Page 32 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

5 RIFLES
We deployed on Ex CHOSEN MAN in June.
Previously, a Rifleman was marked out
by the ability to fire three rounds a minute
in any weather and the ability to march at
a heightened pace of 140 paces per minute. Today, our Riflemen continue to prove their prowess in marching, shooting and navigation at our yearly CHOSEN MAN competition.
This would take the shape of the true test of mettle provided by the British Army: a trip to Sennybridge Training Area. The fact that we chose to hold this exercise in June was not an accident. After a surprisingly late start due to the 50% attrition rate of our vehicles on the preliminary move, our Riflemen were quickly greeted with the March & Shoot competition that saw them cover a challenging three-mile route into a mechanical moving target range.
If that wasn’t enough, day two saw a best- effort three-mile tab, which gave all those who’d struggled on the March & Shoot a chance
to do it all again. This was followed by a live
fire range that reinforced to our Riflemen that sometimes the only cover is to be found whilst prone is in a stream. Troops were tested on their reaction to enemy fire and their withdrawal under overwhelming force. They commented
A COMPANY
CHOSEN MAN COMPETITION
on how difficult they found marksmanship under the stress of the tactical situation.
A round robin of core military skills tested our Riflemen’s fieldcraft including battlefield casualty drills, communications and ground sign. The training team did a fantastic job generating realism for these stands, and LCpl Fairnington must be particularly commended for lying with one leg buried in the ground for a significant period.
By the third day, our Riflemen were feeling the effects of a tough week in the field and
it was great to see their confidence growing. For many, the idea of doing the infamous Brecon three-mile route had been intimidating. However, they had proved that they could
do it, and soldier on for the week. The final evening saw a night navigation exercise that, owing to the time of year, began to turn into day navigation by about 0300 hours.
The climax of the competition started with a rude awakening at 0800 after an arduous night on the area. The chosen men were pushed out into a defensive position before being led down a re-entrant towards an exceptional sword lane overseen by Cpl Kennedy. A pairs fire and manoeuvre lane led
This was followed by a live fire range that reinforced to our Riflemen that sometimes the only cover is to be found whilst prone is in a stream
into a realistic and challenging session under the PTIs, before the Riflemen fixed swords and advanced up the valley to close with and destroy the enemy.
Upon the final target, they were swiftly called forward by the medic to administer lifesaving first aid to a fallen comrade. This was a fantastic culmination to the exercise, only made more poignant when we noted that Rfn Matias of
3 Pl, who was playing enemy on the fire and manoeuvre, had managed to stop three of the competitors in their tracks armed only with a sword and the element of deception.
Congratulations go to Rfn Hayes for being this year’s A Company Chosen Man, having shown huge determination on the three-miler and a swift finish on the night navigation.
2Lt Ferguson, A Coy.
LCpl Fairington, the long- suffering casualty!
The Riflemen grit their teeth on a casualty evacuation
32 RIFLES The Bugle