During September 2024, 70 Gurkha Parachute Squadron deployed to Cyprus representing 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment for Exercise PINESTICK 24-2. The main task during this exercise was to construct a 15m x 30m concrete pad for a proposed post room in Episkopi, which was led by K Troop (Delhi Troop). As well as complete several different sub tasks spread around the island which was led by J Troop (Assaye Troop).
This exercise is a biannual deployment for the Corps of Royal Engineers aimed at building and renovating infrastructure, to support both the Cypriot community and military personnel stationed on the island. It also serves as an opportunity to train and promote the range of trade skills held by our soldiers.
The initial phase saw the plant section commencing ground works on the proposed site, which included the excavation and levelling of the ground. Concurrently, the B&C and C&J tradesmen were working to build the mesh and steel framework for the concrete pad respectively with the help of the other trades on the task site. Following the completion of groundworks, H&P tradesmen started the job of laying the underground pipe for the drainage with the electricians laying the duct pipe for the wiring and earthing cable for the earthing of the building. J Troop was tasked to deploy to Troodos to create a concrete path for local use as well as renovate an already existing BBQ stand, and they also deployed to Akrotiri to repair a sign board.
During the project we had numerous visits to the task site, this included Gurkha Major and Commanding Officer of the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, Deputy Commander British Forces Cyprus and Chief of Staff, 8 Brigade Commander and 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment Commanding Officer (CO) and Regimental Sergeant Major. During the visits individuals were awarded CO’s Coins and Brigadier’s Commendations in recognition of hard work.
Although we were deployed to Cyprus for the project, we managed to complete individual training requirements including Battlefield Casualty Drills, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear training, communications training and a navigational exercise. To foster a deeper understanding of our host nation, the Squadron took part in cultural visits to the Archaeological Park Kato in Paphos and the Museum of National Struggle in Nicosia.
We managed to celebrate our key cultural events; Dashain, Tihar, Delhi Day, Assaye Day and the 76th QGE Birthday, preserving our culture and tradition. We also had numerous social events to build the team cohesion and morale. The Squadron also undertool numerous adventure training opportunities.
Exercise PINESTICK 24-2 proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience for the Squadron.
