Page 44 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

7 RIFLES
Ex CHOSEN SWORD
Exercise Chosen Sword was an opportunity for Rifle Company personnel to experience some of the wider assets available, and for our support weapons personnel to crest a busy year with a large live firing package.
By tying together training for a composite Light Role Infantry Company alongside our Mortar and Machine Gun Platoons’ live firing packages, we gave our Riflemen opportunity to call in fire missions for the Mortars, and broadened our understanding of operating in safe, but close, proximity to supporting, flanking and overhead fire.
The exercise culminated with an insertion via Chinook and a Company attack supported by mortars and machine guns. The Riflemen heard and felt the mortar fire as well as the experience of tracer and live rounds flying over
Ex ASKARI STORM
their heads from the machine guns. Thanks to CSjt Armon-Jones for delivering the exercise, and Rfn Butterworth for securing the Chinook at the last minute from his old RAF colleagues. Lt Norris (B Coy)
DEMANDING BUT ACHIEVABLE
A bespoke Reserves Platoon Serjeants Battle Course returned after a Covid enforced break. This covered Combat and Combat Service Support (CSS) Estimates, before a nine-day field phase. Delivered at a high tempo in Caerwent, this tested us in multiple environments before the course concluded with a trip up Pen y Fan.
The standout points were working as part of a platoon after missing training
due to Covid, and exposure to Regular resources – the quad bike for example really making a difference.
The knowledge and experience of
the Infantry Battle School Directing Staff really helped bring out and explain the full breadth of the Platoon Serjeant’s role. There was a real focus on developing
us throughout, and a lot was learnt on a demanding but achievable course.
Cpl Briggs
I was integrated into the very welcoming and supportive B Company, 2 RIFLES for Exercise Askari Storm in Kenya for 10 weeks. After Covid isolation and acclimatisation training we underwent five days of adventure Training (kayaking and white-water rafting), barbecues and great accommodation! We then returned to Nanyuki before heading out into the field. The exercise was split into phases; Warrior, Calfex, Viking, Centurion and Mission Zero. The Warrior phase was 16 days and concentrated on live firing, including lots of practice shoots, individual close quarter battle ‘CQB’ with sword and grenade, right up to a full-on live firing Company night attack with SF GPMGs and 81mm Mortars in support.
Six weeks in the field in Africa is challenging due to terrain, climate, altitude and wildlife, let alone long night insertions, 36-hour advances to contact, attacks and casualty extractions.
It was the hardest exercise I’ve ever done, including previous Regular service. If you get the opportunity to do it, go for it, get fit and be prepared to work hard!
Rfn Lee (A Coy)
44 RIFLES The Bugle
JUST IN ARABIA
Being a Royal Saudi Land Forces Liaison Officer was always going to be a bit different.
It began with quarantine at a hotel, the view from which was reminiscent of news reports
I had watched 30 years earlier, as the first Gulf War threatened Riyadh. Its defence then was a collaborative effort of that war’s coalition and the main players are still very much in situ; indeed, it is for this reason I found myself being based in the British Embassy, travelling across the city to my Saudi counterparts a few times a week, to engage and to understand their needs, and facilitate where possible. Strategic effect through tactical activity.
Interesting, enjoyable and recommended? Absolutely. Mission success? Well, only time - and strategic appetites - will tell.
Maj Jones (BHQ)