Page 33 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

The 5 RIFLES Battlegroup deployed
to Castlemartin Ranges on Exercise
IRON FIRE in June to gain their Combat Readiness Certification. The Battlegroup sharpened their mounted live firing skills from Challenger 2, Warrior, and Scimitar armoured vehicles while also completing stimulating dismounted ranges involving mortars and NLAW engagements.
The Battlegroup HQ also underwent a challenging Command Post Exercise, all of which determined them combat ready for any future tasks.
The CPX was run as it would ‘in the
field’ out of a Battlegroup Headquarters, expertly set up by HQ Company’s Command Platoon under the lead of WO2 King. 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade acted as the higher command and the week involved a series of four simulated missions using the ABACUS computer programme to allow the Battlegroup to test its plans against a realistic enemy, overseen by the Collective Training Group as assessors. As the Commanding Officer Lt Col Hadfield stated the only acceptable outcome in the execution was 4-0
and thankfully this was delivered! The Battlegroup HQ had an almost
even split between those with a wealth of current experience from Op CABRIT 7 and
its pre-deployment training, and those who were in their jobs for the first time. This offered a good opportunity for fresh faces to learn the ropes while also giving the chance to see ways to adapt and improve. Each planning phase became slicker and faster, building the tempo that is so important in armoured operations as well as allowing for a 90-minute window of opportunity to appear while England played Germany in their Euro 2020 Last-16.
Overall, the CPX was wholly successful, with CTG giving the HQ the green light across the board and declaring it ‘Combat Ready.’
As the Battlegroup staff undergoes further personnel changes after the summer Ex IRON FIRE will offer a level of attainment to continue to aim for.
Capt Hunt,
Intelligence Officer
Commanding Officer Lt Col
Major Gareth Stone, the
5 RIFLES Battlegroup Chief of Staff, herds cats during a planning phase
Hadfield stated the only acceptable outcome in the execution was 4-0 and thankfully this was delivered!
5 RIFLES
Ex IRON FIRE CPX:
FAIL TO PLAN, PLAN TO FAIL
RIFLES The Bugle 33