Page 16 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

2 RIFLES RECRUITS TO
RIFLEMEN
In an unprecedented situation,
38 Rifleman arrived at 2 RIFLES in
March 2020 having not completed
their Combat Infantryman’s Course (CIC). The Infantry Training Centre (ITC) had been forced to close-down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and had therefore been unable to complete the vital initial training package. With little notice and within a short time, 2 RIFLES quickly established Alma Platoon. This Platoon was set the exciting task of
not only completing the Rifleman’s initial training, but also covering the training that would usually be conducted by The Rifle’s Training Team (RTT) post CIC. Additionally to the new task, all members of Alma Platoon also needed to complete their pre-deploy- ment training; this was to allow them to be held as Battle Casualty Replacements and provide support to their fellow Riflemen, who at the time were deployed on Op TORAL 10 – no easy task!
With the Riflemen all being at different stages of their infantryman’s course when ITC shut down, the challenge facing Alma Platoon’s instructors was not underestimated. Despite the difficulties, the team were able
to produce a package which was arduous and challenging yet something the Riflemen ultimately enjoyed and, most importantly, delivered the desired outcome of trained Riflemen ready to deploy if required.
The final training exercise for Alma Platoon saw them deploy to the Magilligan Peninsular for a two-week field exercise. Their training progressed from section level activities all
the way up to platoon group operations. 2 RIFLES Support (I) Company provided ISTAR assets in the form of the Javelin Platoon and the fire power of a section from the Machine Guns Platoon. Several taxing CASEVACs were thrown in for good measure, these tested and confirmed the Riflemen’s newly acquired Team Medic qualification. The exercise culminated with a nod to the battle of Alma; in other words, a difficult sword lane up a river! A welcome to Battalion none of the Riflemen will forget.
All in all, it was a frantically busy, but a highly worthwhile experience for Alma
Platoon. The Riflemen gained valuable skills and qualifications that has set them a good foundation for the rest of their careers in The Rifles. Managing the barriers in place due
to the pandemic was no easy challenge. However, the Riflemen approached every serial with an open mind and an eagerness to learn. They pushed relentlessly through the COVID measures to train hard, and learn and practice skills within a short time window. The focus they showed towards training embodied the attitudes expected of a Rifleman.
Lt Harrington
16 RIFLES The Bugle
Working up to Platoon level for the first time,
detailed models were required for orders to
Alma Platoon. Not bad for a first attempt!
The exercise culminated with a
nod to
the battle of Alma;
in other words, a difficult sword lane up a river!
Riflemen of Alma Platoon are put through their paces with the PTI before
moving to the Sword Range in the culmination of their training
2 RIFLES ALMA PLATOON