Page 101 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

have also hosted numerous media events, although arguably the greatest coup was getting the Estonian weather broadcast by their vivacious national weath- ergirl from the top of a Challenger 2 tank. Something the crew from the Queen’s Royal Hussars will never forget. Another indication of the strategic signi cance of the mission was that the Battlegroup, along with those from the other Enhanced Forward Presence Framework Nations (the US, Canada and Germany), were chosen to receive the 2017 Atlantic Council Freedom Award at a ceremony in Warsaw. Previous recipients have included Hillary Clinton (when U.S. Secretary of State) and Javier Solana (former NATO Secretary General and EU High Representative). A real honour and an occasion greatly enjoyed by a cross-section of the force.
As we look forward to our return to Bulford and what 2018 has in store, it is the chance to catch up with family and friends and settle the Battalion properly in Wiltshire that is perhaps uppermost in our minds. The Rear Operations Group have done a sterling job in upholding morale and providing that essential rear link whilst we have spent eight months deployed. We have much to be proud of, as well as much to look forward to. My sincere thanks go to all those who have supported 5 RIFLES over the course of the last year - in Germany, the UK and Estonia - but particularly the wonderful people of Paderborn, the Battalion’s home for the last 15 years.
Lt Col Andrew Ridland
THE STIRRING SOUND OF THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION SINGING, AS THEY SLOW- MARCH THROUGH CAMP TO THE COOKHOUSE, CAN BE HEARD FLOATING ACROSS THE EVENING AIR
Rfn Maj res the Javelin during Operational Training in Estonia
The eFP Battlegroups receiving the Atlantic Council Freedom Award 2017
THE RIFLES
FIFTH BATTALION 99