Page 34 - Bugle Autumn 2023

NEW BUGLERS PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES
A workout for the lungs!
5 RIFLES
January saw the beginning of a new bugle course for four Riflemen - LCpl Worth and Rfn Clacken, Harrison and Lewis - the
first female Bugler in The Rifles. The four deployed to the Army School of Ceremonial in Catterick to embark on the all-ranks course, which spans 16 weeks.
Weeks one to ten concentrated on the Riflemen passing their Class 3 Bugle Test which incorporates music theory, reading music, and playing five notes on the bugle. Come week 10 the students must be able to play the daily calls heard around the battalion and identify all of them, no easy feat. As a course made up of fully trained Riflemen it’s no surprise that the Catterick PTIs pushed them
to their limits, leading to all involved becoming
Ex WARFIGHTER is a bi-annual training event for the British Army, testing 3(UK) Divisions’ ability to plan and execute as part of a US Corps (III Corps). 5 RIFLES would have the honour of LOCONing as 20 (UK) Bde.
Upon arriving in Texas, and with introductory briefs out of the way, it was clear that there was little formal training
to be conducted for the next three days. This resulted in the CO leading a sizable reconnaissance patrol into Austin, squeezed into a comically small car. Other patrols were sent into Texas with excellent success, though many reported back that the Texans refused to accept that they were British, with many accused of “putting on the accent”.
Post the three days of bliss, we linked up with our US counterparts in the 1st (US)
34 RIFLES The Bugle
well-acquainted with the steeple chase! A testament to their hard work and pride in being Riflemen, all four passed the Class 3 Bugle Test.
The final six weeks of the course is dedicated to the Class 2 Test, which must be passed to allow a Bugler to perform public duties and defence engagement events. The four Riflemen beat this deadline and then almost immediately deployed to Northern Ireland to support the 2 RIFLES Boxing Night.
During their pass out parade they had the honour of playing High on a Hill, a technically challenging piece given their skill level. They did this superbly, putting on a memorable drill display.
Bugle Major Harris
Cavalry Division “The First Team” and were lead through their path to war. However, no-one could have predicted that this would include being bartended by the Commanding General of 1st Cav Div as guests in his house. As the planning and command cells were being put through their paces by the COs, the real battle-winning assets, the “pucksters” were being shown how to execute whatever crazy stratagems the planners could come up with!
After several long and tiring US-led rehearsals, it was time for the Ex to begin.
5 RIFLES did 20X proud as they fought their way through the scenario, providing helpful feedback to 1st Cav Div as well as delivering everything that was asked of them and more. It was a tough and relentless mission, and it
A testament to their hard work and pride in being Riflemen, all four passed the
Class 3 Bugle Test
5 RIFLES did 20X proud
as they fought their way through the scenario
was eye-opening for all of those involved. Due to its relentless nature, before everyone knew it the exercise was over.
There was some time to kill between ENDEX and the flight home which led to further opportunities for some to explore the local flora and fauna. This period saw a dedicated crew of anglers thrashing around all the local ponds, with some notable catches. There were others who went further afield to San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans, to sample the culture and the nightlife. Before long it was time to hop back on the First-Class flight RAF style.
All in all, an excellent way to spend eight weeks!
Capt Van den Berg, FSp
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY