4 SCOTS The Highlanders deployed on their Infantry Field Firing Camp (IFFC) on the 1st March 2009 at Sennelager training area. This was the first time the Battle group had been together since returning from Operations of both Afghanistan and Iraq in 2008. After returning from Operations the Battlegroup has been on well deserved Post Operational Tour Leave (POTL) and IFFC was a fantastic chance to train new members of the Battlegroup and to refresh the skills of the senior Jocks.

The aim of the camp was to qualify recruit gunners on the Warriors weapons systems, to conduct Annual Crew Tests and to put dismounts through their paces on the dismount ranges (above). All of these aims were achieved with a Recruit Gunnery Cadre being run, 48 crews going through the Annual Crew Test (a mixture of new and experienced crews) and dismounts working up to Section level on live firing attacks. All of this was achieved even though a few hours of firing was missed due to poor visibility on the ranges. Along with the Rifle Company ranges, Support Company conducted Mortar ranges (below) and sniper shoots. This again shows the flexibility and range of assets an Armoured Infantry Battle group can bring to bear.

Along with the live firing the Battlegroup managed to put the boxing team through their paces with numerous 0530 hours boxing sessions. The culmination of which will be an Inter Company Boxing Night taking place at the end of March. Each of the Companies also independently completed Personnel Fitness Tests with there being an extremely high pass rate, showing that the Battlegroup has not lost its edge after Operations and POTL. Evenings were also filled with Military training.

After a hard working week the Battlegroup enjoyed the weekend with each Company organizing social events and visiting the sights of Paderborn.

The Camp also signaled the end of Lt Col Campbell’s tenure as Commanding Officer of 4 SCOTS. The Field Firing Camp was a fitting finale to Lt Col Campbell’s time at Regimental Duty. (below)