Page 16 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

2 RIFLES
Significant Events
• 1 Feb 21: Post Op TORAL 10 Battalion re-orbat.
• Feb-Mar 21: JNCO Cadre.
• Apr-Jun 21: I Coy Support Platoon Cadres (Snipers, recce, Anti-Tank, Mortars, Assault Pioneer, machine guns).
Fire and Forget! Joining the Javelin Platoon
I was A Coy, 2 RIFLES, but I was offered the opportunity to join the Javelin Platoon in I Coy. During my time in the Platoon I’ve experienced soldiering in a different role, using a new weapon system. It has given me a different perspective of how, as a Battle Group, we fight.
During the Javelin Cadre we qualified on a host of weapon systems; Javelin, NLAW, HMG & GMG, giving us flexibility within our role. We learnt how to properly conceal ourselves to ensure we wouldn’t be spotted by enemy armour, which was tested when the DS used the CLU to try and find our locations. We were constantly put in uncom- fortable situations, yet the lads bounced off each other with jokes and morale.
The training received was progressive and built individuals of various seniority up to being qualified Javelin Operators. While working with Javelin we maintained focus on the basics to ensure we remained rounded in our skillset. The standout difficulty with Javelin is the sheer weight of the kit, however by the end we had developed enough to carry the kit, over difficult terrain, and without issue - preparing us for Kenya. Overall, I have enjoyed my short time in Javelin Platoon so far and would recommend it to anyone in the Rifle Companies who fancies trying something different.
Rfn Stringer
• Jul to Oct 21: CAST and Ex ASKARI STORM.
• Nov to Dec 21: Supporting the East African Land Regional Hub.
• Feb 22: B Coy OTX in Jordan (Ex OLIVE GROVE).
The first phase of Assault Pioneers ‘Strike’ Cadre began in barracks, where we conducted a basic Assault Pioneering, Operational Fencing and Route Denial as well as making a Simple Initiation Set (to set up a confidence charge).
We moved onto a tactical phase in Copehill Down, honing our urban skills while learning new tactics for gaining access to buildings; using mechanical and explosive methods.
We went through an inoculation phase to simulate the effect of being in a room when an explosive method of entry is used. It reminded me of being in a club on a Saturday night with the bass going through me. The phase culmi- nated in an assault on the village, employing all the skills, including the use of explosives to gain entry into buildings.
Following the blank phase, we moved on to the Live Fire Tactical Training Package and were joined by a section of Combat Engineers (to be attached to us for ASKARI STORM).
We went from ‘zero-to-hero’ on the ranges
in the first week, progressing from basic marksmanship training to conducting Close Quarter Battle ranges with the Glock. We then progressed to section attacks during the day and at night.
The third phase was led by the Royal Engineer Squadron. We learned bridging and water supply, then basic watermanship, including the use of Mk6 Assault Boats and
16 RIFLES The Bugle
their role during Riverine Ops. The second week concluded with a raft racing competi- tion against the Engineers, which they (very narrowly) won.
The Strike Cadre’s final phase was the ISTAR Exercise. We developed our demolition capability which included a trial of various improvised explosive methods of entry, using strip charges, waterbottle charges, and learning how to split the armoured vehicle tracks with explosives. We finished with a live ISTAR company attack that used all our
elements, from Guns to Reconnaissance. As Assault Pioneers, we pushed forward and supported the company by breaching through a scatter-able minefield, allowing the company to push through.
As a Rifleman, I am extremly happy to have made the move over to Assault Pioneers, I have throughly enjoined every minute of the Cadre and I am looking forward to the career progression as well as what Kenya holds for the Platoon.
Rfn Kent
I am extremly happy to have made the move over to Assault Pioneers
LAST SIX MONTHS
BRIDGING THE GAP, LEADING THE WAY WITH ASSAULT PIONEERS
NEXT SIX MONTHS