Page 50 - Bugle Spring 2023

8 RIFLES
HOMELAND
RESILIENCE
PILOT
In November, a significant contingent of 8 RIFLES mobilised and deployed to Doncaster as the unit lead a Homeland Resilience (HR) Pilot. This aimed to test whether the Army Reserve can provide aid to the UK civil authorities. Overall, the weekend was a complete success, with Battalion Headquarters (BHQ) proving the concept of a Reserve led HQ contributing to HR operations and the main body demonstrating how a composite unit made from 8 RIFLES, QOY, RLC and 5RRF could integrate and complete mission-specific training at short notice. Notably, the process of mobilisation and demobilisation of the main body, as well as their ability to mobilise and deploy in strength at short notice, highlighted the utility, flexibility, and efficacy of reservist personnel in an HR role.
The weekend was split into two streams; site recces of flood risk areas and a tabletop exercise to simulate a flood response for BHQ; and a package
of training of airwave radio and flood barrier construction for the remainder. BHQ initially made a visit to Doncaster City Council’s emergency ops room to meet key personalities and to get an understanding of civilian planning and response processes. This was followed by visits to likely flooding sites to get an idea of where troops would be deployed in the event of actual flooding. This culminated in a tabletop exercise, overseen by the Joint Regional Liaison Officers for the area, intended to test BHQ personnel in planning a well-coordinated response
to a civil emergency. This Pilot has set
8 RIFLES in good stead to contribute to HR and Military Aid to the Civil Authority (MACA) taskings in the future, with other elements of 4 Light Brigade Combat Team. 2Lt Dufty
50 RIFLES The Bugle
Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL Bronze
Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL is the premier patrols competition in NATO. It requires soldiers to patrol 60 - 70 kms between tactical stands over the Black Mountains of Wales with over 40kg. At the beginning of October, a team from D Company joined a team from the Queen’s Own Yeomanry (QOY) for a two-week selection and preparation course at Fox Barracks, Chester.
The Patrols Camp had three phases, ‘Foundation Phase’ (meeting the Start State / Assurance), ‘Hills Phase’ (confirming physical fitness and mental robustness) and ‘Skills Phase’ (rehearsals for likely stands and tasks). While the days were long, ‘PATROLS CAMP’ was very different to how many thought it would be. Put simply, it was not a “thrash-fest”. Maj Eadon (D Company) and SSgt Blackburn (QOY), the Directing Staff, have both completed Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL numerous times
The weather was abysmal for the first thirty-five hours, but morale remained high
and know what is required to succeed. The methodology and hard work paid off!
From stepping off the minibus for the
initial kit check, through to patrolling those final few kilometres to the debrief at the third sunrise, we collected some impressive scores including a perfect score on the Kit Check and “the best set of orders seen from a reserve team, better than most regular Battalions too”. The weather was abysmal for the first thirty- five hours, but morale remained high. Although we had set off with hopes and ambitions of what result we might achieve, once things
got painful, we realised what an achievement simply finishing as a complete team would
be. Regardless, we achieved a Bronze Medal. Whilst proud of this achievement, we are excited to have set a foundation for 8 RIFLES to build upon next year.
Rfn Mercer
Ex SANTA BUGLE
As another year came to an end, 8 RIFLES came together to celebrate. Saturday morning started with a gruelling combat PT session on snowy ground to test individuals and teams around an arduous course, followed by a football and pool competition. Once we had warmed up, it was time for the Christmas meal served by some outstanding waiters and waitresses in very fetching jumpers. Once our bellies were full, we moved to a hall for a raffle to win prizes including a 55” smart TV, laptop, Jetboils and much more. As the drinks flowed it was time for a few skits, laughs and merriment until it was time to call it a night. The following morning involved a few briefs on what we had achieved throughout the year and what to look forward to in 2023. The whole weekend was enjoyed by all.
Cpl Neary
Earning Christmas dinner