Page 26 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

4 RIFLES
A COY PREPARE
FOR OPERATIONS
After a long and dispersed contingency cycle, A Coy have hit the training cycle running. The Integrated Review announce- ment has stimulated Riflemen of all ranks to prepare for the new Ranger role and upcoming opportunities.
The Specialised Infantry Cadre (SIC) kicked off the training cycle for A Coy and was the first one open to all arms. It saw prospective Spec Inf candidates undergo a two-week assessment delving into their character, adaptability, cultural awareness, and soldiering skills. Candidates completed various physical and basic soldiering assessments as well
as language aptitude, verbal and non-verbal reasoning and interviews. Assessments complete, candidates progressed to the ‘green’ phase beginning with battle PT, day and
night navigation and a team level estimate in preparation for a deployment into a contested region.
The deployment began with a 24-hour observation post (OP) to understand Violent Extremist Organisations (VEOs) and criminal activity along a key main supply route, before stepping off on patrol. The patrol route was 76 kilometres over Salisbury Plain and this was interspersed with various stands based on likely scenarios that could be faced on opera- tions, such as key leader engagement, partner force development, vehicle check points and host nation dispute resolution. Each stand was well resourced with actors, providing the team with a constantly evolving battle picture, giving them plenty
of ammunition for the back brief
at the end. The back brief was delivered by
all members of the team (Rifleman – Captain) and outlined key recommendations to inform the wider deployment, forcing candidates to think bigger than the tactical problem – a key requirement of Specialised Infantry. Despite sore feet, PT awaited candidates upon their return and for Colour Serjeants and Officers the much talked about Spec Inf Commanders’ interview. The cadre is steadily developing and continues to evolve to provide an increas- ingly rigorous assessment of candidates
from across the Army focusing on character assessment and an ability to think wider than the tactical problem.
Upon successful completion of the SIC, the company was reunited and began the training cycle and Coy Battle Craft syllabus (BCS).
The teams progressed from individual patrol and CQB skills to team and company actions. Each action required a full team estimate
and the production of a CONOP, briefed to the OC and CO. The Coy BCS training
culminated with a helicopter assault force (HAF) week in Thetford, utilising CH47s from 18 Squadron RAF, as well as several enablers from the Military Working Dogs, 47/3 Battery Royal Artillery and 2 Military Intelligence. The Coy conducted team night HAF raids before successfully conducting the first company level action at night with ground and air elements. The focus has now switched to the conceptual phase, with the Coy moving onto team and Coy level planning exercises, prior to deploying to the United States for two months to work alongside the Green Berets to develop the company’s unconventional warfare skills.
Excitement amongst A Coy is palpable with a healthy influx of new blood and a demanding and engaging training cycle. The outlook is bright, and A Coy are making the most of their training time before hopefully deploying on operations later this year.
Capt Tom Nelson
Team 4 Commander
26 RIFLES The Bugle
A Team from A Coy prepares to board
a CH-47 to
conduct a helicopter
assault force raid
The outlook
is bright, and A Coy are making the most of their training time
A 4 RIFLES soldier and one of the Green Beret exchange
SNCOs watches a CH-47 lift off to move to a target
By day and night.
A Coy hone their night time
helicopter assault force drills