Page 29 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

4 RIFLES
TEAM 7 DEPLOY TO
THE JOINT READINESS
TRAINING CENTRE
In August 2021 Team 7, deployed to the USA to conduct the Joint Readiness Training Centre (JRTC) 21-10 rotation alongside the US Green Berets. JRTC
is an exercise designed to recreate Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) and does so by deploying 5,000 troops with vehicles and aircraft into ‘the box’ (the training area famous for its thick vegetation, swamps and alligators). Team 7 were acting as the UK Special Operations Force component to
the exercise, deploying in the deep battlespace to disrupt the enemy and enable the friendly force brigade.
The deployment started with a two-week integration package with the Green Berets at their base in Florida.
This phase allowed the Team a chance
to conduct joint planning and gave the opportunity to understand and deconflict different planning and tactical SOPs.
With it being summertime in Florida, this phase also provided the Team a chance to sample the Florida beaches and immerse themselves in US culture. The Team moved to Louisiana for the exercise phase where they were embedded alongside a US ODA to create a twenty-strong Team. The first mission was to destroy
the Integrated Air Defence
System (IADS) to enable the
Brigade to drop into the AO.
After a covert infiltration in
the back of cattle trucks,
followed immediately by
a gruelling 23-hour tab to
the target, the IADS were
neutralised. The Team then
met their partner force in
the deep battlespace and
proceeded to build intelligence gathering networks. These networks allowed the Team to conduct lethal and non-lethal targeting through air strikes, kinetic action, and psychological operations. The exercise tested everyone’s ability to resupply through non-standard means, using cache locations and covert cattle trucks. It also polished the group’s ability to communicate in a high electronic warfare threat environment. Working alongside the Green Berets provided the Team with an insight into how US Special Operations Forces conduct business, and it was a pleasure to work with such a professional unit.
JRTC provided Team 7 with an opportunity to understand how The Ranger Regiment might be used in large scale combat operations. The Army Special Operations Brigade is a new
concept for the British Army and continued training with the Green Berets will enhance our understanding and development. It was
a brilliant experience for everyone involved and the relationships with the Green Berets will endure.
Capt Seb Clarke, Team Commander
Finally, after nearly a year without a Serjeants’ Mess function, we were able to use the Mess the way it should be used. And the Serjeants’ Mess did not waste any time getting back into the swing of things!
We held the last 4 RIFLES Serjeants’ Mess Regimental Dinner Night on 25 November before we redesignated to 4 RANGER. This was a fantastic night and highly emotional for all with it being the last time we will wear RIFLES Mess kit together. This was capped by an exceptional bugle display. Embracing the future in true skirmisher style, the Serjeants’ Mess swiftly conducted our very first 4 RANGER Christmas Ball in early December which was a real success.
WO2 CSM Glen Easterbrook
Emotional for all with it being the last time we will wear RIFLES Mess kit together
The Officers’ Mess
has had an incredibly
busy but exciting year.
Recently it hosted: Deputy Chief Constable
Jardine; Colonel Lindeman, Commander
5th United States Special Forces Group
(Airborne); Brigadier Boswell; Major
General Collins DSO OBE; Major General Bowder OBE; Major General Strickland DSO MBE; Lieutenant General Wooddisse CBE MC, General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty MP; the Prime Minister; and, HerRH The Duchess of Cornwall. The Mess applied RIFLES’/Rangers’ Officer Charm Offensive through all and it was a privilege to host them.
In November, we hosted the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, our affiliated Livery Company. The day entailed pistol ranges alongside an obligatory range curry. Lloyd Grossman (no wah), a member of the Carpenters, refused to comment on its quality.
We have been very fortunate to benefit from the generosity of The Rifles throughout the transition to The Ranger Regiment. Our Mess still proudly bears RIFLES paintings, silver and property – something which we are very proud of.
We have said farewell to many, but most notably to Lieutenant Colonel Jim Allen. Under his tenure 4 RIFLES made the huge
step into the Army Special Operations Brigade; a significant undertaking. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Devenish assumed command on 10 December 2021.
Capt Luke Kemp
Thinking outside the box. Team 7 prepare to use a cattle truck for a
non-standard covert infiltration with an ODA.
The Carpenters Range Day
It was a brilliant experience for everyone involved
RIFLES The Bugle 29
SERJEANTS’ MESS
OFFICERS’ MESS