Page 23 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

3 RIFLES
A COMPANY
Ex BUGLE STRIKE 2
Braving the December cold, A Company deployed to Stanford Army Training Area, Norfolk for Ex Bugle Strike 2. The aim of the exercise was to practice mechanised excellence and to develop STRIKE tactics using MASTIFF armoured vehicles. The Company deployed in good order, overcoming COVID-19 concerns as well as the inevitable logistical challenges.
The exercise was split into three phases which built up the training from learning to live out of MASTIFF, to section attacks, to a final Company dawn attack onto SCULTHORP Airfield. The Company was also fortunate to have three full days in Eastmere Village which enabled the Sections and Platoons to fully develop their urban tactics whilst integrating their vehicles into the plan.
The only down-side to all this excellent training was the ever-present December cold. Of course, Riflemen being Riflemen a number of solutions were found, several of which may slightly damage the image of hardy infantrymen.
similar activities, but with refined and chal- lenging opportunities to a single combat team of six vehicles, working closely together, along a single axis with multiple enemy positions provided by B Coy. The overwatch of the advance to contact, recce screen using uMAS and CLU, obstacle crossing, culminated in a dismounted RAID which was observed by Capt Rhys Evans (IO) and WO2 Steve McMullen (Ops WO) to draw out their conclusions and provide assurance to the CO that FSp Coy was trained and successfully prepared to take on the task for Op AGORA.
Some crucial lessons were identified and that will be built into future exercises:
• Consideration of levels of driver and commander experience and knowledge. Although, it should be noted that during the exercise this was the first run out for the Coy to practice all TTPs collectively.
• Use of SOCs with greater confidence and understanding mounted voice procedure. Communications with clarity and alacrity.
• Tactical use of the JKL by a combat team and understanding the bigger battle picture.
• The need for regular and structured EC coupled with LAD support and experience to maintain the fleet as task worthy.
Maj Rich Thatcher
RIFLES The Bugle 23