Page 29 - Bugle Spring 2024

4 RANGER
Western theme done well
SERJEANTS’ MESS MATTERS
After an exceptionally busy period, the Serjeants’ Mess managed to squeeze in its summer function before leave. The evening was a Western theme which was fully embraced by mess members and guests alike. From Stetsons to hay bales, the mess was transformed into a setting John Wayne would have been very proud of. Aside from some bemused-looking horses and what some might call line dancing, the event was a success overall and a credit to Sgt Hall and his team for organising the evening.
Post-summer leave saw the Sjts’ Mess host the 6th (UK) Division Comd Sgt Major, who took time out of his diary to brief the mess
on future restructuring and the effects that it would have on 4 RANGER. The brief was well
received and had a positive impact. With a new mess committee now in
place and raring to go, the focus is firmly
on identifying and delivering future events to maintain cohesion and keep members invigorated. Among other things, key events to look forward to currently are a Regimental dinner on HMS Victory, Officers to Sjts’ Mess games night and a generations weekend. Furthermore, an early quick win for the committee was securing a new pool table, which meant some meals going cold whilst games went on and the unveiling of CSjt Delahunty’s hidden talent!
Finally, the mess bid farewell and good luck to the following: WO2 Nancollis, CSjt Pearson, CSjt Hunt and Sjt Jordan.
the event was a success overall and a credit to Sgt Hall
RAC/AARC OVERVIEW
The Ranger Regiment recruits across all cap badges in the Army and is actively looking for new volunteers. The Rifles are the life blood of 4 RANGER which could provide you an exciting new chapter in your career.
The start point of a career in the Ranger Regiment is to attend the Ranger Assessment Cadre (RAC) delivered by the Land Special Operations Training Centre (LSOTC). This 11-day assessment focuses on selecting individuals with the right physical and mental aptitude to conduct operations requiring greater intellectual agility, empathy, and self-discipline
often in austere environments alongside partners around the globe.
The RAC actively seeks to identify those possessing the character and enhanced people skills required for
the role. The cadre consists of physical and cognitive tests including a 15km Risk Reduction Exercise, stretcher race, conceptual testing, IQ tests, a 45km patrol exercise in Brecon, interviews and planning exercises to name a few. On successful completion, candidates are then loaded onto the All-Arms Ranger Course (AARC).
The AARC is a 10-week course to
train individuals how to operate in
small teams, with limited support, and in austere environments. The course is broken down into four modules. Starting with RANGER fundamentals; here candidates will be introduced to new
kit and equipment, such as the HUNTER weapon system, night sights, and communications equipment currently
in use within RANGER battalions. Small Units Tactics are up next. Here the candidates are put through a rigorous field exercise designed to assess basic field soldering focused on delivering the fundamentals to a high standard. The candidates then move on to the third phase of the AARC, Irregular Warfare. Here, they receive lessons on irregular warfare and working with a Partner Force (PF) before conducting a PF exercise, testing all they’ve been taught throughout the module. The final module is Advanced Live Firing on the ranges for 2 weeks firing the new weapon systems in use within the Battalion.
There are 3 RACs and 2 AARCs per year. Book your place now.
Further information on how to apply and course dates can be found on the Ranger Defence Connect Page.
RIFLES The Bugle 29
Officer’s Mess Matters
The frenetic pace of life enjoyed by many of the 4 RANGER Officers has continued through 2023. With much of the mess deployed the one remaining constant has been our continued failure in the Times Daily Quiz, an anchor in our battle rhythm. Despite an influx of culturally astute and worldly Mess Members, the coveted clean sweep, which results in the immediate cessation of the working day and start of impromptu mess festivities, remains elusive. This fact is to the irritation of the Team Commanders, and the joy of the Chief of Staff.
Despite the failure of the Garden’s Member to deliver the promised ‘Big Green Egg’ BBQ, sauna and palm tree avenue in time, the summer party proved to be an excellent occasion. Guests instead enjoying croquet, live music, and endless flavours of gin in front of a roaring fire. Unfortunately for those wearing lovely summer dresses, it was in fact, not summer but nearly October.
the summer party proved to be an excellent occasion
Farewell to Maj Gareth Crossley with A Coy