Page 17 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

2 RIFLES
Askari Storm experimentation phase
Upon completion of Exercise ASKARI STORM the Battlegroup began the Persistent Engagement Pilot of the deployment to Kenya, moving onto ‘experimentation’. Based in OB Laikipia Training Area, C Company spent the first few days on the ranges honing live firing skills. The highlight of this remedial range time for myself was using the Glock 17. For many in the Company, myself included, this was the first proper range time with the Glock and the opportunity to hone our pistol accuracy, conduct the Glock ACMT and do rifle to pistol transition training and shoots was a real highlight. The sight of CSM Shaw showing us how to properly draw, aim, fire, and holster the Glock in rapid succession after slinging his rifle are not things we shall forget.
During this phase we worked alongside the Land Warfare Centre to assess how a Light Role Infantry Company could employ locally hired white fleet vehicles. With eight vehicles per Platoon, broken down to be a vehicle per fire team, and one for the Platoon
Commander and the Platoon Serjeant.
Each Rifleman had their own responsibility within the vehicles. Whether they be a driver, commander, team medic or signaler to enable the fire teams to work organically and disperse. The challenges of using locally hired white fleet vehicles became clear,
with punctures while maneuvering on the dirt tracks that crisscrossed the training area. The next challenge was figuring out the best way to use the vehicles tactically. As part of our training during this phase
we looked at CAV drills but, it was quickly determined that soft skinned vehicles were not an adequate fighting platform. We found that by using them for the preliminary movement we could rapidly cover a large amount of distance, cache the vehicles, strike the target, and then rapidly extract off the objective.
To test this, we went force-on-force with Kenyan Special Forces, which was a unique experience, especially compared to our past engagements with the Grenadier Guards on Ex ASKARI STORM. They were
not to be underestimated, moving around the area in nimble and heavily armed Technicals or inserting via helicopter, knowledge of the bush and experience fighting Al-Shabab in Somalia. They certainly created a new challenge for
the Rifleman of C Company in facing an opponent with superior equipment but fewer numbers. C Company gave as good as they got throughout the force-on-force and hunted the outnumbered Kenyans in several engagements through judicious use of light role tactics. I certainly felt
like I’d learnt a thing or two training with the Kenyans, and it was interesting to
see what tactics worked and didn’t work whilst operating with the vehicles. It was great to see the Kenyan SF learning from us as well and I feel gratified knowing that they’re going to take those skills that have been honed training with us, out into the world to bring stability back to Somalia. Rfn Sinclair
C Coy, 2 RIFLES
A vehicle patrol from C Coy reacts to a complex enemy ambush
CSM Shaw showing us how to properly draw, aim, fire, and holster the Glock in rapid succession after slinging his rifle are not things we shall forget
RIFLES The Bugle 17