Page 31 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

5 RIFLES
D COMPANY PROVE THEY’RE TOP DOG
In January D Company deployed on Op CABRIT 7. With temperatures reaching -20˚C, combined with tough exercises, the Riflemen were already finding themselves challenged. As if this was not enough, a Winter Top Dog competition was thrown into the mix. Taking place on Soodla training area, this week-long competition allowed the Riflemen to show us who truly was Top Dog. The competition was a success, with everyone demonstrating their aptitude and perse- verance across all aspects of soldiering. There could however be only one top dog, and Rifleman Liddy earned himself this valuable accolade. Each aspect was expertly coordinated by NCOs who enabled the event to run smoothly.
Sjt Harris ran the Navigation stand where the Riflemen applied theoret- ical and practical skills to first plot grids, plan a route card, before being physically tested on the area. Cpl Frisby, the Coy Medic, ran the BCD serial which saw Riflemen thrown into a scenario involving a casualty with a gunshot wound. Under timed pressure, in the confined space of a BFA, and distracted by battlefield sounds, they were expected to apply life- saving treatment to the casualty before sending a MISTAT over the radio.
Cpl Easton ran a stand to test Weapon Handling. From within an OP the Riflemen had to assemble a GPMG and successfully engage targets to their front. On reports of armour approaching the Riflemen were then expected to utilise an NLAW, carrying out the correct drills, and engage an armoured vehicle moving towards them. Sjt Limsu ran the Armoured Vehicle Recognition stand and as an Armoured Battalion this skill is vital to our success on the battlefield. An OP was set up and Riflemen were expected to identify a range of vehicles with points being awarded for the type of vehicle, nationality, and main armament size.
SSgt Morrow ran the PT test where an aerobic conditioning workout was designed to test everyone’s lungs and mental strength. This was enough to test even the most well-seasoned athletes and the toughest dogs! Rifleman Liddy, the eventual Top Dog, grizzed out this beasting to come top. Military Knowledge focused on the core information the Riflemen need: battle drills, BCD, CBRN, and navigation. This concluded with a section on Regimental and Company history. The Briefing
stand tested the confidence, knowledge, and ability to engage with an audience. They delivered a 5-minute presentation on a topic of their choosing to Coy HQ. The breadth of interests was highly absorbing with Rifleman Wherrett impressing most.
Cpl Lawrence ran the Patrolling and Observation scenario. The Riflemen had to patrol through a tactical scenario where key enemy equipment was visible along with distractions from an Estonian national. At the end the Riflemen were expected to brief their section commander on intelligence gathered and deliver a full A-H of an enemy person described by the Estonian.
Finally, the Sword Lane where Cpl Case delivered an excellent scenario to truly test the Riflemen’s grit and determination. As Demo troop, the CO and RSM set the tone, showing what is fundamental to a Rifleman regard- less of rank. Then to the sound of GPMG fire, BATSIMs, barking Cpls, and of course a Bugler, the Riflemen proceeded to display the required courage and aggression to prove they deserved to be called “Dogs”.
Lt Bills, 13 Pl, D Coy
D Company, FIX SWORDS!
Shooting Team keep hitting the target
It’s been a tough six months for the RIFLES Shooting Team with many of
the regular competitions having been cancelled due to the global pandemic. The team has taken this within its stride with a gentle shift in focus and a slight change in direction to use this time to help improve the Regiment’s marks- manship ability. The target group we are aiming to bring on, especially with coaching, is mainly aimed at the junior commander level.
The team has broken down into smaller groupings and dispatched to numerous Battalions across the Regiment; tasks have included visiting The Rifles Training Team and mentoring new Riflemen as they pass out of Catterick, to coaching 3 UK Division HQ as they prepare for their annual assessments and future deployments.
The Shooting Team are available to visit Regular Battalions as per the Shooting Officer’s directive, this is something the team takes pride in organising and completing.
Although the team has been busy, it’s important to focus on personal training when we can. The end of April saw us conducting some much-needed warm weather training out in Cyprus. The team stayed in Dhekelia and was hosted by
the PWRR. The two-week break allowed us the use of intense ranges and some much well-deserved beach time. Once back, focus for a few members of the team has switched to the 3 UK Division Sniper Competition in July. If the pair is placed, we will qualify for the Tri Service Competition. Concurrently the rest of the team will be focusing on a week training 3 RIFLES.
Even though COVID has disrupted this year’s attempt at Bisley, we have remained in high spirits and we will be in a better position for the 2022 Operational Shooting season, hopefully bringing more silverware home for the Regiment.
LCpl Eggett, RIFLES Shooting Team
Rfn Gurung conducting
Cpl Stanton & Cpl Davies
training for the Sniper Competition
some warm weather training
RIFLES The Bugle 31