Page 24 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

4 RIFLES
Significant Events
• A 6-month exchange with US Green Berets. This is built on
4 RIFLES’ working relationship which is growing stronger and improves our understanding and interoperability with our US Allies.
• Ex BOLD LEGION. 4 RIFLES hosted a team of US Green Berets to conduct a joint exercise which included tactical planning and actions, climbing and exercise Fan Dance.
• Prime Minister’s Visit. Amongst several other high-profile visits, including the General Officer Commanding 6th Division and Commander Field Army, we had the privilege of hosting the Prime Minister for a morning during Armed Forces week where we showcased our Riflemen and what they have been doing whilst training and on operations.
• Unconventional Warfare Exercise 21-1. This exercise picks up where the last unconventional warfare exercise left off. 4 RIFLES will deploy a Special Operations Task Group to the US to work alongside our Green Beret counterparts.
• Exercise APOLLO’S SABRE. This will be the first UK-based operational partnering exercise. It will take place November 2021.
• Transition to Rangers. The Inte- grated Review has announced that the units serving under the Specialised Infantry Group will transition to a new role.
24 RIFLES The Bugle
4 RIFLES exchange LOs integrate with US ODA medical assets,
as well as working with other US SOF capabilities
In April 2021, Serjeant Francis and Captain Unwin from Team 6, B Company deployed on an unconventional task on the Specialised Infantry Group’s operations cycle. The Liaison officers (LOs) were sent to Fort Campbell, on the Kentucky/ Tennessee border, USA, as part of an exchange with the Green Berets. The Green Berets are United States’ Special Forces specialists in military assistance and unconventional warfare. They are the market leaders in the style of soldiering we are developing as we move forward into the Ranger role.
The main purpose of the exchange was to assist in planning and organising a complex and challenging unconventional warfare exercise for A Coy, 4 RIFLES, taking place in Texas in August. The second purpose was to learn from the Green
Berets to help develop 4 RIFLES in its role as a Specialised Infantry Battalion and for the future re-role to Rangers. Our focus on delivering effect through operational partners and structure of 12-man teams of soldiers is inspired by the operational successes of the Green Berets during the Vietnam War.
After completing the mandatory isolation, we have thrown ourselves into the world of US Special Operations. The first day out of isolation we integrated with the teams. This instantly posed an interesting training event rarely
faced by Riflemen
serving in the British
Army. The Green Berets decided the
best way to welcome us was to take us Helicasting. This insertion method consists of jumping off the back of a Chinook while it
The Green Berets decided the best way to welcome us was to take us Helicasting
Welcome to the US – day one out of isolation
LAST SIX MONTHS
B COMPANY ON EXCHANGE WITH THE US GREEN BERETS
NEXT SIX MONTHS