Page 104 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

FIRE SUPPORT COMPANY CADRES
October 2016 saw a period of restructuring in 5 RIFLES, as we looked to replenish the FSp Coy Platoons with willing and capable Ri emen from the Ri e Coys. Given the approaching Readiness Year there was a sense of a real opportunity for deployment for the Ri emen if successful on their respective cadres.
Reconnaissance Platoon: The Ri emen on our cadre were led by the experienced soldiers of the platoon whilst under the watchful eye of a team of quali ed Reconnaissance Commanders. The training involved several weeks of lessons that ranged from armoured vehicle recognition to calling in re missions, with assessment of physical robustness through a series of tness tests including the same 8-miler as conducted on the Reconnaissance Commander’s Course. This all culminated in an arduous week-long eld exercise on Salisbury Plain. Operating primarily at night, the troops practised their trade by conducting Close Target Reconnaissance Patrols and digging subsurface observation posts.
Mortar Live Firing
RFN SOUTHWOOD WAS AWARDED TOP STUDENT FOR HIS ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE DURING THE CADRE
Subsequently, the Ri emen conducted training in the simulators, to hone their fundamental skills which will serve as a foundation for Estonia. Rfn Southwood was awarded Top Student for his all-round performance during the cadre.
Assault Pioneers: At the start of the cadre we welcomed seven new Ri emen and after two weeks of Bugling practice some proved to have a natural talent. During the Assault Pioneer phase, the men concentrated on the theory side of demolitions and assault breaching, mine warfare and defences. This culminated in the Platoon deploying to Copehill Down, where Cpl Lake and Cpl Baglin talked through the theory of compound clearance and mine eld breaching. Finishing on a high, with assistance of the Support Weapons School, the men were instructed on explosives, setting up simple initiation sets and how to simulate an RPG explosion with PE8 and Detonator Cord (with the help of petrol and sugar).
Mortar Platoon: 18 prospective Ri emen attended the Mortar cadre, based out of Rolle- stone Camp. The cadre programme taught them how to operate the weapon, how to employ the weapon and most importantly how to carry the weapon around. This nal part culminated in
102 FIFTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES