Page 48 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

8 RIFLES
OPERATIONAL SHOOTING COMPETITIONS
Shooting should be at the heart of any RIFLES battalion and this year saw 8 RIFLES’ first real opportunity to compete at Army level. With ‘competition’ being one of the Commanding Officers’ main priorities,
the shooting team were given resources, independence and as much time as they could give to train. While this was their
first run of the circuit, they set off with confidence.
The first event was the Battalion Operational Shooting Competition (OSC) in March. It was
a mix between coaching, competition shoots and other events that were all designed to test the ability of potential team members in order to select the Riflemen that would be going forwards to the Divisional OSC and, hopefully, the Army Championships.
With a team selected, the Bn was entered into the 1(UK) Div OSC. The first one 8 RIFLES had entered with a dedicated team since formation. Over ten shoots later, taking place over two days, 8 RIFLES placed 8th and came
away with the award for the best individual shot (Sjt Fenwick). More importantly, their well- earned placement qualified them to move onto the Army Championships less than a month later. A first for 8 RIFLES.
June rolled around fast. With the Divisional OSC behind them, and with a hastily planned two week shooting concentration under
their belt, the 8 RIFLES team made their way to Bisley. With over 20 different Reserve
units taking part, placing well at the Army Championships was going to be no easy task. Having formed only 4 months earlier, they were now competing at the highest level. Three full days of shooting later, 8 RIFLES managed to come away 6th of all Reserve units taking part, with three Riflemen in the Reserves 50, and Sjt Fenwick in the Army 100.
While we obviously wish 7 RIFLES the best of luck, hopefully 8 RIFLES will be topping the leader board next year!
Sjt Pickles
Sjt Fenwick Accepting his Award as the Top Shot at the 1(UK) DIV OSC
While we obviously wish 7 RIFLES the best
of luck, hopefully
8 RIFLES will be topping the leader board
next year!
The 8 RIFLES 1(UK) DIV and Army OSC Team
48 RIFLES The Bugle