Page 170 - Chronicle Vol 17

INNOVATION AND TRUST:
A STUDY OF THE RIFLES REGIMENTAL ETHOS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE BATTLEFIELD
By Lt J Coombes 3 RIFLES
INTRODUCTION
The RIFLES have forged a reputation as an innovative and forward-look- ing Infantry Regiment. This has created a clear and unique ethos outlined in ‘Leadership, The Rifles Way’. This essay will draw on historical case studies and explore historical accounts of the positive impact of the regimental ethos before exploring a modern example of success outside of the regiment. Finally, it will reflect on lessons learnt and discuss how the regiment can best foster this ethos to prepare for the challenges of modern warfare.
THE RIFLES ETHOS
An Experimental Rifle Corp was formed under General Coot Manningham in 1800. This forward-thinking corps made use of cutting-edge technology and innovative modern tactics to out-think and out-manoeuvre the enemy on the bat- tlefield. This ethos was underpinned by the mission command it fostered in its subordinates and the many successes that the Regiment had on the battlefield has been attributed to the confidence of its soldiers to act independently. This forward-thinking ethos has been passed through the Rifles antecedent regiments and is the backbone of the morale component of The Rifles fighting power.
The Thinking Fighting Soldier ethos requires a high level of morale at the lowest level. High morale can be achieved by keeping subordinates engaged in challeng- ing and rewarding tasks. Tasks where they can use initiative and intelligence to achieve success. When Riflemen are personally engaged in challenges, and are the owners of the outcome, confidence within the team grows with each success. This is a particular challenge for commanders to use their innovative spirit to create interesting and meaningful training as well as operational tasks in order to keep their subordinates engaged at all levels.
‘Everyman a Rifleman’ is one of the key underpinning elements of The Rifles ethos. It is held as a point of pride across the Rifles to state ‘I am a Rifleman’ regardless of rank. General Edwin Bramall wrote observations of his time serv- ing in the Kings Royal Rifle Corp as a platoon commander during the Normandy Campaign and explored this ethos and its impact on the success that the regiment achieved during the Normandy Campaign. ‘Every Rifleman within the regiment is treated as equal regardless of rank. This ensures the self-discipline needed to be successful on the battlefield. General Bramall noted that self-respect within sub- ordinates comes from confidence and self-discipline. Leaders will not create self- respect within their subordinates unless they treat subordinates with dignity’. In order to set this standard of self-discipline, leaders must be seen to be doing the right thing. Rifleman will respect those who are ruthless in their will to succeed
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