Edinburgh soldier sharpens close combat skills at intensive urban warfare training course

An Edinburgh soldier put his close combat skills to the test in an intensive training course designed to simulate modern urban warfare.

Warrant officer Connor Grant was one of 80 Royal Regiment of Scotland soldiers to take part in the week-long course, which represented a change of pace from their normal training missions.

Taking place at a purpose-built urban training facility at Whiny Hill, Catterick, the soldiers underwent a multitude of training exercises based around the prospect of coming under fire in a heavily built-up area.

Warrant officer Connor Grant | Grayling

Skills put to the test involved breaking into enemy-occupied settlements, building clearances and safely securing surroundings.

The Capital native, who underwent the course for the first time, said: “Much of our training takes place in rural terrain, so this exercise was vastly different.

“The enclosed environment teaches you to consider multiple scenarios at once, such as what might be on the other side of a door or who could be shooting at you from a top floor window - and then have to filter the consequences.”

He added: “Mental agility is key in these situations, so it’s really important for us to learn how to manage different scenarios to ensure we’re always fully combat ready.”

Lieutenant Alexander Lambert said: “When it comes to modern warfare, our infancy soldiers are constantly facing conflicts within built up, urban areas.

“These environments can be difficult to scope out and recce which is why we train in dedicated facilities created to resemble the settings our soldiers would be likely to encounter in real-life scenarios.

“The skills developed here are vital, and this training gives our soldiers the unique opportunity to showcase their decision-making skills in an environment where the situation can change without warning.”