Page 41 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

7 RIFLES
role capabilities including battle lessons and battle exercises in FIWAF, dismounted platoon attacks, machine gun and anti-tank capability stands, as well as a battle PT session – a ‘deconstructed’ SCR to gauge fitness levels across the battalion.
The success of the exercise hinged on
the co-operation of B Company, 5 RIFLES, to whom we are extremely grateful. The pairing is a mutually beneficial one: as a Reserve battalion 7 RIFLES is ready to backfill and support our Regular counterparts on exercises and operations and in turn, 5 RIFLES provides us with opportunities to conduct ever more realistic and challenging training. Our working relationship with 5 RIFLES and 20 Brigade provides Riflemen of all ranks with a wealth of
opportunities, most recently on OP CABRIT 7, reaching into the future.
Our unique Regimental characteristics enable this symbiotic relationship, which
is crucial to maintaining and developing 7 RIFLES’ effectiveness as a reserve battalion. This bond was noted by the visiting Brigadier Harrington – Deputy Commander 3XX – to whom we demonstrated the capabilities of
a professional Reserve battalion working in harmony with their Regular counterparts. It was interesting to hear the viewpoints of both a senior Reservist officer and Regular infan- teers on the possibilities for the Army Reserve Infantry as the Army transitions from Warrior to Boxer in the coming years.
Given the number of trained Warrior AFV
drivers, gunners and commanders in 5 RIFLES, and the relatively limited scope for Reservists to gain and maintain competency to crew
and command, 7 RIFLES’ role has traditionally been to provide Warrior dismounts. But, as
we transition to Boxer, we are hopeful that its prospective armament and wheeled nature prove a lower barrier to entry for Reservist crews, if not commanders. Daring to go one step further, we expect that a Reserve battalion that is armoured infantry trained, rather than ‘AI familiar’ will provide great ‘bang for buck’ utility and capability as the British Army reconfigures.
We hope for future opportunities for greater interoperability and integration, and we trust that, at the lower levels at least, our ability to contribute and play our part was demon- strated on Exercise Baltic Strike.
2Lt Harry Coulson,
19 Platoon, G Coy, 7 RIFLES
We expect that a Reserve battalion that is armoured infantry trained, will provide great ‘bang for buck’
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