Page 61 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

engagement around Islamabad. Notwithstanding the team’s visits within the capital city, the highlight was the day long venture into the Federally Adminis- tered Tribal Areas (FATA) on the border with Afghan- istan. Flying into Miramshah and Wana by Pakistani Air Force Puma helicopter, the team had the oppor- tunity to see rst-hand the sacri ce and scale of effort that the Pakistani Army has made during the War on Terror of the last decade. Requiring ministerial approval, it quickly became clear why few British of cials had set foot in the FATA for some time; the still rubble-stricken outskirts of Miramshah a stark reminder of the pervasiveness of terror networks in the area prior to the Pakistani offensives of 2014/5.
With glowing tans and memories to match, the team enjoyed a nal evening at the British High Commission (BHC) in Islamabad. Hosted by former Green Jacket and now Defence Attaché, Brigadier Murray Whiteside, the team enjoyed the rare oppor- tunity in Pakistan for a cool beer and a swim in the BHC pool. The DA and his defence section were exceptional hosts, it transpiring that the DA had in fact been an of cer in I Company during his time in 2 RGJ and was glad of the opportunity to meet ri emen of the company today.
It was with heavy hearts, though possibly lighter stomachs in some cases, that the team embarked on their journey back. 2 RIFLES wholeheartedly thanks everybody who hosted them throughout their trip, both in the Pakistani Army and in the UK Defence Section, and looks forward to their next opportunity to return. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD! Captain Rob Prince,
Of cer Commanding Javelin Platoon
THE RIFLES
2 RIFLES Shooting Team
As Leicester City found out in 2017, defending the title is always harder than winning it and this was a similar feeling that the 2 RIFLES shooting team had in their preparation for the 2017 Divisional Opera- tional Shooting Competition (DivOSC). Due to the intensity of operational commitments 2 RIFLES mustered a small yet capable team of (mainly) mortar men. Used to greenies, luxurious tents and ‘tubes’, they quickly found themselves under the excellent tutorage of Corporal Tabaiwalu. The shock of capture was real when they realised just how much running is involved in the DivOSC! Basking in the unusually pleasant weather in Ballykinler, the team were put through their paces in an interesting, grown up and rewarding range package. Compe- tition was rife between the Ri emen and it was excellent to see the daily improvement and Ri emen genuinely enjoying being on the ranges, even if Ri eman Cunningham did have to regularly run the trenches – it pays to be a winner after all!
After four weeks of training, DivOSC was upon the team. With their of cer ‘stuck’ in Casablanca (or ‘getting on it’ according to Ri eman Wood), Ri eman Hursen stepped up and led his team of seven other Ri emen. As the only team in DivOSC to compete with only Ri emen the team embodied all of our mottoes and did the Battalion proud. Quali cation for Bisley was the reward for all of the hard work that the Ri emen had put in on the ranges, but unfortunately we could not enter due the competition clashing with the Operation SHADER mission rehearsal exercise. A special mention must go to Ri eman Hursen who shot excellently and was placed highly amongst some very tough compe- tition.
Yes the league was not won but the place at the table was maintained - the 2 RIFLES shooting team will come back stronger for their 2018 season. Lieutenant George Gillard, Shooting Of cer
COMPETITION WAS RIFE BETWEEN THE RIFLEMEN AND IT WAS EXCELLENT
TO SEE THE DAILY IMPROVEMENT AND RIFLEMEN GENUINELY ENJOYING BEING ON THE RANGES
SECOND BATTALION 59
Captain Prince and the team take post with their counterparts from the People Liberation Army ahead of the Waga Border Ceremony