Salisbury Plain Training Area Newsletter October 2014

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TRAINING

October starts with the Land Warfare Centre Armoured Troop Commanders Course Exercise FIRST VIEW training with Challenger 2 Tanks across the West and into the Centre on the 1st & 2nd October. At the same time 26 Engineer Regiment will start a 2 week Armoured Engineer battle run, and Armoured Infantry Companies from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh and 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment will conduct armoured manoeuvre training in Warriors.
11th – 17th October 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh and 101 Logistics Brigade will rehearse for and conduct the Land Command Power Demonstration exercise for the Joint Staff College Shrivenham. This will involve an Armoured Battle Group manoeuvring in the West and logistic stands around Old Carter Barracks near Bulford. At the same time the Armoured Infantry Course from Warminster will conduct Exercise RARDENS REVENGE in Warrior Armoured Vehicles across the Plain.
Throughout the latter half of the month an Armoured Cavalry Squadron from the Royal Dragoon Guards will be practicing their reconnaissance drills across the whole Plain in CVRT vehicles.
101 Logistics Brigade are due to conduct Exercise GRIFFIN VIPER for 3 weeks from 6th – 25th October which will involve three logistic regiments with some 180 heavy wheeled transport and load carrying vehicles running convoys across the whole Plain and making extensive use of the track system and tank crossings over main roads.
A very busy final week in which the 2nd largest Armoured Exercise TEAM SPIRIT from the Land Warfare Centre incorporating the Brigade Reconnaissance course final exercise; BADGERS STRESS will take place. They will be joined by a Squadron of CVRT from the Royal Tank Regiment, an Armoured Engineer Squadron from 22 Engineer Regiment, a Multi Launch Rocket System Battery from 39 Regiment Royal Artillery and a Company of Omani troops preparing for Exercise WESSEX STORM in November. Heavy use of Armoured vehicles during the month day and night will mean that the public are advised to restrict their recreational activities to the public rights of way and privileged tracks. If moving off them on foot then additional care should be taken to avoid disrupting military training and placing themselves at risk. Motorists are advised that the tank crossings on all major public roads transiting the Plain will be in regular use and that mud sweepers will be operating on the roads if the weather turns foul.
Information about low flying is available from the MOD Low Flying Advisory Service (0845 600 7580) or on line at www.gov.uk/low-flying-in-your-area .

Late firing on Larkhill Ranges on: 2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 28th, 30th
Live firing on Salisbury Plain (East): Nil
AS90 Firing from Tilshead, Chitterne, Shrewton triangle: Nil
Non-firing days on Larkhill/Westdown Danger Area: 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 25th, 26th.
Non firing days on Bulford Ranges: 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th.
Mon, Wed & Fridays – Bulford Ranges are live until 1800hrs for operational training.
Complaints/Enquiries should be made to (01980) 620819.

Upcoming Major Exercises.

During exercises access may be restricted on Larkhill Ranges and in the Chitterne – Shrewton – Tilshead Triangle north of the B390.

ACCESS
Access to SPTA is regulated by Salisbury Plain Military Lands, Bulford, Larkhill and Imber Range Byelaws. Always comply with local signs and flags. Rights of way in Range Danger Areas are closed when red flags are flying.
This Newsletter is published up to 6 weeks before the event and changes may occur. Access timings for the next week can be found on the SPTA Walks Line: (01980) 67 4763.

Imber Ranges. The public are excluded except when the roads are specifically opened. Planned open dates for 2014 are as follows:
Event Open Closed
Remembrance Service Sat 08th Nov Convoy from Warminster gate at 1000hrs.
Christmas & New Year 1600hrs Thurs 18th Dec to 0800hrs Mon 05th Jan 15.
1. Even when roads are open the village and buildings remain out of bounds to the public.
2. Dates may change if operational training needs dictate.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE CRIME ON SALISBURY PLAIN?
If any crime is taking place call 999 and do not under any circumstances challenge the offenders.
Report suspicious activity to PLAINWATCH (01980 674700) or PLAINWATCH@landmarc.mod.uk. The more information received the better e.g. time, place, vehicle registration, description of individuals and vehicles.

Health and Safety reminder for all Military Training Areas and Ranges:

  • Do not touch or tamper with Military debris.
  • Wash your hands before you eat.
  • Clean your footwear before you enter your car or home.

S J MADEN
WO2 (CSM)
for Senior Training Safety Officer Salisbury Plain

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/salisbury-plain-imber-range-perimeter-path
This Newsletter can be found at the above link