Page 107 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

commanders, drawn from four of our Battalions, to bring on their charges. With an emphasis on section identity. The Rfn had to project their personalities on their teams when in command, and simultaneously develop their eld-craft. The students had to keep on top of their administration and maintain their resolve amidst navigation exercises and a robust physical programme.
‘Chosen Men’ week. Infantry skills were developed and put under the spotlight in preparation for a 36 hour section patrol competition across Salisbury Plain organised by Sjt Walker. Stands testing such as recce, were woven together to create a realistic narrative for the teams, culminating in a sword range across the charming River Avon enhanced by Sjt Jones’ re pits and battle simulations, and plenty of deep mud.
Attacks week. Attack lanes were ideal preparation for Final Exercise, affording individuals a chance to practise as section commanders and 2ICs. A day in Copehill Down Village with a round-robin of breaching, urban assault course, house clearance and attacks developed skills for the most likely environment in which the students will lead Ri emen in the future. Sjt Hopkins encouraged every man through the obstacles but only the winning section were allowed a hard-earned visit to the burger van.
Final Ex. For the section commanders this was the highlight, a cycle of assessment, re-training and re-assessment through ambushes, attacks, patrols and administration. Some serials were designed to ensure the students were exposed to complexity; a raid onto Greenlands Farm involved hostages, angry civilians, active insurgents and hassling media. The nal pre-dawn attack on Imber Village was enhanced by the Royal Engineers with breaching explosions and simulated artillery. Ri eman Cruise’s eyes nearly fell out of his head when he red a drill ASM at a building on orders, only for it to explode at the same moment! The joyful (exhausted...?) cadre mounted TCVs after a victory breakfast to roll back to camp...but a nal ambush and casualty extraction awaited before the RSM’s handshake and congrat- ulatory address.
Pass off Parade. Visits to Winchester, and career and nance briefs complemented the drill in the build up to the nale. Ri eman Malcolm of 3rd Battalion was top student, and unperturbed, led the entire parade awlessly. 62 Ri emen were promoted to Lance Corporal by Lieutenant General Tim Radford CB DSO OBE, the Assistant Colonel Commandant of The Ri es.
ONLY THE WINNING SECTION WERE ALLOWED
A HARD- EARNED VISIT TO THE BURGER VAN
H in 10 - Ri emen prepare to lead the assault onto Imber Village
Lt Gen Tim Radford CB DSO OBE congratulates LCpl Braithwaite-Nash on his promotion