The soldiers had to leave at the quarter turn. Warned as of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, on February 24, that it had to reinforce NATO’s military presence on the eastern flank of Europe, the 7th Alpine Hunters Battalion (BCA) from Varces (Isère) landed in Estonia in less than three weeks. Mission code name: Lynx.
Their objective is to prepare to integrate a “battle group” armed by the English and the Danes – what is called an eFP (enhanced Forward Presence), in NATO jargon. “We arrived in two waves,” explains Captain Guillaume, unit commander of the 7th BCA infantry company. First there were the precursors, who arrived on March 11, and the bulk of the troops who arrived on March 17. It’s a deployment within fairly short deadlines, knowing that we weren’t on the alert; everything accelerated in a rather brutal way. »
“Field appropriation phase”
Before joining this “battle group” at the beginning of April, the French train among themselves, in the heart of the Estonian forest, where the snow is still very present at the end of March, and where temperatures can drop to -15 °C at night. Exceptionally, 20 Minutes was able to follow one of the company’s exercises, on the ground of Soodla, about forty kilometers from Tallinn.
“We are currently in a phase of appropriation of the land”, explains Captain Guillaume. A particularly hostile terrain, even for this company accustomed to extreme conditions. “It’s different from what we know in France, continues Captain Guillaume. Here we have a lot of wind, swamps everywhere… The humidity is felt, and it is apprehensive. We have to change our habits with regard to the equipment we carry, the spare effects, essential to last a long time in the field. »
Spare socks and smokeless coffee
During exercises where you simulate fights against opponents, you must, for example, remember to bring several pairs of socks, to change them regularly because of the humidity. Drinking a coffee allows you to warm up when you remain static for a long time, but be careful not to make smoke, which could be spotted by the enemy. Small details that may seem trivial, but alpine hunters must be able to hold positions for a long time.
The good maintenance of the base camp is also essential. Each camp is organized around a fire, near which the soldiers gather regularly to warm up and dry their belongings. In particular the duvet which becomes damp at night due to condensation. To put up the tents, “we had to start by picking and shoveling the ice”, tells us a soldier. “It’s still quite rustic here,” continues another. The main enemy is the cold: at night, it’s hard to get warm, and in the morning, it’s hard to get out duvets…”
A unit in addition to the armored elements
The other characteristic – the essential, even – of the 7th BCA, is to be a light troop. “We can move on foot in areas that are difficult to access in armored vehicles,” emphasizes Captain Guillaume. “This light infantry unit will thus complement the armored elements of the Danes and the British,” adds Colonel Eric Mauger.
The company is divided into four sections, each comprising several groups. We are following this Wednesday morning that of Sergeant Jean-Baptiste, who is rehearsing an advance exercise for his troops in line and in column, to “fix” an enemy vehicle spotted in the distance, which will make it possible to support the progress of any the section. “It’s flat ground, which changes from what we know in the mountains, it’s more difficult to cross” points out the sergeant. There are actually fewer ways to protect yourself.
Safety bubble and damage assessment
The group can be equipped with two pieces of artillery, each capable of firing two missiles capable of destroying armored vehicles, or one piece and one machine gun. Given the configuration of the terrain, it is this last mixed option which was chosen to advance towards the enemy. A soldier simulates a missile launch. The opposing armored vehicle has been hit, the entire group can attack. Once in the zone, the fighters make a safety bubble around their objective, and assess the damage.
Two soldiers approach a fallen enemy. “We must check his condition, search him to disarm him and give him first aid if he is still alive,” explains the sergeant. “Afterwards we will search the vehicle to see if there are people left inside and detect sensitive equipment. Then the group extracts itself as quickly as possible from the area, to avoid enemy reinforcement mortar fire, which could have heard the explosions.
Sand box to prepare the mission
Meanwhile, Captain Guillaume is preparing for the big exercise the next day. The entire company will be mobilized to take over a village – made up of buildings in ruins – after a progression that must respect very specific stages. “Each section of the company will maneuver and carry out various missions, the objective being to seize the village, explains the captain. All of this is being prepared, in particular with the help of a sandbox, which is a representation of the terrain on which I will explain to my subordinates what I expect of them, and how I want them to evolve. »
A blank maneuver is thus carried out by the captain on this sand box. The section chiefs take notes, ask questions, then it’s up to them to decide who will do what, to think about what they can bring to this operation.
Posture dissuasive
Once the French soldiers have rehearsed their exercises, apprehended the terrain, they will integrate in a few days the British and Danish “battle group”, which will itself be integrated into the first Estonian brigade. “The work processes are not necessarily the same, so it’s a question of learning from everyone” points out Captain Guillaume.
This mission was decided to reinforce the Estonian defence, “within the framework of reassurance of the forces of NATO” insists the captain. “Our position is dissuasive, defensive and preventive. And even if Russia is just on the other side of the border, there is no question of pointing, officially, to a particular enemy.
Source: 20minutes
