Page 47 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

8 RIFLES
Tired of the same old skills house to practice your drills? Bored of not having brand
new cars to practice vehicle checkpoint scenarios? Why not try your local Police Tactical Training Centre!
With training estate at a premium in the post lockdown world that 8 RIFLES found
itself in, but with a requirement to complete some training in the Urban Environment, the Durham and Cleveland Police Tactical Training Centre (TCC) provided just what they needed. With facilities that include an indoor range, judgmental training suite, SIMunition lanes, cars, busses, and plenty of skills houses, it was the perfect solution to a persistent problem.
Members of 8 RIFLES arrived at the centre at around 0800 on an overcast Saturday morning, greeted by a mix of military and police instructors to allow for maximum training value. Once off the transport and briefed about safety, they entered a round robin of stands which aimed to improve everything from Close Quarters Battle skills (CQB) to judgement and command. Operating in the Urban Environment presents unique challenges and this training was designed
to build and test skills unique to it. Building clearance, methods of entry, cordons, search, dissimilar weapons and CBQ were all taught in vibrant and interesting ways, unitising the resources unique to this new location. The training was well received, with all ranks enthused by something different and exciting.
Sunday began early, and with battle prep. Once the move was made to the TCC, the now Platoon sized groupings were put to the
Judgemental Training
Building clearance, methods of entry, cordons, search, dissimilar weapons and CBQ were all taught
True Urban Chaos
test on everything they had learnt
the previous day. Clearing a building, conducting a VCP and then finally dealing with an improvised explosive device confirmed their skills from the previous day and gave them a high to end the weekend on.
Overall, the use of some innovative training ground was a welcome change, and a great way to kick off training again after lockdown. What better way to shake off the cobwebs than with some new challenges!
Capt Gavin Knox, 8 RIFLES Adjt
DON’T LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE – CLAIM WHAT YOU ARE OWED!
• Claim for tax relief on travel costs for commutes home
• Been on a posting for roughly
2 years or less since April 2017?
• We have claimed over £10 million over the past 4 years!
Three easy ways to apply...
Apply online in minutes at www.forces-money.co.uk
Call us at 01179 862489 and we can take your application over the phone
Email us with a good time for us to call you back at customerservice@forces-money.co.uk
www.forces-money.co.uk
RIFLES The Bugle 47
EX URBAN BUGLE