Page 98 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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Assigned into the Battalion in June 21, this has been an extremely busy forecast with the main emphasis on Operational Readiness through Physical Development for the numerous Operations and Exercises that 3 RIFLES have deployed on. Op ORBITAL (Ukraine), Op AGORA (Poland), Op ESCALIN, Op TEMPERER and Op RESCRIPT, being the main deployments and the supporting Exercises including Ex SAVA STAR (Croatia), Ex WESSEX STORM, Ex TERMINUS STRIKE (UK Based Strike Ops) and Ex VANGUARD BUGLE have seen the Battalion travel far and wide in support of ongoing commitments.
Work aside, the Battalion has continued to compete and excel within various sporting events throughout the training year including BAWF, Football and Cross-Country; of which all teams achieved silverware and have ratified the importance of Sport within the Army and being the forefront of Battalion life. The BAWF Team has represented all events within the UK Scotland BAWF Competitions so far and with interest gaining traction, the Battalion has fielded a competitive male and female team that have excelled in all competitions thus far. With hosting Event 1 at 3 RIFLES, interest was at an all-time high resulting in both teams achieving outstanding podium places in both categories and with the Male Team on-course for a top 3 Regional League finish and ambitions of being selected for the Army BAWF Finals.
The Cross-Country Team, during the Tri-Service Scotland Cross- Country season, remains consistent as ever and with 3 RIFLES hosting League Race 3 over the Pentland Hills (the Battalion Training Area), the team are accustomed to the contours during Bn PT and achieved an impressive Event win by taking 1st and 2nd place respectively, with four finishers in the top 10.
The Football Team has made significant improvements during my tenure, moreover; competing at all Competitions that have been available including the Infantry 6’s, Infantry (Walter Tull) Challenge Cup, Army Major Units Challenge Cup and the UK Scotland / Northern Leagues competitions. Silverware was achieved in the Infantry 6’s and the team are currently top of the UK Northern League. Unfortunately, the team were narrowly beaten in both Challenge Cup Quarterfinals on Penalties. The Team has also seen numerous first team players selected for representation at Army U23 and Corps level; highlighting the exceptional talent that is on
Battalion BAWF Team
display within the Region. With life moving through COVID, the opportunity to conduct Overseas Sports Visits (OSVs) is hugely desirable with the Battalion organising a trip to Malta in the coming months.
With COVID-19 hugely impacting Boxing for a number of seasons, it was a relief for everyone when the green light was given for the Battalion to host an Inter-Company Boxing Event. The ASCB and England Boxing were able to provide the required Coaching and Refresher courses at Dreghorn Barracks; enabling the Company Teams to complete an arduous 6-week training camp prior to the Preliminaries and Main Event. The team is making excellent progress and are currently training to compete at the 1 Brigade Inter Unit Boxing Event, an Event that was last won by the Battalion and an accolade we intend to keep hold of.
3RD BATTALION THE RIFLES
SSgt (SSI) P Noble RAPTC
Battalion Sport: BAWF, Cross Country, Football & Boxing