Page 52 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

FCOY RIFLES
Members of F Company enjoying
the return to in person-training
F (RIFLES) COMPANY
For the Riflemen of F Company, 2021 started with the return of virtual training. Never- theless, COVID secure courses were being delivered by ITC Catterick and the Infantry Battle School.
At Catterick, Rfn Boughton, and Rfn Dale successfully completed their Combat Infantry- man’s Course (CIC) and are already proving to be dependable members of the company.
Meanwhile, all four members of the company who attended SCBC in January passed what may be considered the hardest
Brecon course. They successfully completed a course, which is hard at the best of times, in sub-zero and snowy conditions with the added test of administrating themselves from a barn for the duration of their time there due to COVID 19 restrictions. A huge congratula- tions to Cpl Cross, Cpl Smith, Cpl English and Cpl Mitchell and their subsequent promotions.
As we entered Spring, in-person training resumed alongside a concerted effort to maximise the number of Riflemen who qualified for their Certificate of Efficiency. MATT
lessons were delivered and the Coy had a successful range day at Longmoor in prepara- tion for the Battalion ACMT at Bulford Ranges. In total, 39 members of F Company qualified for their bounty, an increase on previous years and a testament to the dedication of the members of the company during a difficult training year.
The new training year has started with
a focus on our OBUA skills, with our new Section Commanders using the skills they learned at IBS to deliver high quality lessons to the rest of the company on the most current close-quarter battle (CQB) techniques. This culminated in a Company weekend on Salisbury Plain, implementing these learnings in a compound clearance exercise.
The Company also performed well at the London Regiment’s section patrol competition with the team lead by LCpl Male placing a respectable second, beating guest competitors from the Grenadier Guards. The competition finished with a visit from HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, which was the highlight for many on a very wet weekend.
As we enter the second half of the year, the company continues build-up training for a Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT) package on our annual camp in the Autumn, and to compete in a platoon level patrols competition over the summer.
Despite the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the Riflemen continue to develop, improve and reach for new heights. This is
the result of their hard work, and that of the permanent staff who support us – particular thanks goes to Colour Sergeant Stubbs (Irish Guards), who has been a great asset to the Company as our SPSI and we all wish him well on his return to his Battalion.
Despite the ongoing effects
of the pandemic, the Riflemen continue to develop, improve and reach for new heights
52 RIFLES The Bugle
Putting our OBUA skills to the
test at Copehill Down