Page 21 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

3 RIFLES
3 RIFLES Bn Patrols Competition 2021
3 RIFLES Assault Pioneers deployed in January 21 on their annual Cadre, consisting of six weeks of varied training across three different locations.
Weeks one to three were based at Chickerell Barracks in Weymouth. This phase comprised of bridging, dry demolition training and minefield breaching. The platoon covered the infantry assault bridge and deployed on several small tactical exercises to establish the bridge at pace and under fire by day and night. They then moved onto minefield breaching, taught to them by Cpl Bramwell and Cpl Kirkland. This ended with a day and night breach exercise to confirm the Riflemen had understood their roles and the sequence of events to clear
a minefield. Finally, the Platoon refined their dry demolition skills in preparation for the live phase in the coming weeks. The second phase consisted of Bugle training where the
lads were taught basic levels of ceremonial duties, including basic drill and Regimental history. This was conducted by LCpl Bromwich and LCpl Fudge.
The culmination of all the Platoon’s training was the
Live Demolition Week held at Otterburn. All Riflemen were expected to complete the confidence charge and master
the Battle Simulation Lane. Each section was given a task to complete and had to accomplish a successful blow at the end of the day. The two charges used were strafing fire and mortar battle simulation, and both sections carried out successful detonations. We then moved onto introduction to breaching (EMOE). This consisted of different techniques to blow entry to buildings using cruciform, strip charges and improvised mouse hole charges. The Riflemen really enjoyed working in the urban environment and discussing innovative ways to improve EMOE.
CSjt Currie, AP Pl Comd
Ex CAIRN PATROL was the 3 RIFLES Bn Patrols competition in the Pentland
Hills which took place in late April. Each Company fielded as many teams as possible as to maximise participation at the lowest level. The section team who performed the best throughout the patrol was awarded ‘The Brownson Trophy’ by the Commanding Officer. Teams that were deemed suitable represent 3 RIFLES in the Bde Patrols Competition and also had the opportunity to enter Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL.
The aim of the competition was to use Infantry Patrol Skills developed and tested individual fieldcraft and JNCO leadership within the battalion. Patrol skills and actions assessed at section level included Physical Fitness, Navigation, Communication,
Estimate & Orders, Close Target Recce, Wet Gap Crossing, Patrol Report, Medical, AFV Recognition, Call for Fire, Mentoring of Partner Forces, Vehicle Recovery, CEO, CBRN, Section Offensive Action, SERE and Post Patrol de-brief. All these stands were assessed along a 40km route over the Pentand hills from Dunsyre to Dreghron Barracks using Scotland’s Troops
on Private Land (TOPL) and Castlelaw Training Area.
The route was extremely arduous, starting in the small Scottish border village of Dunsyre. The sections would be dropped off at the edge of the settlement and be forced to gain their bearings after an hour behind the cover of a TCV. After plotting their location, they moved
to the first stand only 500m away to set up an HF Radio and establish communication with EXCON. After that they moved through the first stage of the patrol which was less demanding than what was to come – rolling hills, farmland and reservoirs hiding the Partner Forces, CEO, AFV & CBRN stands.
From the CBRN stand the sections climbed up ‘The Mount’ and began to traverse along the Pentland Hills ridge line hitting the high point of Scald Law at 579m. From the windy cairn of Scald Law the sections descended towards the CTR stand at Turnhouse Hill over- looking the valley where enemy activity had been detected. After an hour in an OP under the watchful eye of a member of the Recce Platoon the section was given their next grid – a crossing point over Glecncorse Reservoir.
At this point the patrol was required
to conduct a Wet Gap Crossing (WGC) of 80m with all weapons and equipment. This required both physical & mental resilience, for even though it was now late April this is the Scottish Hills and the water is still very cold. Teams had to conduct this action tactically
with mutual fire support throughout. Some real leadership was shown when Section Commanders conducted the crossing as the first man, not only exposing themselves first to the icy water but also subjecting themselves to the inevitable wait on the away bank soaked through. Once all members of the section were across they conducted a patrol to the CSMs re-supply RV to conduct administration.
From the CSM’s RV the patrols moved to the vehicle recovery and medical stand that assessed their ability to solve a task and simultaneously treat causalities. After correctly treating the casualties and recovering the vehicles the section moved to the Coy CP to submit their patrol reports. The report was an effective way for the section to be assessed on their ability to assimilate and disseminate critical tactical information within the patrol.
After the Coy CP the Section was given the grid reference for a suspected enemy position to FIND and DESTROY. As they approached, they sighted the position and were directed
to Call for Fire in order to DISRUPT. After accurately calling fire on to the position they followed up with an attack to clear the position and gather intelligence. They were quickly moved on to the SERE stand where they were required to light a fire and boil water with only natural resources. Some managed to get the fire going and water boiled within 20-minutes which by the SERE instructor’s standards was very good.
Once they had boiled their last brew the patrol finished with the fitness stand. This was a simulated extraction of a casualty over 2km with an assault course at the end. After 48 hrs in the field with no sleep, moving over arduous terrain conducting a multitude of assessments this was a real test of grit and determination from within the section. The final stand finished in camp and the section were then taken through a final debrief, where although they were struggling to stay awake, they were asked to recall detailed information about the patrol and the overarching situation. After their debrief the sections were released back to their Coys for some well-earned R&R.
Ex CAIRN PATROL was a great leveller for all sections within the Battalion, to test infantry patrol skills and leadership in an arduous but controlled environment. Once all teams had completed the patrol and were safely back with their respective Coys the scores were consolidated overnight. The winning section from A Coy was awarded The Brownson Trophy by the Commanding Officer in front of the entire Battalion on a fine Friday morning before falling out for a Bank Holiday weekend.
RIFLES The Bugle 21
ASSAULT PIONEER CADRE 21