Page 19 - Bugle Spring 2025

3 RIFLES
BUGLE COMPETITION
In late November 3 RIFLES held the annual
bugling competition.
For two weeks prior the buglers had the
chance to practice their calls, drill, and prepare
their kit. For most of them this was their first
bugling test having only passed the bugling
course earlier this autumn. So, on a cold
Thursday morning the competition began with
the bugling phase in the Sjt’s Mess. With the
judges out of sight, each bugler came in and
played the call for guard, second cook house,
first post, and the regimental march.
In the afternoon we moved onto the
drill phase in our No 1 dress. Each bugler
completed a drill circuit before doubling into
the judges, who then scrutinized their turnout,
bearing, and knowledge of regimental history.
The scores were counted and the results
fell as follows: third LCpl Stopher, second Rfn
Stringer, first LCpl Buckles.
LCpl Buckles, Bugle Platoon, A Coy
Ex COASTLA SCOUT
In August, 3 RIFLES Reconnaissance Platoon
deployed to Kirkcudbright Training Area on
Ex COASTAL SCOUT, a 5-day continuation
exercise focused on light role recce patrol
skills.
Phase 1 consisted of patrol and platoon
level training. Led by the LCRCC qualified
JNCOs, this phase focused on urban recce
both hasty and deliberate, camera skills, optic
familiarisation, contact drills and patrol level
SOPs for the upcoming tactical phase. This
phase was a good opportunity for the Pl to
shake out for the first time since a significant
restructure, a deployment to Kenya, and a
Recce Patrolman’s Cadre.
Phase 2 started with a FRAGO drop, an
estimate, and the delivery of platoon orders.
Three patrols deployed on the ground; the
first was tasked with an area search to
identify possible battlegroup RVs, whilst
the remaining two moved within different
boundaries to establish OPs onto a target
building. Over the next 48 hours these patrols
gave a live feed of reporting, conducting
CTRs, and constructing a battlegroup RV. The
Pl then handed over the live feed to a sniper
callsign and delivered an options brief to F
Coy, 3 RIFLES in the BG RV. The patrols then
successfully led in the fire support and assault
group setting the conditions for a Company
Raid. The Reconnaissance Platoon then
formed the reserve for the echelon assault and
was subsequently launched to clear the final
positions.
This exercise was a great opportunity for
Recce Platoon to shake out and conduct
our specialist role alongside snipers, setting
the conditions for a sub-unit in the attack.
Recce Platoon will now look to develop its
survivability in the modern battlespace,
saturated with sensors, ensuring that we offer
a credible ground reconnaissance capability
to both the BG and Bde.
Cpl Rist, Patrol Commander,
Recce Pl, C Coy
This exercise was a great
opportunity for Recce
Platoon to shake out and
conduct our specialist
role alongside snipers
Cambrian Patrol 2024
After an intensive build up package that involved a joint
training venture with the Brigade of Gurkhas Training Team in
Brecon, our 8-man patrol from B Company stepped off deep
into the Black Mountains for Cambrian Patrol 2024. Carrying full
CEMO weighing up to 42kg we navigated through rolling hills,
waist deep bogs and numerous baby heads in search of a 3rd
Gold medal in 4 years.
Team selection was a rigorous process and between myself
and Patrol Commander 2Lt Giles, we emerged confident that we
had a highly motivated, robust and mentally resilient group of
Riflemen. Notably, this group contained Riflemen relatively new to
the battalion, including Rfn Drummond-Akdogan who had arrived
just a few weeks before the selection process began. Every
member of the patrol demonstrated professionalism and mental
robustness and, despite the bronze medal, can hold their heads
high knowing they have done the Regiment and themselves
proud.
As someone who has achieved a gold medal at both Cambrian
Patrol 21 and 22, this year was by far the most challenging. The
route was incredibly demanding, and all the stands required
perfection to achieve the highest marks.
In a year where multiple teams lost members of their patrol due
to fatigue and injuries, we proved that B Company is made up of
strong-willed individuals that no matter the circumstances, will
find a way to keep morale high and to keep moving forward.
Overall, we emerged better trained and more capable because
of our preparation and better equipped to deal with future
operations and exercises.
Team Members: 2Lt Giles, LCpl Stapleton, Rfn Whittington, Rfn
Hartley, Rfn Spencer, Rfn Douce, Rfn Drummond-Akdogan, Rfn
Eden.
LCpl Stapleton, B Company
RIFLES The Bugle 19