Page 44 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

7 RIFLES
Ex HEDGEHOG
Ex HEDGEHOG is one of the largest military exercises to have ever taken place
in the Baltics,
seeing 15,000
troops from 14 countries come together on the Estonia-Latvia border. In the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war and Finland and Sweden overturning years of neutrality clauses to apply to join NATO, the Exercise has more importance than ever. As for the host nation, approximately 1% of the population is conscripted specifically for the Exercise, which underlines its significance to Estonia as a rehearsal of concept against a Russian invasion as well as demonstrating the extremely high level of resourcing.
20th Armoured Infantry Brigade Combat Team were given some key roles in the Exercise scenario as they initially conducted various operational events both in a defensive and then offensive posture. For 20 ABCT, it was an opportunity to test and refine the planning and coordination functions of the headquarters, as well as understand and overcome the frictions of working in a multinational environment.
I deployed as an individual augmentee enacting the role of CO 5 RIFLES. It was a challenging and educational opportunity, and demonstrated the benefits of the Regular/Reserves partnership between the two Battalions.
Major TJC Brown, OC A Coy
44 RIFLES The Bugle
Sweeping the board at the 2022 Army Reserve Operational Shooting Competition
June saw the first Army Reserve Operational Shooting Competition (AROSC) in two years. It gave 7 RIFLES the opportunity to put their shooting team to the test, having picked up a number of newer ‘B Class’ shots. On the road to the AROSC, 7 RIFLES had already beaten off stiff competition at the 20 ABCT and 3 XX Operational Shooting Competitions.
Across three days (24-26 Jun 22), the team was trialled over a variety of shooting events, covering a wide range of distances, firing positions and both static and moving targets. 7 RIFLES won the overall competition, placing first in seven events and picking up two silver and two bronze medals in the remaining events respectively.
The individual results were a similar demonstration of the team’s success, with all eight 7 RIFLES competitors achieving entry to
the prestigious top 50 firers in the competition. Six of the eight placed within the top 25 and will be invited to train for selection for international shooting competitions. Of particular note
was LCpl Burgess who put in a phenomenal performance, coming first in the individual rankings, and taking home the Queen’s Medal on his first appearance at AROSC.
The team would of course not be in this position without the tireless performance
of the support team who have dedicated
a substantial amount of time in planning, coaching, running ranges and supplying the firers with everything they needed to succeed. 7 RIFLES is looking forward to continuing with their long-term development of its ‘B Class’ firers but needless to say, they have a lot to live up to next year!
Capt J Simpson, 7 RIFLES Shooting Team
first in seven events and picking up two silver and two bronze medals
The Queen’s Royal Garden Party – A Rifleman’s experience
Every summer the Queen hosts three Garden Parties in May at Buckingham Palace. The purpose of the parties is to recognise and reward public service. With the Queen preparing for her in Platinum Jubilee, HRH Prince Charles along with The Rifles’ Colonel-in-Chief, hosted the afternoon with other members of the Royal Family. Sjt Hardy and his wife, Felicity, were selected among many nominees to attend this prestigious event. Sjt Hardy was selected above others in recognition of his exemplary service during the height of Pandemic in 2020 on Op RESCRIPT.
On the 11 May the Palace gates opened from 1500hrs. Unsurprisingly, Sjt Hardy and Felicity were on time and reported that the journey through the Palace grounds towards
the garden marquee was breath-taking, with stunning views of Her Majesty’s Garden.
Two military bands played throughout the afternoon and at 1600 the National Anthem announced the arrival of the Royal Family who took time to speak to the guests before afternoon tea was served – which, as expected, was delicious. The Garden Party culminated with the National Anthem at 1800. Sjt Hardy and Felicity had a truly memorable afternoon rounded off by a chance meeting with our Colonel Commandant who was on Royal hosting duties, General Patrick Sanders made time to speak to them both.
Sjt C Hardy, Ops Sjt
Sjt Hardy & Mrs Hardy at Buckingham Palace