Project Phoenix: The Rise

Chapter 6 - Before the storm

Over the course of the past 20 weeks, the young soldiers of Romeo Two Zero Bravo, L Battery 2nd SRRA, embarked on an intensive training journey. Through vivid visualizations, they immersed themselves in honing their skills, from mastering patrol techniques to navigating the treacherous realm of urban warfare and engaging in close-quarter combat.

They meticulously rehearsed the art of stop and search, restoring public order, and controlling riotous situations. Weapons training and various drills became second nature to them, their movements synchronized like a well-oiled machine, ready to be deployed on the unforgiving streets. Every member of the fire team had internalized the rules of engagement and the laws pertaining to the use of force, reciting them with precision, chapter and verse. They stood as a formidable force, transformed into highly skilled urban warriors, their education encompassing all aspects of counter-terrorism activities, ensuring the preservation of law and order.

Amongst the ranks stood Bombardier Jason Gaunt, known as Jay, a seasoned veteran who had dedicated six years of his life to L Battery. Having joined the Army at a tender age of 18, he stood tall at 6ft 1, his presence commanding and his mind a critical instrument for making astute tactical decisions. The officers who served under him recognized him as the epitome of suitability for the role he played.

Jay's physical prowess matched his mental acuity, his lean muscular frame weighing just under 12 stone. Agile and swift, he effortlessly breezed through the basic fitness tests, completing the mile and a half run in under 10 minutes, a testament to his unwavering dedication to leading by example.

As a team leader, Jay held steadfast in his principles, evaluating his actions based solely on what he could see. Immune to the distractions of hearsay, social media, and misinformation, he placed his trust solely in facts. Loyalty defined Jay, his unwavering dedication to the King and his unwavering belief in the establishment as heroes, especially after their commendable handling of the COVID crisis. He firmly believed the government had steered the country through conflicts and crises alike, and his loyalty to them remained unshakable.

Beside Jay stood the rest of his fire team, Romeo Two Zero Bravo, a four-person combat unit comprised of the gun crew from 3 sub, L Battery 2nd Strategic Regiment Royal Artillery. Serving as Jay's second-in-command was Lance Bombardier Becky Stonewell, a battle-hardened soldier who had fought alongside him in Estonia. Becky possessed an uncanny ability to understand Jay's thoughts, making her an invaluable asset to the fire team when confronting adversity. Earning the nickname "Rambo" with pride, she outpaced, outgunned, outmatched, and outshone anyone in the Battery, embodying the epitome of a fierce warrior. The other two lads, Mo and Liam, were fresh recruits to the Regiment, transferred in from 1st RHA to bolster the numbers for the upcoming tour. They were as green as a freshly cut field, without an ounce of combat experience. But hey, they met the age criteria, so they made the cut.

Now back in Munster, the team reflected on their time in Tin City and braced themselves for the weeks ahead before deploying back to the mainland. For Jay, it would be his first time setting foot on mainland soil since childhood, while for others, it would be a glorious homecoming.

Their instructors claimed they were ready, fully trained Internal Security soldiers. Training was finally over, and R20b made their way back to Waterloo Barracks in Munster, the revered home of 2nd Strategic Royal Artillery Regiment.

Within the walls of the prestigious white barracks, sleep became a distant memory. For those like Jay and Becky, who had seen action before, it was a time to remember the close calls and fallen comrades. Troops who had served in Sheffield during the "new troubles" knew exactly what the next six months would entail. But for the new recruits, the Red Arses, this tour would be their baptism of fire.