Page 32 - Bugle Autumn 2023

5 RIFLES FINLAND
Ex ARROW came to A Company with high expectations. As the first joint exercise that the British Army would conduct with Finland since the country’s accession to NATO, it was important that we demonstrated the potential for future cooperation.
Upon arrival in Finland, we embarked on a four-day exercise almost immediately, which comprised several Joint Expeditionary Force members and a contingent of American Cavalry. An attachment from 1 RHA allowed
us to practice the use of fire missions in real time and counter the Finnish bombardments unleashed on us. A platoon of Lithuanian Mechanised Infantry also had the pleasure of joining A Company, which brought the realities of multi-national operations home to all ranks.
The structure of Ex ARROW saw the opposing sides held at opposite ends of the training area before both were sent crashing forward in a race to reach the key terrain first and defeat the enemy. This was tactically novel to us and saw us launching attacks at breakneck speed. It certainly went against our SOPs, but the reasoning soon became clear when considering the Battlegroup’s outlook, desperately trying to regain momentum at our front. Tempo was a crucial aim of operations on this exercise. The British Infanteer once again proved their prowess, and Rfn Ratule was congratulated by the Finnish observers for managing to destroy three enemy Leopard tanks in one day with NLAW.
Operating in incredibly dense woodland meant our conventional tactics were stretched. It took a couple days for us to find our feet using the combination of dismounts and vehicles to best effect, and we saw how
the Finns have refined their approach to absolutely suit the environment they would fight in. They were quick to use the forest to disguise their flanking attacks, and we soon adapted to pushing our Warriors rapidly through the woodland then dismounting
in cover from the enemy, as we were most vulnerable when slowed down by our attempts to clear through methodically.
At the conclusion of the exercise, we conducted live firing up to platoon level
jointly with an American Cavalry Squadron. This again was a refreshing experience, challenging the structure of most similar lanes we would conduct at home and allowing
the vehicle crews extended time in light role. The lane covered the elusive rural-to-urban interface and was an exciting change in approach for A Company.
Prior to deploying on our next exercise, NORTHERN FOREST, we also found time to conduct a Professional Development trip to Helsinki to understand more about the history of Finland and her Army. Through various visits and cultural excursions, A Company
Dense Forest – A Dismounts’ Battle
They were quick to use the forest to disguise their flanking attacks, and we soon adapted
A hot debrief
Riflemen returned with a deeper knowledge of the relationship between Finland, her neighbours, and her defence. As the European country whose citizens are routinely polled
to have the highest dedication to defending their homeland, this is an extremely valuable experience set against current world affairs.
Ex NORTHERN FOREST compounded the lessons of Ex ARROW. Even more congested and with a highly adaptable enemy in
the Finns and the Swedes, Sjt Bolt of 1
Platoon drove the Company to adopt jungle principles to help the dismounts cover
ground quickly and protect the Warriors in
the thick vegetation. The Platoons at times fully dismounted to better deal with the threat presented, which normally occurred just as we hit the swampiest parts of the training area. The exercise culminated in a delay action against the Swedes, bringing a chaotic armoured infantry battle to us and pushing the tempo yet again.
Overall, the deployment to Finland was a whirlwind that saw A Company challenged tactically but also operationally. We demonstrated our ability to deploy Warrior to the European mainland and execute
the Infantry Mission. It was also a fantastic opportunity to experience Finland as a country and forge closer bonds with our valuable ally. Lt Ferguson, A Coy
The 2022-2023 Season ended with 5 RIFLES competing across several cups, and after winning promotion, finding itself in the league once again. The team set out defending the Infantry 6’s, but unfortunately finished runners up, narrowly missing out on a penalty shootout in the final.
This spurred them on and after another competitive season 5 RIFLES were crowned UK South Division 1 Champions, only losing the one league game, and gaining another promotion into the UK South Premier League. Whilst winning the league, the Battalion team also competed and reached the Semi-Final in both the League and the Infantry Cup but was unable to go that step further to the final. 5 RIFLES did manage to win the Festival of Sport 6’s to end the season on a high. After a fantastic year the Battalion team should be commended on all the hard work they have put in, and they should take real pride in what they have achieved. WO2 Field, 5 RIFLES Training Wing
32 RIFLES The Bugle
The Footballers of 5
A SEASON TO BE PROUD OF