Page 51 - Bugle Autumn 2023

Ex Urban Eagle
8 RIFLES
In June, 8 RIFLES were lucky enough to be hosted by Cleveland Police at Urlay Nook, their Firearms Tactical Training Centre. Over the weekend, Riflemen were taught basic lessons on vehicle contact and search drills (including a niche interest period clearing double decker buses), building entry
and clearance drills. The Battalion then harboured up in Feldom to conduct orders as they were tasked to clear the centre the following day. Whilst they were away, the instructors set up an engaging battle lane
that would see the unit isolate the complex and clear it, assaulting a multi-storey outhouse, dealing with captured enemy, and clearing a busy street.
This exercise was positive for building skills, competence, teamwork and lethality. The Riflemen really enjoyed the challenges and novelty of working with our friends at Cleveland Police at their state-of-the-art facility.
2Lt Chris Dufty
Swift and Cold
Ex Northern Frosted Sword 4 (Ex NFS4) was a Type 3 Adventurous Training (AT) Exercise that took place in the French Alps in late January. It was delivered by 8 RIFLES and saw a total of 36 Riflemen of all ranks located from a base at Val Thorens whilst skiing in the Three Valleys area. Les Trois Vallees provides the world’s largest ski area with a huge network of 600km of ski runs, which suits all abilities from novice to advanced skiers alike, and proved to be an excellent location from which to deliver the training.
8 RIFLES is already organising NFS5 with Capt McNaughton, our resident Ex-Guardsman, showing interest immediately (he clearly didn’t understand the instructors request to keep himself to the drill square).
Staff Sergeant Kitchen, QMSI, 8 RIFLES
Les Trois Vallees provides the world’s largest ski area with a huge network of 600km of
ski runs
RIFLES The Bugle 51