Page 35 - Bugle Spring 2024

5 RIFLES
WELFARE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Introduction
In the latter half of 2023
the Battalion focussed on re-establishing excellence in our core warfighting role. A number
of courses have qualified drivers, gunners and commanders on our armoured vehicles, whilst training exercises have developed our Mounted Close Combat tactics and Combined Arms competence. This has all been in preparation for the battalion’s validation exercise in Germany ahead of our third deployment to Estonia as the enhanced Forward Battlegroup on Operation CABRIT next year.
Conclusion
A busy training period has successfully re-affirmed 5 RIFLES’ position as the Armoured Infantry regiment of choice for the Army. We go into 2024 with no let-up
in the pace: another month
in Germany to further test the planning and execution abilities
of the battlegroup headquarters will be followed swiftly by final preparations and leave ahead of deployment to Estonia in March. Our tour as the Enhanced Forward Battlegroup comes in the context of renewed significance for NATO in Eastern Europe. Rest assured, the Battalion is motivated, professional and ruthlessly focussed on warfighting excellence. We are more than up to the challenge and are hugely looking forward to the experience.
Brigadier Gary McDade with Cadets on Exercise WYVERN CADET
The welfare team, under Capt Darren
(Giz) Gornall, arranged a host of Army Welfare Service events to keep the families entertained and supported. This included a fantastic day out to the Moore’s Valley Country Park and our Salamanca Day celebrations in the Summer.
A spooky Halloween party, cocktail making evenings and trips to Avon Valley’s pumpkin picking and Fear Festival further supported our families during the battalion’s deployment in Germany. This year’s festive celebrations included our ever-popular ‘Santa’s Grotto,’ mince pies and carols. With the battalion deployed to Estonia for much of next year, the Welfare team are working hard to plan a full schedule of events to ensure our wider community is looked after.
As part of the national Armed Forces Day celebration, Fire Support company exercised our Freedom of Exeter with a parade through the city. Our subalterns have led the ‘Turning of the Pages’ ceremonies at Winchester Cathedral over the summer months, and in August Lt James Andrews supported the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force annual camp in Kent.
A section from Recce Platoon also provided training support to Exercise WYVERN CADET, an annual training camp for multiple ACFs across the southwest region. Lt Jack Rye had the privilege of leading a 5 RIFLES team to compete in this year’s Duchess of Edinburgh’s Cup.
Fire Support company exercised our Freedom of Exeter with a parade through the city
Freedom of Exeter Parade
RIFLES The Bugle 35