Page 44 - Bugle Spring 2024

8 RIFLES
Ex NORTHERN IRISH BUGLE 3
In September, 8 RIFLES deployed to Northern Ireland to conduct Exercise IRISH BUGLE 3, the Annual Deployment Exercise (ADE), in Magilligan Training Area. This ADE consisted of two distinct phases running concurrently with a support weapons cadre; firstly, an LFTT package to bring the battalion to a standard of live section attacks by day and secondly, a week-long field exercise to test and train the exercising troops through a series of demanding serials.
The first week began with an ACMT followed by a series of increasingly complex shoots which tested the marksmanship and basic soldiering skills of all participating, fundamental skills
for a Rifleman. As the week progressed, the focus moved to pairs fire-and- manoeuvre followed by fire team and finally Section attacks. This was a hugely valuable opportunity for the Riflemen as for many, this was their first experience of LFTT and an opportunity that doesn’t often arise in the reserves. This phase was also particularly important for junior commanders to put into practice their leadership skills through a series
of command appointments in complex terrain, facing multiple threats. The Riflemen thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity and the junior commanders thrived in this role and saw serious development through these leadership opportunities.
Once the LFTT phase was complete, the battalion switched focus to the field exercise with all elements working to facilitate a Rifle Company deployed
in the field. This included a support weapons element, the full battalion G4 chain and the rifle element conducting the serials. The exercise offered a complex and well-developed counter insurgency battle picture that allowed the deployed troops to fully immerse themselves for a continuous 6-day period. Once established on the ground, the exercising troops completed a series of progressively more demanding
8 RIFLES on Ex IRISH BUGLE 3
actions including ambushes, key leadership engagement tasks, call outs and deliberate attacks. Each serial fed information back into the battle picture which motivated the Riflemen as each task was linked so we could see how their hard work shaped the subsequent offensive actions. Riflemen of all ranks performed exceptionally in adverse conditions and got themselves stuck into irregular actions that were different from what they would normally experience on a
training weekend. As a commander, it was a great opportunity to experience a well-resourced and complex exercise with plenty of opportunities to think outside the box and test the skills and capabilities of a Reserve Rifle element.
Overall, those Riflemen involved learnt huge amounts over the ADE period and developed themselves in all areas from basic soldiering skills, leadership to pushing the boundaries of what they had experienced thus far in light role infantry capabilities and actions. They are looking forward to developing
those skills further in their next ADE alongside 19 Brigade in Germany.
44 RIFLES The Bugle
Riflemen of all ranks performed exceptionally in adverse conditions and got themselves stuck into irregular actions
The Chosen Man of IRISH BUGLE 3 watches his arcs during LFTT