Page 6 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

RHQ
RHQ The Rifles Peninsula Barracks Romsey Road WINCHESTER SO23 8TS
01962 828527 admin@the-rifles.co.uk
25 Jan 21
Dear Riflemen,
This year marks an important stage in the evolution of The Rifles, as the characteristics of what makes us unique as Riflemen have been revised ahead of our 14th Anniversary on 1 February 2021.
Whilst you will no doubt receive news of the update from your own chains of command I want to personally reach out to you as a member of The Rifles family serving away from your home battalion, to both inform you of the update and thank you for your own contributions.
The update itself recognises the distinctions and traditions of our Forming Regiments that were carried forward into The Rifles; these have not changed. But thanks to your efforts and all those who have stepped forward with The Rifles since its formation, it is now important to recognise how we have evolved.
Firstly, our hard-won experiences from recent operations across the world have matured who we are as an organisation. They have deepened our relationships with the communities who sustain us and have afforded us the opportunity to develop new and innovative skillsets, often driven by All Ranks. Secondly, just as our common battles have brought us closer together, we have become a broader church. We welcome a more diverse and inclusive work force into our family and everyone who now serves in The Rifles is a Rifleman, regardless of rank, background or gender. And finally, we recognise that to grow from our experiences and unleash the potential of our people we must continue to drive forward with a deep sense of trust, confidence and humility in everything that we do.
I ask that you read and exemplify the updated characteristics to The Rifles attached to this letter. Allow them to guide you in your personal and profes- sional conduct within the Regiment and continue to support us in driving forward our unique brand. Furthermore, you can find our full characteristics and principles publications at #ProudRfn on Swift (www.theriflesnetwork. co.uk).
Thank you for your continued efforts – particularly under the spotlight of wider capbadges, arms and services whilst you serve away from your parent battalion at a time of change for the Army.
Yours,
TO ALL THOSE WHO STEP FORWARD WITH THE RIFLES
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RIFLES REGIMENT
The Rifles has a long, proud and honourable history. We were built to reflect the British Army’s core values of courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment. But our char- acteristics are unique to our Regiment and define our fighting spirit. They are inspired by the example of General Sir John Moore, who formed the Corps of Light Infantry two centuries ago. We still live by these characteristics today.
WE ARE ALL RIFLEMEN
Riflemen have always been encouraged to think quickly, acting on their own initiative through service and in battle to seize those fleeting opportunities on which success or failure so often depend. This means we trust and respect each other completely, building confidence and humility. Everyone who serves in The Rifles is a Rifleman, regardless of rank, background or gender. It a point of pride to say: “I am a Rifleman.”
WE ARE ONE FAMILY
Our Regiment is built on 5 Pillars: Regulars, Reserves, Cadets, Asso- ciations and the Communities where we live and serve. This is our Regimental family. Each pillar needs the others, and they support Riflemen through the whole of their lives.
WE ARE CONNECTED
The Rifles is a national Regiment, drawn from every corner of the United Kingdom and beyond. But we never forget the towns, cities and counties that built us. These communities support and nurture us and we represent them in return.
WE ARE INNOVATORS
The Rifles is a forward-looking Regiment that thinks and acts differently. Our ethos and training lead us to welcome new ideas, wherever they may come from. We are not afraid of change: we thrive on it. This means we are always ready and willing to meet the challenges of an unpredictable world.
WE ARE SKILLED
Joining The Rifles means serving with some of the finest soldiers in the world. Our battle-worthiness, marksmanship and field-craft are second to none. We strive for excellence in everything we do.
WE UNLEASH POTENTIAL
Leadership in The Rifles is about creating opportunities and unleashing potential. Our commanders lead by serving: they must know their Riflemen, put them first and help them to become the best they can be. By joining The Rifles, we become part of one of the greatest stories in the British Army and add to its chapters.
WE ARE SWIFT AND BOLD
Our motto dates back to the 1750s, when the alertness and courage of the soldiers so impressed British General James Wolfe that he captured their conduct in the motto, Celer et Audax: in English, Swift and Bold. It is a perfect description of The Rifles then and now: quick in our thinking and actions, brave and confident in every challenge.
WE ARE SWIFT AND BOLD WE ARE THE RIFLES
6 RIFLES The Bugle