Page 5 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

FOREWORD
FOREWORD
By The Colonel Commandant General
Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen
The Rifles has continued to train and deploy across the globe, as well as support the nation and NHS at home, over what has been another challenging period amidst the Covid 19 pandemic.
When the last edition of the Bugle was being published, we were eager to know
how the results of the Integrated review and how The Rifles would be affected. We should be really pleased with the announcement
and we come out of the review able to offer opportunity of role, location and progression for our Riflemen. Be under no illusion, this stems from our strength as a large, forward looking Regiment that is adaptive to change, supported by the pillars on which we rely, with deep roots to our communities.
4 RIFLES, who have done so much to prove a new capability, moved into the new Land Special Operations Brigade, known as the Rangers. As their first Commanding Officer who marked the formation of 4 RIFLES in 2007, it was bittersweet to see the flag come down and berets replaced, but those serving continue to be Riflemen and we will maintain the strongest of links to The 4th Battalion, The Rangers, as they move forward in their new role.
All of our battalions will experience
change whether it be resubordinating to a new Brigade, change of role or indeed a new barracks and we are well placed to help shape and develop the new capabilities that the Future Soldier programme offers.
The launch of the Always a Rifleman programme was one of the most significant steps we have taken to help our serving and veteran community and I am grateful to you all for the assistance and immediate support that you have shown your fellow Riflemen. Regimentally we have allocated resources to Baz Melia as he supports those in need and in true Rifles tradition, we are developing cutting edge tools to help discover those in trouble, but we need your help; by adding your details of service to your SWIFT profile, this will allow the technology to find ‘buddies’ to reach out to those who may require some assistance.
After a two year break, we were delighted to hold the 2021 Rifles Awards Dinner, providing us the refreshing occasion to highlight and celebrate achievements across the Regiment. There have been many examples of our Riflemen thinking, innovating and helping others throughout the year and I am extremely proud, as is our Colonel in Chief, of the exceptional feats and outstanding success of our Riflemen.
It also gives me great pleasure to congratulate our Colonel in Chief on her appointment to become a Royal Lady of
the Most Noble Order of the Garter; whose selection by the monarch herself, could
not be more richly deserved, given Her Royal Highness’s selfless constancy and commitment to the nation, The Rifles and so many other admirable causes.
I look forward to what the remainder of 2022 has in store, which includes Sounding Retreat at Horse Guards on the 8th and 9th of June and to continue to follow the widespread accomplishments of our Riflemen.
Swift and Bold.
RIFLES The Bugle 5