Page 13 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

GPMG in the
1 RIFLES
Sustained Fire role (SF)
Machine Gun Platoon
Machine Gun Platoon have had a busy year having deployed on Op RESCRIPT in support of mobile testing sites and the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust. During the Summer period the platoon ran a Machine Gun Cadre in order to train its current members and identify suitable soldiers to cross deck from a rifle company into the platoon. The cadre consisted of Skill at Arms (SAA) on the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) in light role and the sustained fire (SF) role as well as showing how to use the C2 sight unit.
Once the SAA’s phase ended the cadre conducted its weapon handling tests. Thereafter we deployed to Sennybridge to complete the annual test and progression shoots while firing onto targets through obscuration screens with use of the C2 sight. The cadre was a success, although it wasn’t long till the Platoon deployed onto subsequent tasks supporting the Whole Town Testing of Liverpool and Ex LOYA LEDA with HQ ARRC.
In August 16 students from across the Army began the gruelling 11-week sniper cadre. Phase 1 was the skill at arms package, teaching all aspects of the sniper rifle, along with various tests and assess- ments. Students were also tested on their physical robustness in conjunction with the ability to retain information utilising regular ‘Kims’ games. The course then deployed on a 4-week shooting package taking the students from ‘zero to hero’ in the fundamentals of sniper marksmanship, wind calling and firing from alternate positions.
The cadre then moved to Sennybridge for the ACMT - the real test of their ability to engage targets as a sniper at unknown ranges. Next was the 7-week fieldcraft phase which tested navigation, observation, judging distance, stalking, camouflage and concealment and sniper knowledge culminating in the badge test week and an arduous 6-day final exercise where the students learned the skills required to work as a section whilst receiving an ever changing and realistic battle picture on the enemy through 1 RIFLES Int cell.
The cadre was a success with 9 snipers being badged on completion; 6 from 1 RIFLES, 1 from 4 RIFLES and 2 from other units (2 R ANGLIAN and 5 Regt RA). This success is due to the quality of the students and crucially the skill, patience and mentoring from the instructors.
A patrolman
conducting a check-nav
Recce Platoon
Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic, the Reconnaissance Platoon was part of a battalion wide re-orbat that meant the platoon
had to train the next generation of recce Riflemen. Not only leading the battalion in the battlegroup but also in training, Recce platoon took the initia- tive with their return to work program led by CSjt Pickles.
As the first platoon back into the
field, the months June and July saw
an arduous and competitive seven- week Recce Cadre conducted on the Swynnerton and Leek training areas which saw strong performances
from both old and new patrolmen.
The success of the cadre proved that effective and efficient training could still be carried out despite COVID restrictions.
Having now strongly established ourselves, the CO’s platoon looks forward to its future tasks. The reconnaissance platoon would like to congratulate LCpl Zane Hibbert on his performance during the cadre, earning himself ‘Top Student’ and being awarded the recce platoon award.
A Sniper student concealed
in the bund line in Brecon
ASSAULT PIONEER PLATOON
In June, the Assault Pioneer Platoon conducted their annual cadre. Whilst also providing a meaty piece of training for the current assault pioneers it also gave other riflemen the chance to attend this interesting course. Unlike previous cadres COVID-19 restrictions forced the platoon to run its cadre in Beachley Barracks. Using the back-door training area and the skills house.
Normally the cadre would have been held at Wyke Regis Training Area in Dorset – where most of the pioneer equipment is held. This equipment includes the infamous Infantry assault bridge and as well as the important water supply equipment. Despite the obstacles and the uncertainty, the cadre was a success and the platoon welcomed four new members.
LCpl Daniel Boorn clearing a route through a suspected minefield during a battle exercise
RIFLES The Bugle 13
In late June the Platoon returned to barracks after the lockdown. Welcoming new Rfn, a new Pl Comd and 2IC. These new additions were quickly put to work on the Anti-Tank cadre which had suffered training area cancellations due to COVID and had to be delivered within the confines of Beachley. The Platoon also welcomed fellow Anti-Tankers from 2 RIFLES to support their preparations for future career courses. The three- week cadre was a success and qualified 21 Riflemen as Javelin Gunners.
Credit is due to the Section Commanders who delivered quality training in restrictive circumstances. Congratulations also goes to Rfn Ben Haskins due to his performance and attitude throughout the cadre and he was awarded the Top Student trophy of a model T-72 tank. The Pl is now in a good place to develop and refine their skills next year. However, their next task involved more swabs than missiles as they deployed to Pontins in Southport to assist with the mass testing programme being rolled out in Liverpool.
SNIPER PLATOON
ANTI-TANK PLATOON