Page 45 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

Ex PENINSULA FURY
11-27 Sep 20 – 7 RIFLES’ Annual Continuous Training (ACT)
Despite most of the battalion either committed on Op TOSCA or Op RESCRIPT we were still determined to run our two-week camp for the remainder, where the focus would be on honing our Riflemen’s core infantry dismounted close combat skills.
The exercise took the shape of an Infantry Field Firing Camp (IFFC) which would see Riflemen progress from Grouping and Zeroing up to a live platoon night attack with illumina- tion. The package was broken down in to two phases: phase one was Transition to Live Fire Tactical Training (TLFTT), and Phase two, Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT).
An excellent TLFTT package was delivered in the first week. This saw a ratio of close to one-on-one coaching, which proved to be absolute gold-dust and something everyone benefitted from. TLFTT utilised the range complex at Warminster and the 25m Barrack Range at Beachley Barracks (wider regimental assistance at its best). This part of the IFFC saw the Riflemen conduct several shoots on a static firing point: Close Quarter Marksmanship (CQM), firing at moving targets, automatic shooting and firing in CBRN conditions were just a few that all troops had to pass prior to progressing. With all Riflemen having success- fully passed the TLFTT shoots, the battalion then relocated from Westdown Camp to Sennybridge Camp to conduct the LFTT phase.
With a prominent gap between phases the Riflemen were able to conduct some form of recreational/AT serial that had been pre
planned by Lt Stuart and Lt Simpson. Stand Up Paddle boarding, bowling and the Rfn’s favourite.... hill walking, were all laid on.
Monday saw everyone deploy onto Grenade Range at Sennybridge Training Area (SENTA). The training soon ramped-up as individuals progressed from Individual Fire and Movement to fighting as a pair and fire-team by day and night. Everyone was now very familiar with the rivers on A and D Range, a bond that I am sure will remain with them.
One of the many lessons is to never underestimate how powerful coaching and mentoring is! Many could not believe the gains to be had, when staff spend a bit of focused, quality time with them coaching the battle shot.
WO2 Ireland
Training Warrant Officer
7 RIFLES
Sharpshooter familiarisation
training at West Down Camp
Training the shot and
Many could not believe the gains to be had
A rare sunny day on Sennybridge,
hot-debrief after a Live Section Atk
D Range (water word)
getting the basics right
Dismounted Close Combat
RIFLES The Bugle 45