Page 12 - Bugle Spring 2024

2 RIFLES
EX INFANTRY NORDIC SWORD
Along with our other regular battalions, 2 RIFLES are undertaking this year’s Nordic Skiing season. Following a 2-week training period in Pirbright, the Infantry’s snow training camp took place in Idre Fjall, Sweden.
The most aerobically demanding Olympic discipline, Nordic Skiing combines cross- country skiing and rifle shooting. In both the individual and team races, distances vary from 5-15km, with shooting conducted from both the prone and standing position. The target is the size of a Vaseline tin at 50m!
This sport plays to all skills we value as Riflemen. We have learnt to cover arduous terrain quickly on skis, and then shoot straight under extreme pressure and fatigue. Our team comprises eight Riflemen and we have lived, cooked, eaten and raced together for over a
month. On our busiest days we burn over 7,000 calories, so cooking skills are consistently being put to the test!
Temperatures this year have reached as low as -30°C. This has bearing on which
wax to use on our skis, which the team must apply almost daily. Throughout, we have been treated as athletes; training three times a day with world-class coaches.
Formed predominantly of novices, the team has performed extremely well. After the first round of races, we are placed fifth out of 11 teams. Rfn Jack Putterill has built upon a strong performance last year, placing third in the individual 10km Biathlon Sprint out of 80 participants. Additionally, Rfn Callum McIntyre hit 100% of his shots from the standing position, a feat achieved
by no other.
Our team comprises eight Riflemen and we have lived, cooked, eaten
Following a period of Christmas leave, we travel to Bessans in France to conclude the Infantry Championships. After, we progress onto the Divisional Championships, where we hope to qualify for the Army Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany.
Nordic Skiing is the ultimate test of a Rifleman’s ability and their will to succeed when their body is telling them to quit. We have each covered over 400km in four weeks and as a team we have fired 14,000 rounds. Being a part of this group has been one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
2Lt Calum Roberts, OC 2 PL, A Coy
and raced together for over a month.
Squint and you can (almost) see the target!
12 RIFLES The Bugle
2 RIFLES Nordic Ski team at the beautiful Idre Fjall