Page 32 - Bugle Spring 2025

5 RIFLES
Trialling New Tactics
Including many other opportunities afforded
reconnaissance capability, we aimed to
by Operation CABRIT 14, the Battlegroup
identify, engage, and destroy targets long
had the chance to conduct warfare
before coming into direct contact. This
development (WARDEV), pitching an
approach was supported by the employment
experimental structure designed to combat
of our Javelin and NLAW anti-armour missiles
armoured adversaries at a greater range.
to strike effectively at reach, exploiting the
Whilst deployed in Estonia our Battlegroup
weaknesses of heavily armoured formations.
conducted a three-part exercise testing
The unique structure being trialled
different task organisations. In all, the
incorporated greater integration of infantry,
exercised involved some 100 soldiers and
engineers, reconnaissance, and offensive
officers from the battlegroup, each bringing
support from artillery and mortars into a
their own specialty to form a highly capable
streamlined, flexible company. This enabled
company able to conduct reconnaissance
and anti-armour actions.
Their mission was to neutralise a simulated
Russian armoured unit, valiantly played
by attached French elements within the
Battlegroup. Armoured, mobile, and highly
motivated, they created a challenging and
realistic scenario to put the experimental
structures to the test. Central to the exercise
was the deployment of advanced sensors to
detect the approach of enemy both on the
ground and in the air. The latter was provided
by a radar sensor section from the Queen’s
Dragoon Guards Squadron group deployed
on Op CABRIT (Poland). By extending their
OP CABRIT14 HOMECOMING PARADE
In October the battalion welcomed over
1,000 soldiers, friends, and families to Picton
Barracks for a parade that celebrated many
famous firsts. It was a unique parade that
celebrated a Junior Non-Commissioned
Officer pass out, homecoming from Op
CABRIT 14 and a medals presentation. It also
marked the first battalion scale presentation
of the Wider Service Medal, given to those
soldiers who had spent over 180 days in
Estonia, watching and guarding NATO’s
Eastern Flank. Additionally, over 50 King’s
Coronation Medals were also presented.
The Battalion was honoured that HRH
the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Colonel
Commandant attended to present the
medals, award promotions and share in
the satisfaction of a busy and challenging
year. HRH also presented ‘miniature hero’
medals to children of those Riflemen who
had been away for almost a year due to
Pre-Deployment Training for those deployed
32 RIFLES The Bugle
on Op CABRIT beginning in Germany
in September 2023. The battalion was
immensely grateful for support from several
pillars of the Regiment, not least the Band of
Bugles and Regimental HQ for welfare, media
support and attendance.
In many ways, the highlight of the
day was in the joy seen from friends and
families of those who had deployed, or in
acknowledging those on the Rear Operations
Group whose years have been no less
busy training Ukrainians on Op INTERFLEX,
or on Op LAZURITE, integrating Afghan
entitled persons. To the rear of the parade
was an inflatable play area, food vans and
entertainment, which resulted in families
staying for hours after the ceremonies to
enjoy the day together. The event epitomised
our Regimental family values and was the
best way in which the Battalion could say
‘thank you’ to those who support our Riflemen
and mark the end of Op CABRIT 14.
commanders to adapt quickly to the dynamic
battlefield environment and maintain pressure
both on an advancing and withdrawing
enemy. This opportunity also showcased how
small, specialised, and determined teams of
Riflemen, who would otherwise be operating
as Platoons or Companies, could coordinate
strikes across a dispersed battlefield while
maintaining superior situational awareness in
an electromagnetically contested environment.
The deployment was a good proving
ground to trial new ideas, demonstrating
that adaptability, innovation, and cooperation
remain essential in facing contemporary
threats. This is only one facet of the
modernisation the army is undergoing, feeding
into the Chief of the General Staff’s intent to
double the lethality of the army by 2027 .
HRH also
presented
‘miniature
hero’
medals to
children