The creation and development of a new Army training facility in Dundee saw Reservists from the 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS) train in low-level urban warfare tactics using simulated ammunition (simunition).
The facility, located in Oliver Barracks in Dundee, allows the delivery of progressive close quarter tactics training using the latest simulated training equipment, permitting realistic ‘force on force’ scenarios.
It was constructed and designed for the use of simunition to create a realistic environment for soldiers to enhance their infantry skills in advance of deployments in the UK and overseas, allowing exciting and novel training.
The opportunity for our Reservists to train locally in high quality training facilities is hugely important.
Grants from the Highland Reserve Force and Cadet Association (HRFCA) has also enabled the purchase of smoke, light, and noise equipment to deliver a truly immersive training experience.
The conversion of existing Reserve real estate into an approved urban operations training facility in the heart of Dundee city is the result of considerable effort by the permanent staff of 7 SCOTS to achieve legal compliance, making it a unique training asset open to use by other military and civilian agencies.
7 SCOTS, although a light role (Reserve) battalion based in Perth, is commanded by 19th Light Brigade who form part of 1st (United Kingdom) Division – the British Army’s Light and Airborne Warfighting Division.
Commander 19th Light Brigade, Brigadier Lisa Brooks, visiting the training said:
“The opportunity for our Reservists to train locally in high quality training facilities is hugely important. I am very grateful to Highland RFCA for their generosity to enable 7 SCOTS to further develop this inspiring urban operations training facility which other local units and civilian agencies organisations will benefit from in the future.
It is an exciting time to be part of the Army Reserve; as part the 1st (United Kingdom) Division, 19 Light Brigade is increasingly focused on readiness and utility, this facility will enable soldiers from 7 SCOTS to do exactly that.”
Training at weekends highlights the immense level of discipline and commitment by reservists within 7 SCOTS; juggling their civilian routine and employment to participate – gaining and enhancing transferable employable skills.
Reservists bring specialist civilian capabilities that are essential both on and off the battlefield, while gaining transferable qualifications by training with the Army
Last year 7 SCOTS deployed to Germany on the largest Army Reserves exercise since the Cold War, Exercise Rhino Heart. This challenging exercise marked the largest single deployment of Army Reservists in over 30 years, testing their abilities in the heart of mainland Europe, whilst integrated with NATO partner nations.
This year 7 SCOTS will embark upon a challenging training progression, focussing on live firing and progressively demanding core battlefield competencies - informed and updated by lessons observed in the conflict in Ukraine.
The highlight of the training year will be the battalion’s Annual Deployment Exercise to Otterburn, some of the most demanding terrain in the UK’s training estate – delivering junior leadership training across 19th Brigade and a basic introduction qualification on Infantry heavy fire support weapons systems.
Lieutenant Colonel David Robertson, Commanding Officer 7 SCOTS, said:
“Reservists bring specialist civilian capabilities that are essential both on and off the battlefield, while gaining transferable qualifications by training with the Army. The roles and tasks demanded of the Army Reserve continue to evolve, with more opportunities to enjoy the challenges that come with being a Reservist both in the UK and worldwide.”