Page 17 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

2 RIFLES EARNING A PLACE IN
RECCE
The 2 RIFLES Recce Pl Cadre took place between April and May 2021. Many of the students, including me, came on to the cadre with limited experience of recce and the tasks that come with it.
The cadre pushed all the students; with individuals in the Recce Pl needing to be the ‘thinking, fighting Riflemen’ to the Nth degree. We spent time in the classroom and in the field developing our navigation, live firing and knowledge of recce. We learnt that in short, our job is to enable the battle group; to prevent the CO from being surprised and to give him the information he needs to plan for success.
Highlights were the live firing week and the Final Exercise. The 10-day Final Exercise in Otterburn Training Area was arduous
but enjoyable. We learnt how to work with other assets including Snipers and Anti-Tank Platoons. We were tested on our ability to find and understand the enemy without being seen, on passing our assessments back to the Commanding Officer and on surviving in tough weather conditions. Every individual in the Platoon has earnt their place, and we are ready for everything Ex ASKARI STORM has to throw at us.
LCpl Woods, Top Student
Every individual in the Platoon has earnt their place
RIFLES The Bugle 17
Ex WINTER SOLDIER, B Coy
Ex WINTER SOLDIER was our first company run out after lockdown and the Battalion re-ORBAT; a good chance for every Rifleman to brush off the cobwebs and get to properly know each other in the field!
We began with a NAVEX, which required Riflemen to navigate between points over unfamiliar terrain day and night. Our next focus was obstacle crossings: an action we have sought to refine in our preparation for Ex ASKARI STORM. We began a slow time walk-through-talk-through of obstacle crossings, culminating in a well-rehearsed and polished product with SOPs we have taken forward.
At this point sections had bonded to form a strong groups of Riflemen. It was imperative this happened before we moved into Section and Platoon attacks by day and night; our bread and butter. The terrain we were fighting over was challenging,
meaning everyone had to be on top of their game.
After occupying our home away from home (the harbour) we spent the night on lessons on harbour discipline, duties of a sentry and revision of trip flares. Following our night out in the field with little sleep, we were thrown into an obstacle course. Riflemen were expected to dig deep and helped and motivated each other. This really helped in forming bonds between newly formed sections and platoons.
The exercise culminated in a night platoon attack. Our skills and drills needed to be at the highest standard. The final attack had free-thinking enemy who were out to disrupt us as much as possible,
therefore light and noise discipline was paramount. After receiving orders from our Section Commanders, we began the deliberate attack. Cover was provided
by a conveniently placed river which meant nearly all sections were soaked by the end. Controlled aggression and fighting spirit meant that the attack was a success. End result: 7 Pl definitely feels it has blown away the cobwebs!
Rfn Buckley and Rfn Dare
The terrain we were fighting over was challenging, meaning everyone had to be on top of their game.