Page 15 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

2 RIFLES
The first three weeks were focused
on teaching and gaining the necessary qualification. We took our own lessons in classrooms as part of the DTT qualification. We moved to Ballykinler for the next phase, where we did our SA (K) 18 qualification, before moving onto planning and conducting blank firing exercises at Magilligan Training Centre, to get our SA (M) 18 qualification. These qualifications are vital for a LCpl’s development and alongside them we were constantly tested on our physical and mental robustness through a range of varied PT. As section
2IC you have to be able to manage with the increased work-load, so it is crucial you have
a high level of fitness to make this easier on yourself and lead by example.
A series of individual day and night
navigations then took place at Caerwent training area, key skills for any self-respecting LCpl and were followed up with learning the fundamentals of being in command when conducting a section attack and various other section actions. These are the basics of any infantry commander, so by learning the job role one up it gave us a deeper understanding so that we are able to step up ourselves when asked.
The cadre culminated with two weeks
in Brecon testing us on everything we had learned. Although relentless, with a constant lack of sleep due to back-to-back missions for the sections, it was an excellent learning experience and it definitely improved me as a future leader. For the final attack we were integrated with Rfn from C Company, which
It gradually developed me into
a better leader and taught me the necessary skills
I need
to be a successful Section 2IC
I thought was a useful as it allowed us to work as a full company strength and gave us a better understanding of how an attack like that is carried out from a leadership perspective.
Despite its arduous nature, I thought the cadre was extremely informative. It gradually developed me into a better leader and taught me the necessary skills I need to be a successful Section 2IC. It is vital as a LCpl to take these new skills on board and use them to develop the Rfn within my section and platoon, as well as constantly aiming to further improve myself.
LCpl Banfield, C Coy
RIFLES The Bugle 15