In a historic stride for the British Army, sixteen soldiers from the esteemed 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) recently made history by becoming the first British Army troops to embed with Japanese forces during a groundbreaking exercise last month.
Unveiling Unprecedented
Collaboration
Functioning as an integral part of the 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade, the Scottish troops, stationed near Fort George, near Inverness, demonstrated their prowess during Exercise Vigilant Isles in Japan. Joining them in the Far East were soldiers from B Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (1RGR), and the formidable 16 Air Assault Brigade.
A Tapestry of International
Training
Approximately 400 British and Japanese troops engaged in comprehensive training, fostering a unique blend of military expertise. During the live fire tactical training phase at Sekiyama, 3 SCOTS soldiers seamlessly integrated with a recce platoon from the Japanese 1st Airborne Brigade. Employing cutting-edge technology, the Scottish contingent operated a Parrot Anafi drone to pinpoint 'enemy' troops, showcasing the prowess of modern military capabilities.
Cultural Harmony Through
Bagpipes
At the heart of this collaboration was a cultural exchange, exemplified by Corporal Hall, who played the bagpipes at the Exercise Vigilant Isles opening ceremony. The stirring tunes of "Scotland the Brave" and "Hielen’ Laddie" resonated, breaking down barriers and fostering camaraderie. Corporal Fraser Hall of 3 SCOTS remarked, “It’s been eye-opening to work with the Japanese, embedded with their recce forces and giving them drone capability on the ground."
The Language of Action
Despite language differences, Lance Corporal Bart Pritchard highlighted the universal language of military action during the live fire package with the Japanese. The soldiers from both nations swiftly synchronized their movements, proving that a shared mission transcends linguistic barriers.
Sharing Skills and Drills
Private Morgan Marler underscored the collaborative spirit, stating, “We have thermal capability with the drone and can identify enemy targets from up to two kilometres away. It’s a powerful tool that the Japanese have found very useful. We’ve been pleased to share it with them as well as some of our skills and drills.”
Ongoing Collaboration at
Ojyojibara Camp
In the second week of Exercise Vigilant Isles, 3 SCOTS soldiers remained fully embedded with Japanese companies at Ojyojibara camp, 400 kilometres north of Tokyo. This immersive experience included advance infiltration units identifying enemy locations within a tight 24-hour window. The collaboration culminated in a bilateral attack, symbolizing the strength of the partnership.
The Royal Regiment of
Scotland: A Pillar of British Army Infantry
The Royal Regiment of Scotland stands as the senior and sole Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army Infantry. With its rich history and steadfast commitment to excellence, it comprises three regular (formerly five) and two reserve battalions. The amalgamation of expertise and tradition makes it a formidable force, epitomized by the former first battalion, now disbanded and reformed into the 1st Bn Rangers based in Northern Ireland.
3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) has not only marked its place in history but has set a precedent for international military cooperation. Breaking barriers and fostering understanding, this collaboration exemplifies the shared values and commitment to a safer world.
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