Page 39 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

6 RIFLES
SHARP
SHOOTER
CADRE
In May I attended the 6 RIFLES sharpshooter course after being selected because of
my ACMT earlier in the year. I was looking forward to it as I had never laid hands on with the L129 A1 previously. The course was run with Riflemen from all four companies of the battalion taking part.
During the five days, students were able
to get a decent number of hours with the weapon and in this short space of time, all that attended the course went from firing their first shot to completing and passing a full ACMT. Needless to say the coaching from the range staff was a massive contributor to this.
Coming from a gun’s company I had a strong understanding for how effective other weapon systems can be when used in a section or platoon attack. Whilst suppressing fire, from high volume weapon systems such as the GPMG are scary, I gained a better appreciation for how lower rate accurate fire can have near enough the same effect.
The knowledge gained on this course
was of great use to me as shortly after I
was promoted to Lance Corporal. A greater appreciation of the capabilities of this weapon system have provided a better understanding of how to use the L129 A1 to maximum effect within my fire team.
This has also come at a good time as the battalion is about to deploy on Ex ASKARI STORM and I hope the knowledge gained will serve me well on this and future exercises. Rfn James Aguilera
Whilst suppressing fire, from high volume weapon systems such
as the GPMG are scary, I gained a better appreciation for how lower rate accurate fire can have near enough the same effect
RIFLES The Bugle 39