Page 7 - Bugle Spring 2025

1 RIFLES
A well earnt cool-down
Getting stuck into the
Estimate and Orders Process
1RIFLES JNCO CADRE
68 students from a range of Cap Badges,
including 1 and 3 RIFLES, 4 RANGER, and
1 PWRR formed up in early September for
the first day of the 1 RIFLES Potential Junior
Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre. The course
was hosted in Cyprus at Alexander Barracks,
with the exercise phases on Akrotiri and
Episkopi Training Areas. The challenging
terrain, Mediterranean heat and arduous
nature of the exercises pushed the students
to their limits as this was the first NCO cadre
The Rifles had conducted in Cyprus.
Phase one assessed student potential
of being a junior leader in the Army. This
saw the students conduct much-needed
acclimatization pathway whilst concurrently
completing Military knowledge and navigation
training, as well as the Defence Train the Trainer
course, testing their capabilities as future
instructors. This was followed by an arduous
PT program, delivered alongside day and
night navigation exercises, as well as the Army
Leadership Development Program testing their
command and problem-solving skills.
Phase Two began testing students in the
field. Students transition from camp comforts
into the field, conducting tactical lessons and
being assessed on their ability to plan, brief
and execute offensive actions. Ex PRACTAC
was a 24hr planning assessment, testing
individuals on the combat estimate and orders
process.
Phase Three expanded on offensive
The Sword Lane
operations to include patrols. The level of
complexity increased as they deployed
into a defensive posture and were required
to operate with external assets, support
airborne missions and operate in challenging
environments. The risk assessments and fire
response plan were then put to the test as
the Akrotiri Training Area went up in flames
and helicopters rushed to our aid. Rumours
of students having set the area alight to
postpone the Sword Lane were rife.
Phase Four consisted of the Final Exercise,
during which the students were assessed
on their ability to perform as Section 2iC and
Commander in a summation of all tactical
elements taught in previous weeks. This
culminated in the completion of the Sword
Lane – much to the students’ dismay -
immediately after which their retention of
military knowledge was again assessed.
Phase Five saw the final technical aspects
of being an infantry JNCO. This qualified
students to safely conduct and support live
firing ranges. With the final week students
spent the most part on the drill square,
practicing for the pass-off parade. We were
honored to have welcomed Lt Col Paul Francis
RIFLES, Commanding Officer Episkopi and
Troodos Station, as the Inspecting Officer. Lt Col
Francis offered a unique perspective, having
himself completed a JNCO Cadre to promote
to LCpl early on in his career. The students
drew huge inspiration from him, knowing
THE
STATISTICS
The students:
3 days off in 57
days of training
20 days on
exercise in an
average daily
temperature of
32°C
Fired 90,000
5.56mm and
42,000 7.62mm
rounds
15 Section
attacks, 14
Platoon attacks,
7 Recce patrols
and numerous
other actions,
including
a hasty
withdrawal from
wildfire
Support from
PUMA, (EOD),
Military Working
Dogs, RPAS, MG
Pl, Recce Pl, and
Snipers
33.2km of
weighted
physical
assessments
Ex PRACTAC running
well into darkness
that, one day, they may be in such a position
of command. It was a huge success and a
brilliant day for all involved. The cadre’s Double
Off was commended by those watching,
including the Late Entry Officers, and as is well
known, such praise is rare.
The following were recognised for their
performance on the cadre: Top Student award
was presented to Pte Todd, 1 PWRR, the
Upton Cane was presented to Rfn Grannell, 1
RIFLES, the Rifleman’s Rifleman Awards were
presented to Rfn Smith and Rfn Perry,1 RIFLES
and Pte Stewart-Thomas,1 PWRR who were
selected by their peers. Finally, the Thinking
Fighting Rifleman’s Awards were presented to
Rfn Baker, 1 RIFLES and Rgr Richardson-Knight,
4 RANGER who performed the best on all
summative elements of the course.
Lt Hebe Grout, OC 7 Pl
Lt Col Paul Francis RIFLES CO Episkopi
and Troodos Station congratulating
the newly qualified JNCOs
RIFLES The Bugle 7