Page 32 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

5 RIFLES
A Company Chosen Man 2021
In April A Company Riflemen competed in the first Chosen Man competition since the return to Battalion duties after Op CABRIT
7. Riflemen were assessed in a variety of infantry skills and appreciated the oppor- tunity to be professionally challenged and compete with their peers in the Company. The competition used creative training serials to test individuals in all areas, with an emphasis on marksmanship, naviga- tion, command tasks, military knowledge, physical robustness, and mental resilience.
The morning of day one presented the Riflemen with an opportunity to demonstrate their marksmanship skills in an operational shooting competition. The assessment consisted of 100m sprints back from the 400m point down to the 100m point, receiving a number of engagements at each interval
distance from different fire positions. Keeping a cool head throughout and maintaining a willingness to apply the marksmanship princi- ples into every shot; Rfn Saunderson achieved the best score for the shoot.
Under the watchful eye of the Battalion’s Physical Training Instructors, the next event incorporated elements of the Role Fitness Test. Making creative use of power bags, jerry cans and casualty drag bags, the Riflemen dug deep to tackle a gruelling CrossFit competi- tion course. The focus was rightly on quality repetitions, any lapse in form was met with the dreaded response ‘No Rep’ from the PTIs.
For the younger Riflemen in the Company, the next event presented an opportunity to not only show off their marksmanship skills, but to also learn a new skill in the form of a 25-meter rifle to pistol transition shoot. Many Riflemen not only surprised themselves, but also impressed their commanders by quickly learning the new skill and scoring the highest possible score of the shoot. This is to the credit of the instructors and impressive motivation of our young Riflemen to learn.
For the competition frontrunners, day three presented an opportunity for them to take on the role as Section Commander or Section 2IC for an Urban SIMunition exercise in Imber village. Offensive spirit and teamwork were key to success. The Sections were given
the objective of clearing part of the village, commanders formulating their own plans of attack, and executing them. Simulation and casualty serials brought an additional sense of realism to the exercise.
The Sword Lane holds a legendary status amongst all ranks of the regiment and is often considered the make-or-break point of any competition. The participant has no choice but to find the grit and determination to fight through, and true to form, the Riflemen did just that! In an outstanding display of controlled aggression, the Riflemen fought through eight enemy positions, up a hillside with swords fixed, being thrown straight into dealing with a BCD scenario; testing their ability to re-focus, control their emotions and triage the casualty.
Overall, it’s safe to say that all involved were challenged. In the end there could be only one winner. The final navigation exercise being
the decider, Rfn Saunderson from 2 Platoon narrowly seized victory, and was crowned the A Company Chosen Man of 2021.
Sjt Alexander, 2 Pl, A Coy
Rfn Saunderson, Winner of the
Cpl Cruise motivates
Rfn Lewis on the Sword Lane
The Sword Lane holds a legendary status amongst all ranks of the regiment and is often considered the make- or-break point
Determination was key during
the casualty extraction under fire
5 RIFLES A Coy Chosen Man Competition 2021