Page 38 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

6 RIFLES
THE RIFLEMEN ARE PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES!
When the 6 RIFLES rear operations group deployed on Ex CHOSEN MAN it was an uncharacteristically bright morning for Devon in late April. The exercise saw a return to green training for the battalion and afforded the Riflemen a chance to practice low level battlecraft skills whilst being assessed in
a competitive environment. The exercise involved a series of assessments and battle exercises over a demanding 36-hour period that was enjoyed by all. Most assessments were conducted on Dartmoor Training Area and centred around Okehampton Camp.
Ex CHOSEN MAN was a long time in the planning. With shaping activity starting once the main body of battalion deployed to Cyprus the aspiration was to run a section level patrol competition.
The Riflemen deployed from Coy locations on the Friday evening, arriving at Okehampton Camp late and raring to go. After an early breakfast, the exercising troops were released at 15-minute intervals and given eight hours
to complete a series of arduous stands that had been designed as a real test of individual military capability. Eventually the Riflemen returned to Okehampton for a quick meal before the night-time activities commenced. They re-deployed after last light on a lengthy NAVEX that built on the navigation skills that had been developed during the day. After another early rouse, the Riflemen found themselves on a challenging PT session which included three separate serials; a best effort run with CEFO followed by a gruelling ‘river circuit’ that involved plenty of time ‘on the belt
A squat, lunge and burpee stand that left lower limbs feeling like they were about to drop off!
I’m up, he’s seen me, I’m down!
buckle’ and a squat, lunge and burpee stand that left lower limbs feeling like they were about to drop off! The final physical activity was another best effort, this time in sections and finishing back in camp. This leaderless command task allowed the DS to assess which Riflemen went above and beyond, by pushing themselves and by motivating others.
Rfn Dean Gray (A Company) finished top of the leader board and was selected as the Chosen Man for 2021, an outstanding achievement given that he only finished CIC six months ago!
Capt Dan Braycotton
Standby... go! The Riflemen on Ex
CHOSEN MAN are put through their paces
XO Rear presents Rfn Gray with his award for winning the CHOSEN MAN competition
38 RIFLES The Bugle