Page 31 - Bugle Spring 2025

SIGHTS SET ON THE FUTURE
The Rifles Marksmanship Unit (RMU),
previously known as the RIFLES Shooting
team, has been busy delivering advanced
Marksmanship instruction and Train The
Trainer (TTT) packages, to the Regiment and
the wider Army, as our number one priority
for competition shooting. The RMU have
started incorporating modern Virtual Reality
(VR) technology to enhance marksmanship,
allowing personnel to refine their skills
in a highly realistic and controlled digital
environment. This integration of cutting-
edge technology ensured more efficient and
engaging training, simulating a variety of
shooting scenarios and conditions without
the logistical complexities or cost of live-fire
exercises.
In addition, all 14 members of the RMU
travelled to Cyprus to train 1 RIFLES in
marksmanship, focusing on elevating their
lethal efficiency on the battlefield. This
specialized training involved hands-on
practice across several weapon systems,
tailoring the experience to the specific needs
of the unit.
The RMU also ran a comprehensive
three-week range package for the Southwest
Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Combined
Cadet Force (CCF). This catered to hundreds
of cadets, providing them with valuable
live-fire experience and instilling a deeper
understanding of weaponry and safety
protocols. Across these initiatives, we saw
remarkable progress in both individual and
collective proficiency, setting the stage
for future training programs while further
cementing our commitment to developing the
next generation of sharp shooters.
SPORT CONTRIBUTING TO THE
ARMY’S FIGHTING POWER
Troops from the battalion demonstrated their
resilience and versatility as they balanced
operational duties and commitments with
a wide array of sporting events. These
activities not only bolstered morale but
fostered camaraderie with local and
international communities.
Whilst deployed on Op CABRIT, the battalion
participated in a total of 29 large sporting
events which including the renowned
Scout March, a gruelling 30km endurance
competition which tested soldier’s navigation
and shooting skills. In addition, they competed
with and against NATO allies in several running
competitions including the Blue Hepatica,
Rakvere Night, and the Midsummer Runs in
Võsu and Tallinn.
Members were given the opportunity to
partake in the famous Ironman 70.3 and Full
Ironman, the ultimate test of endurance. The full
Ironman consisted of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile
cycle, and a full marathon of 26.2 miles, (the 70.3
being half the distances stated). Special mention
to LCpl Cozens who finished 5th in his age
group and has been selected for the Ironman
championships in New Zealand in December, a
member of the Army Triathlon Team.
Team sports also played a significant role
whilst deployed, in particular football and
rugby tournaments. Notably, some soldiers
represented the Estonian National Rugby
team in the sevens format of the game.
Strengthening our bonds with our NATO allies,
we entered various multinational events such
5 RIFLES
OP LAZURITE
A Rifleman’s Perspective
OP LAZURITE is the UK’s contribution to the rehoming of Afghans
and their families who previously worked alongside UK forces
on Op HERRICK. D Company deployed four Riflemen (including
the Company Human Resources Clerk) on this task, to a variety
of UK installations, at the request of the Government. The
responsibilities they were allocated were far from traditional
roles and the Riflemen were required to work well outside their
comfort zones. However, they soon settled into their assigned
tasks and became critical cogs in the rehoming process.
Routine activity included the collection of families from UK
airports, safeguarding, building trust, employing basic language
skills and cultural understanding. This involved local liaison to
enable activities and sports as well as learning basic Pashto. The
Riflemen were employed as drivers and accommodation managers
as well as being required to facilitate sports, visits and extra-
curricular activities for the Afghan family
groups and eventually assisting with
their onward movement into their new
homes.
The Riflemen were a vital face-
to-face and daily link for the
families who arrived often
with few possessions and a
harrowing series of events
prior to touchdown in the
UK. The versatility of those
who deployed was evident, and
all were praised by the sub- unit
commanders. This adaptability
was rewarded at the OP LAZURITE
awards Dinner with Rfn
Lovett, Rfn Dymond and
Pte Collier all given 2*
recognition for their
outstanding efforts.
as the FLF Olympics, French and Bastille Sports
Days, as well as Ex BALTIC WARRIOR, a canoe
and endurance race in Latvia, hosted by the
Canadian BG. These achievements exemplify
5 RIFLES’ dedication to teamwork and unity,
proving that even during deployments, sport
helps to build a winning Army.
RIFLES The Bugle 31