuchs​

[15] ATF Dingo​

[6] Wiesel 2 Ambulance​

[20] SLT 50-3 Elephant​

Objective(s):

1. Deployment of Heavy Vehicles through urban environment to Training area.​
2. Unload and Fueling of Heavy Vehicles with SLT 50-3 Elephant Tanker Trailers
3. Completion of Exercise agenda.
4. Transport of Heavy Vehicles back to home bases.

Campaign Register:

OO-1A - PENDING - Deployment of Armoured battalions to Bergen-Hohne Training.
OO-1B - PENDING - Exercise Armoured Resolve
OO-1C - PENDING - Return Trip for Amoured Battalions to Home Bases.


Exercise Agenda:
Day 1 - Orientation and physical endurance training.
Day 2 - Short Range Engagements.
Day 3 - Long Range Engagements.
Day 4 - Tank Repairs Under Fire/ Chemical warfare training.
Day 5 - Attacking a armored position.
Day 6 - Defending an Fortified position / Simulated Night Attack.
Day 7 - Start of Armored Resolve Wargames.
Day 8 - Wargames continue.
Day 9 - Last day of Wargames. Review of Lessons Learned during Exercise.
Day 10 - Awards and closing ceremonies.


Training Funds:
$250,000,000.00
Jamie

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[Jamie]

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Exercise Armoured Resolve
Operation Directive, September 1997
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

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XI. PRELIMINARYX
Armoured Resolve promotes regional stability and security, while increasing readiness, strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. This combined training opportunity greatly improves interoperability among participating allies and partners. The exercise provides a real-world training environment for Soldiers to practice battle scenarios, but that’s only half the battle. The unique terrain at the Bergen-Hohne Training Area allows Soldiers to work through not only unfamiliar territory but also weather. This change of scenery and climate allows them to work through obstacles while putting them in situations that push their problem solving and communication skills, sometimes beyond comfort. Both nations work together during a 10-day exercise, which requires them to find solutions and overcome situations in a tactical environment. Participants of Armoured Resolve use Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System to help create more realism. MILES gear is used by the German military, and other armed forces around the world, for training purposes. It uses lasers and blank cartridges to simulate actual battle. OCT (observer, coach/trainer) teams are on the battlefield as well, making sure the playing field stays fair.

XII. BELLIGERENTSX

Blufor United Kingdom Republic of Germany

Opfor

XIII. STRENGTHX

ACTIVE DEPLOYMENT
[300] 1st Battalion, Scots Guards (1SCOTS) _{A, B & C Company}
[100] 1st Royal Tank Regiment _{A Squadron}

[20] Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks
[30] Warrior FV510 Infantry Fighting Vehicles
[4] CRARRV Recovery Vehicles
[1]Military Transport Train Mk1​

XIV. CAMPAIGN REGISTERX

Operation	Description	Status
Exercise Armoured Resolve SEPTEMBER1997 - Present	Armoured Cooperation Exercise between UK-GER	In Progress

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The initial steps was to begin the transportation of all equipment and personnel to Germany in preparation for Exercise Armoured Resolve which would provide a logistical challenge for the Armoured Units involved to deliver a strike capable group to work closely with their German Counterparts. Over the next couple of weeks, the combined amount of 54 armored vehicles were to be transported via Train through the Euro tunnel. It was requested by the Dutch Government to authorize the transit of military equipment through the Netherlands for a military exercise with Germany. (JamieA ) If approved, the logistical aspect could continue whilst personnel would begin to be transported via Lockheed Martin Tristars from the Royal Air Force.

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Vaka

 

[JamieA]

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Britain were giving authorisation to transition through the Netherlands, any ground convoy would be escort by the Local Law Enforcement until they left Dutch territory

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[Vaka]

The first challenge of the Exercise Armoured Resolve would be one of Logistics. Coordinating the heavy freight trains coming from The UK and the 73 Armoured vehicles coming via SLT-3-150 Elephants on the motorway from Augustdorf, where the 203rd was based was going very smoothly. Everything was unloaded quickly and set up for proper refueling. Vehicles would be parked in rows once they were refueled and maintenance check would be performed to insure that each vehicle was in fighting condition and had suffered no damage in transit. The maintenance crews would discuss any problems found with command to better insure no further issues developed during the logistical part of the exercise. Once all heavy equipment and vehicles had arrived, all that would be left was to wait for the personnel from each of the participating battalions to arrive. The British personnel would be transported via Lockheed Martin Tristars from the Royal Air Force and instructed to land at Wunstorf Air Base in Lower Saxony. From here it would be just a short ride to the Bergen-Hohne Training Facility. They would be shuttled over as soon as they landed by transport buses owned by the Wunstorf Air Base. The German personnel coming from Augustdorf would be using some of the Mercedes Benz G270CDI 4x4s and Dingo ATF’s needed for the exercise. All other personnel would be shuttled over by buses. Once all personnel had arrived, they would each be given barracks assignment for the duration of the exercise and the appropriate schedule for the next ten days. There would be PT at 0600 the next morning with Orientation for the exercise scheduled for 1000. Endurance Training would begin after Lunch at 1400. Officers would be briefed the day before on the locations of essential services such as Medical Care, Emergency Services and Translators. They would be given a general outline on the events for the following ten days but certain portions would be left intentionally vague as to keep an element of mystery in an attempt to gauge reactions to unlisted events as they happened. All other personnel once settled in to the barracks would have some free time before dinner. They would be encouraged to fraternize with opposite battalion in an effort to get to know one another. better Both battalions would eat together that night exchanging stories and wild boasts. They would return shortly after to barracks for final prep and sleep before Exercise Armoured Resolve began. Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Over the last few weeks, the focus had been on the logistics with members of the Royal Logistics Corps, supported by the Scots Guards and the 1st Royal Tank Regiment to get the combined aspect of 54 armoured vehicles to Germany. Utilizing what is designated the MTT's, it consisted of trains that had the facility to hold armoured vehicles and use the euro tunnel, permitted by the Dutch Government to travel through the Netherlands and onto Germany. By this time, the Challengers, Warriors and CRARRVs were in Germany at the designated training area ready for operations. The Personnel, consisting of 400 Troops from the British Army, had already mingled with their German Counterparts and despite any language barriers, worked well to maximize efficiency in relation to communications that would no doubt be required for the Exercise. The main focus for the Tank Regiment was running through all the vehicles and conducting the after-transit checks. The conclusion of the standard procedural checks allowed concentration to turn onto the mission.

Participating in the physical training, it was a great opportunity to learn different exercise methods from the Germans but also to share their own. It was developing into a friendly competition between the rival battalions of 1SCOTS and the 203rd. At any opportunity, those in the 1st Royal Tank Regiment were quick to speak up and ask to look around the German Vehicles whilst offering tours themselves of the Challenger II Main Battle Tanks and Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Meanwhile, officers of the Scots Guards listened into the mission briefings before settling for the night. Excitement was brewing between the British Companies who were, at this point, ready for a fight and were looking forward to working with their new found friends.

Vaka

 

[Vaka]

The morning of day two saw crews getting prepared with their tanks eager to get in some quality time on the live firing range. All tanks would be fueled and stocked with live ammo for today exercises. All participating had been instructed to form into platoon columns with guns pointed to the right. Once formed each platoon would be assigned a firing range. The objective for today was to be close engagements. This was limited to targets less than 200m away and would typically be fired on the move. Along the range was a narrow course the tanks would have to traverse with out ever coming to a complete stop. Along this route 5 targets had been placed, each with a small light above the target. The target would start in the red indicating not to shoot that target. It would then change to green to indicate that this target was live and should be fired upon immediately. Points are awarded for time of completion of the course as well as accuracy. Once this portion of the day was completed, the tanks would be driven quickly to a predetermined area. Once parked the crews would have to practice an emergency disembark of the vehicle and then complete an obstacle course then quickly return to the vehicle, unload all of its unspent ammunition by hand then reload it fully with fresh new rounds. Points would be awarded for time. At the end of the day all platoons would have their points tallied and a large meal was to be served in order for the men to discuss the days events with one another. The platoons of the 1st Scots fared much better on day one. Their better familiarly with the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks proved to be the determining factor. The 1st Scots were natural shots while on the move scoring an almost unheard of 85% accuracy on all first shots fired on the ranges. The maneuverability of the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks more than made up for its slight lack of speed on the narrow course. They also reported no major equipment failures on the rages. Once on the dismounted portion of the exercise began, the first injury of the day occurred. During the obstacle course, a private slipped while climbing a high wall and broke his hand in an attempt to brace his fall. In a testament to the character of the 1st Scots, his platoon mates quickly helped him over the wall and they all completed their task. It wasn't until after they had their time recorded that the private mentioned to his platoon commander that he might need medical attention. They had scored an 18 of possible 20 points on the range and recorded an average time of 18.55.23 on the obstacle course. The 203rd Panzer Battalion had much greener tank crews than the 1st Scots. This was to be the first time the platoons of the 203rd had used their tanks in any kind of real world setting. The speed and power of the Leopard 2A5 was tricky to control at war speed for the young tankers. They had points deducted for often going off course and stopping once they had taken their first shots. The their accuracy also left much room for improvement. The 203rd only offered 55% hits on first shots. One minor injury was suffered during the first part of the day. The incident occurred when an eager tank driver pushed his tank a bit too hard and slammed into an embankment whilst his tank commander was standing too close to the commanders hatch unaware of what was about to happen. This threw the commander upward hitting his head on the hatch, knocking him out cold. He was attended to by medical staff and was diagnosed with a minor concussion. The commander later had strong words for the driver, instructing him on better performance in the future. The 203rd fared much better on the obstacle course portion. The endless drilling they had endured during basic training had paid great dividends. They suffered no major injuries here but one platoon suffered a penalty when they loaded one too many shells in the ammo storage hangar against safety regulations. They had scored an 13 of possible 20 points on the range and recorded an average time of 18.10.44 on the obstacle course. Footage of the drill performed by British Tank crews in 1991. Later that night during the evening meal you could feel a real sense of comradery between the German and British Tankers. They shared tactics on the difficult firing range. All the crews were eager to have another go on the course now being much more familiar with its layout. The 1st Scots boasted much for winning the day. The 203rd could only congratulate and promise to get them tomorrow morning. After the meal the platoons had evening meetings with their commanders to give them an idea for the next days activities. Day 3 would be long range engagements. More time in the tanks. And this time, the targets would be shooting back.​ Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Time on German Firing Ranges was well received by the crews of the Royal Tank Regiment, maneuvering across the site using live ammunition; "Fire!" instructions from the vehicle Commanders echoing through the interior of the main battle tanks. Shock waves working through the vehicle as the L30A1 120 mm rifled gun fired down the range to the targets in close proximity, coming to absolute stops as necessary based on the colours of each recipient. Despite their keenness to operate with the Germans, Britons were stubbornly competitive and at any chance possible, they'd put in 110% effort to best their counterparts. If they were on the losing end, they were sure to accept it and offer their congratulations ... with a bit of banterous attitude about letting them win.

During the dismounted section, the crews from the tank regiment were contently in their Challenger II Main Battle Tanks, enjoying perfectly prepared brews using the facilities within. Whilst the Scots Guards, whom were often dismounted as they maintained their role as Armoured Infantry, took to the obstacle courses with excitement. The failings of one, Private Williamson, having slipped a high wall wasn't given much sympathy "Ahh ya little wee bastard, get a mov' on!" demanded a fellow Private. This was quite the norm across the British, especially Scottish ranks. Power through the pain and complete it, but after, he'd be medically assessed.

Both the Scots Guards and Royal Tank Regiment appreciated their time on the ranges and courses, and were eager for the next day but until then, it was a night of eating, banter and sharing of knowledge between both militaries and the occasional white lies about privates who had spent time in bed with multiple German women together but that was the price to pay for some of the younger, testosterone-fueled privates.

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