Page 33 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

5 RIFLES
Recce, Sniper and Anti-tank Platoons were presented numerous opportunities to test their marksmanship on a variety of weapon systems over the course of Op CABRIT 7. These ranged from the humble SA80 to the battle-winning Javelin ATGW. Not only were these ranges conducted on a multitude of platforms, but across borders throughout the Baltic in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Snipers and Recce pushed the capability
of their fighting equipment to the test through a series of demanding and intricately planned ranges, including serials firing through
car windscreens and on Observation Post extractions. These were aided and abetted by the employment of short-range drones, and extensive demolitions from the Assault Pioneer Platoon.
Anti-tanks are enjoying a period of plenty when it comes to firing missiles. They had great success with acquiring and utilising both Javelin and NLAW in theatre, even generously offering opportunities to the Rifle Companies. The sight of either weapon system firing is genuinely impressive – fortunately
not on the receiving end. You can see the
Anti-Tank Platoon come alive with savage glee when firing their signature equipment. Using a mixture of old cars and iso containers as targets, the destruction they wrought was a credit to the accuracy of both the firers and weapons.
Warrior was also put through its paces on exercise in Latvia. As remarkable as firing a rifle out of a burned-out car, or launching a Javelin missile is, there is something special about the
lethal accuracy and range of a 30mm cannon. Despite their age, in the hands of a capable gunner and commander, they can punch through targets as well as they ever could and they proved their reliability once again in Latvia.
An awesome period of time for ISTAR when it comes to live firing, these were but a few examples of the great training opportunities available on Op CABRIT and in the Baltics. Capt Smith, Recce Pl
Sniper Platoon take aim
with their L129A1 Sharpshooter Rifles
The Anti-Tank Platoon come alive with savage glee when firing
Welfare: Taking care of the team
After a long and difficult seven-month
tour with no R and R the Battalion has finally returned from Estonia. All members of the Battlegroup have spent time with their families and have enjoyed some well-earned post operational leave. As
the country starts the road map to come out of the global pandemic the battalion continues their busy timetable in preparing for the next military training event in Castlemartin Ranges, Wales.
In Welfare we are planning on conducting events that bring soldiers and the families together. Since the return from Estonia we have had a royal visit from HRH Duchess of Cornwall, where HRH came and presented LSGC medals to our Riflemen. HRH also met with other members of the Battalion to thank them for their service on Op CABRIT 7, and for keeping things going on the Rear Operations Group. Several of our families also had the privilege to speak with HRH, who asked about the difficulties that the families faced while the soldiers were
deployed with the restrictions that were in place throughout lockdown.
As we move forward the
Welfare team continue to try
and provide exciting trips.
We have managed to use
the Families Welfare Grant to
secure tickets for the families
to go to Harry Potter World, this
has gone down very well with
the children (and some parents
too). As coffee mornings start to return
and plans look forward to the summer, the families and soldiers are glad to see the back of a very difficult year. Everyone is looking forward to getting back together, socialising and enjoying time spent with friends and families which has been absent over the last 12 months. The next event in the calendar is the Salamanca Day where all our Rifleman and families get together to celebrate our Regimental Day.
Capt Duggan, Unit Welfare Officer
Welfare team continue to try and provide exciting trips
The Murray family enjoying the Harry Potter World trip
RIFLES The Bugle 33
FIRE SUPPORT PLATOON BRING THE HEAT