Page 5 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

FOREWORD
FOREWORD
By The Colonel Commandant General
Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen
This edition of the Bugle is full of great achievement, with the promise of more to come. The regiment is challenged and busy, but events in Europe offer focus in a way rarely seen in recent years.
Before I look to the present and future, I
am delighted to reflect on some significant achievements across the regiment. 1 RIFLES returned from a highly successful deployment on Operation TOSCA; 2 RIFLES have deployed to Estonia as part of our deterrence and reassurance mission in Eastern Europe; 6 RIFLES have deployed to Nigeria and Liberia on Short Term Training Teams; 7 RIFLES won the Reserve Bisley shooting competition, against a field of 16 units; and 8 RIFLES will provide vital support to the Commonwealth Games this year in Glasgow. Finally, 3 RIFLES and 5 RIFLES are training Ukrainian soldiers as part of the collective response to Russia’s invasion. The British Army will train 10,000 Ukrainian troops in the coming months, which is a highly significant achievement. The Rifles are as always a hugely busy, deployed, vibrant and vital part of the Army.
Future Soldier makes significant positive change to our battalions, but the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has given the British Army new focus. Through Op MOBILISE the British Army is dedicated to preventing the spread of war in Europe. I am immensely proud of every member of The Rifles: we are making a meaningful impact on European security which will endure for years to come.
Sounding the Retreat was a triumph of music, drill, pageantry and pyrotechnics. Almost 5,000 people viewed the event
across two nights and I was delighted that our Colonel in Chief, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall and our Royal Colonels could attend. A huge amount of work went into the event, and as always our buglers singled themselves out as a unique asset to our regiment. I was also delighted to welcome the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas to the event and have Rifles representation at their Sounding the Retreat.
It was also terrific to see many events return to full scale, and without COVID restrictions: The Rifles Regatta, cricket and golf competitions all unite our Riflemen across the ranks.
Finally, The Always a Rifleman programme has continued to grow and help those in need. It has already proven its significant worth, continued to develop the regimental network, and ultimately save lives.
The British Army is mobilising and The Rifles will be at the forefront. I have no doubt that the regiment will rise to the challenge.
Swift and Bold.
RIFLES The Bugle 5