Page 139 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Introduction from the Commanding Of cer
It gives me great pride, albeit tinged with company group to Estonia in support of the
sadness, to articulate our recent exploits from our Regimental home at Davies Street, London for the last time. This has been a year of both evolution and growth, during which 7 RIFLES has asserted itself as the rst Reserve Infantry Unit to achieve over 100% trained strength. We have led Short Term Training Teams (STTTs) to South Africa and Zambia as well deploying individual augmentees to Op SHADER and the NATO Mission in Georgia. It has been a year where we have enjoyed enhanced community relations, including exercising the Freedom of Faringdon, and where our collective training will be tested in Estonia.
As part of the Adaptive Force Division, we have enjoyed a diverse and exciting year. This has included the opportunity to lead 2 sub-Sa- haran STTTs – something that allows a Reservist to recognise the value that they can add to Her Majesty’s Government around the world. Our deployments to Zambia and South Africa saw composite STTTs of both reserve and regular 7 RIFLES personnel working alongside the Zambian and South African defence forces, bringing both their military and civillian skillsets to the fore, whether they be police of cers, media experts, diplomats or paramedics. There were also individual augmentees deployed in support of 38th Irish Brigade and 2 RIFLES, both to the NATO mission in Georgia and on Op SHADER. Defence Engagement (DE) has truly been the avour of 2017, culminating in the deployment of a 150-strong
NATO enhanced Forward Presence. An inter- esting point to consider is the longevity that an Army Reserve unit can provide; without the two year posting churn, a long-lasting relationship can genuinely develop. There is undoubtedly a role for a multi-quali ed, reservist STTT.
Army 2020 Re ne (A2020R) has placed a number of changes on the horizon. We now say goodbye to the DE success created under the 1st UK Div, and look forward to our new role under 3rd UK Div. Most importantly we look forward to working alongside our new paired Battalion; 5 RIFLES. With this change our role evolves to armoured war ghting, and as we transition, we also say goodbye to F Company, who move to a new role (skirmishing from the front) within the London Regiment. But loss leads to growth and we see the growth of B Company in Wiltshire, alongside 5 RIFLES in the heart of the armoured infantry nebula.
Deployability, adding value and the Ri eman’s creed are what keep 7 RIFLES driving forward. Undoubtedly this has led to success in the manning gures, alongside the tireless work of the recruiting team who are responsible for bringing in the fresh blood that keep this Battalion at the forefront of the Infantry Reserve. The opportunity for challenge is ever-growing, with more deploy- ments, exercises and trawls that suit the diverse range of individuals within. Long may it continue. Lt Col Graham Cox, CO 7 RIFLES
THE RIFLES
SEVENTH BATTALION 137
A Ri eman delivers rst aid to a fallen colleague, suffering from a simulated injury
SEVENTHBATTALION