Page 18 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

2 RIFLES
THE RIFLEMAN’S HUB
From derelict building to a place where the Rifleman can relax away from their Chain of Command.
In October 2020, 6 months into my first year as I (Support) Company Serjeant Major for 2 RIFLES, I was asked if I could look at an empty space next to the Cpl Mess to see if it could be turned into a venue that the Riflemen, Privates and Craftsmen of our Battalion could use. An enclave where they could get away from the other messes in camp and relax, knowing
that the Chain of Command wouldn’t intrude unless specifically invited.
Having recently been asked to take the role of Mental Health Champion for the Battalion, my initial thoughts were to ask the Rifleman what they would like. It became apparent very quickly that the Rifleman wanted a space that was clean, with good Wi-Fi, where they could not only have a beer in the evenings, but also come to during the working day and relax with a hot or cold drink.
The ideas were taken away and the task of raising funds for the project began. The first port of call was to approach 38 Brigade for support with the infrastructure of the building. Brigade, as expected, were extremely helpful and able to support in all areas. Furthermore, the DIO within Thiepval Barracks jumped at the
chance to improve the lives of the junior ranks within our Battalion. Soon after the ball was rolling and a new bar was fitted at the expense of 38 Brigade, who also picked up the cost of new carpets and other smaller requirements.
The main task now was for myself and
the RAO, Capt Morrison, to secure the funds to start the real investment. These did not materialise as quickly I would have liked, due to the pandemic and the stay-at-home rules that followed, so the project met with some delays. However, once the dust had settled, by July 2021, we were informed that Regional Command, the Regiment, 51 Brigade and the Battalion had all agreed to financially support
the us. Now the real work could commence and, thanks to Capt Morrison, the money was available and the spending could begin.
The next few months saw the purchase
of furniture, which was deliberately bought from a contractor that fitted colleges and universities, as the intent was to be less
like a Mess and more of a modern clean environment for young soldiers to relax in. Once furniture was secured, a few trips to Currys and other high street shops allowed for all the electrical devices to be purchased. A car full of TV’s, fridges and Xboxes was quite the sight when walking out of the stores!
Lastly, the finishing touches. With members of Recce, Snipers and Assault Pioneers, the task of setting up the furniture, TV units and hanging of pictures began. The pictures, handpicked by Riflemen, were hung and in short order the work was complete. All that was left was to hang the sign outside, The Rifleman’s Hub, a name chosen by Riflemen, for the Riflemen, which was kindly hung by the Bugle Major.
Overall control was handed to Sjt Price, who will ensure that going forwards the Hub will live true to its name and be a place where only the young soldiers of this Battalion can relax away from their commanders, chill out, have
a beer or coffee if they choose and hopefully unwind.
Swift and Bold.
WO2 Edwards, I Coy
Public Order Training
The current climate leans heavily towards the urban environment and consequently public order is increasingly important. We have put our public order training to good use in past operations, notably in both Northern Ireland and Iraq. In order to maintain this skillset, 2 RIFLES recently conducted public order training across the entire battalion.
Starting out, the troops were shown basic shield and baton drills, moving on to barricade and junction drills whilst being opposed by a simulated mob. We then progressed onto the more complex drills such as ‘man away.’ All of this training built up to various, live scenarios, where the troops had to react differently depending on the situation. By the end, the troops were having to try to control a lively civilian population, armed with projectiles and petrol bombs. The troops performed well and learnt a huge amount from the training, being able to balance controlled aggression with professionalism. All the while maintaining a cool head under a huge amount of pressure and in an immensely hostile environment.
Cpl Cambell, A Coy
Military Medical Revolution
How the UK’s Defence Medical Services transformed in conflict, 1990–2015
A new book by Colonel David Vassallo FRCSEd MA L/RAMC Foreword by Lieutenant General Louis Lillywhite CB MBE
An inspiring analysis of life-saving advances in military medicine and how these are catalysing better trauma care worldwide.
ISBN 978-0-9927980-2-4 paperback ISBN 978-0-9927980-3-1 hardback
Available via the Museum of Military Medicine (www.museumofmilitarymedicine.org.uk) and main bookshops
18 RIFLES The Bugle
Having recently been asked to take the role
of Mental Health Champion for the Battalion, my initial thoughts were to ask the Rifleman what they would like
RRP
£15
Also available in hardback