Page 11 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

1 RIFLES
Skirmisher competition
NAVEX
Cpl Leila Pettinger AGC, competed strongly amongst her peers across the Battalion
LCpl Kadar (AGC (SPS) back briefing quick
attack plan to Capt Scott Edwards, RCMO
Colonel Coote-Manningham’s Final Stand
In October 1 RIFLES JNCOs were tested on Ex SKIRMISHER, a competition testing fitness, close quarter marksmanship, navigation, section attacks, administration and military knowledge. The week proved demanding and clearly demonstrated the determination and resilience of the junior commanders. The navigation exercise took them across
the unforgiving terrain of Sennybridge by day and night and in full combat order, whilst British Army Warrior Fitness and an assault course, added additional physical demands.
Conceptually, the JNCOs were tested by calling in mortars onto targets on the Unit Based Virtual Trainer and a section
attack estimate that incorporated platoon commander and enemy forces to bring the battle picture to life. Stand out performances included Cpl Leila Pettinger AGC, who competed strongly amongst her peers across the Battalion, and Cpl Christian Stratton-Lee, Cpl Liam Bailey and Cpl David Pickard who took first, second and third place respectively.
Colonel Coote-Manningham’s Final Stand
After a week of the Rifleman and NCOs being tested on Ex CHOSEN MAN and the Skirmisher competition, it was right that the Officers and Serjeants of the Battalion proved their worth and were tested. Secrecy was critical with only five people knowing its true nature of what was in store. The scenario had the teams as special forces patrols conducting a recce and estimate.
After initial briefs from the CO and RSM that included taking mobile phones and GPS of the teams, they were whisked away to
a drop off point on Sennybridge where we were met by a local agent, ‘Sir John Moore’ (strikingly similar to the Battalion Second
in Command) who briefed the teams to make their way to various checkpoints to collect information. All this while avoiding the hunter force made up of vengeful JNCOs. Several hours later and 15-20kms later phase 1 was over and the teams moved to Caerwent training area.
Here they had to prepare a back-brief based on the information they had collected,
during this time the Officers were pulled away to debate with role players on various subjects including capital punishment and the legalisation of cannabis. The estimates were presented to an external audience rustled up from across defence including SF officers, COs, Command Sergeant Majors, ex-Riflemen and SO1 Space (!) who all did their best to find holes in the plans and put the teams under pressure.
Once completed, the teams moved into a two-mile best effort run to round off the exercise. The day finished in style with a Bugle Breakfast and a well-earned glass of cider.
Secrecy was critical with only five people knowing its true nature of what was in store
Lt Nunney, Sjt Worthington,
Capt Morgan-Welch briefing their plan
Pln Comds and Sjt planning their route
RIFLES The Bugle 11