Page 45 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

7 RIFLES LEARNING WHILST
COMPETING
7 RIFLES entered a team in the Regimental Operational
Shooting Competition (OSC) alongside 1, 3, 5 and 8 RIFLES.
It was a pleasure to have Riflemen from 6 RIFLES and F (RIFLES) Company, LONDONS in our team ensuring the full breadth of RIFLES Reserve representation.
The competition offered good progression and ongoing development for those that had attended our earlier shooting concentration. However, as often the way, the remainder of our volunteers had to make do with learning whilst competing.
However, competing enabled us to identify and build more new talent, and we are grateful to Cpl Stanton (5 RIFLES) who was extremely supportive, despite having to
head up the whole competition.
2Lt Hopson (A Coy)
An Englishman in Palestine
Deploying as SO2 Plans for a small Headquarters in Palestine, led by a UK 1 Star, we delivered a defence engagement programme funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. This dovetailed into the wider efforts of
the British Consulate in Jerusalem and
the United States Security Co-ordinator,
(for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories), to deliver improved security and accountability for the peoples of the region, without doing Israel any harm.
Primarily responsible for security, logistics and translation, my role soon expanded in light of significant Hamas rocket attacks. Highlights included planning starred officers overseas visits whilst re-establishing the advisory relationship with the Palestinian Presidential Guard.
No Reason
Major English (BHQ)
Reason to
to Fail, Every
7 RIFLES’ Major Joe English is seen here receiving his end of tour commendation from the Co-ordinator, Lieutenant General Mark C Schwartz at Notre Dame, the Pope’s official residence in Jerusalem
Succeed
I was selected to attend the
Reserve Section Commanders
Battle Course moments after the Covid lockdown relaxed. Having worked from home for months, the Brecon Beacons had the allure of an exotic far away paradise. This allure wore off quickly!
The first week consisted of map reading and section attack after section attack. The second week included Fighting in Woods and Forests (FIWAF), fighting in the urban environment and trenches, before culminating with Platoon attacks.
This was the best course I’ve been on. As a career course, it
is challenging but achievable. The instructors were fair and have considerable knowledge and expertise. With good fitness, prepared kit, knowledge of the Section Battle Drills and the 7 Questions Combat Estimate, there is no reason to fail, and every reason to succeed.
LCpl Vincent
RIFLES The Bugle 45