Page 13 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

2 RIFLES
At the start of May this year C Company completed our Basic Combat Syllabus package on Caerwent training area.
We started off with navigation lessons, an absolute foundation of a Rifleman’s skill set and we were keen to show our ability. We
had a chance to test ourselves on the theory lessons on section day and night navigation exercises, with sections competing against the clock. The OC’s mantra is that nine good sections equals a good company, so the first week of the exercise focussed on exactly that. Our section commanders gave us section level training leading to section attacks. Having our sections set so early has allowed us to bond
together and learn all our section SOPs, which will enable us to work as a team. We felt this was very productive and, as a section, now feel confident in each other’s abilities.
The highlight of BCS was OBUA training with instructors from the Infantry Battle School including our new Company Serjeant Major. We were taught up-to-date urban skills and were given loads of time to practice as sections. We went on to platoon FIWAF and harbour lessons. While we were all familiar with these, it was good to revise conventional skills, our focus previously being on Op TORAL 10.
Basics such as patrolling formations and battle drills were taught before we set off
to practice platoon attacks. It was clear the sections worked well in isolation in the first week and were now able to work easily together to make strong platoons. The BCS package culminated in a platoon deliberate attack. Section recce orders were delivered, and we gathered intelligence on the objective through covert night recces. Once we were back, we had a set of platoon orders and were straight into battle prep. We cleared through the objective quickly and methodically using all the skills that we had learned over the previous two weeks. Our time in Caerwent has benefited every Rifleman and has put us in the right place to carry on the rest of the training this year in preparation of Ex ASKARI STORM. The rifleman of C Company are ready and keen to take on the Grenadier Guards in Kenya in the Autumn.
Rfn Osajivbe
LFTT with B Coy
On 28 May, B Coy set off to Magilligan to conduct a 2-week LFTT package to prepare them for deploying to Kenya
on Ex ASKARI STORM in August of this year. The package consisted of both static and moving ranges eventually leading to section attacks by day and night. It also involved getting hands on weapon systems like the UGL, which most lads had not had the chance to fire previously.
This was an eye opener for the newer Rfn as this was one of their first LFTT experiences. Junior Rfn were not afraid to crack straight on, confident in the knowledge that if they needed help their section commanders and the seniors were there to offer coaching and guidance. This later continued into fire team attacks where teams of four Riflemen went through the lane working in new groups, trying new formations and changing roles. Riflemen were able to step up to be fire team commanders – for many of the junior Rfn their first time in command – giving them an insight into what to expect in the next step in their career.
As the week progressed, the ranges got more challenging as we transitioned into section attacks by day and night. This again was a test for lads, especially with getting used to firing live rounds while using HMVS. It was imperative for Riflemen to check their surroundings and know where the rest of their section is at all times, a lesson we take into every action. By completing this LFTT package, this has allowed the blokes to move forward to Kenya, where they will later be taking part
in Platoon and Company LFTT, with the confidence in their individual skills and drills expected of a competent Rifleman. Rfn Pounder
Junior
Rfn were not afraid to crack straight on
RIFLES The Bugle 13
C COY BUILD FROM THE BOTTOM UP