Page 6 - Bugle Spring 2023

1 RIFLES
LIVE FIRE TRAINING IN THE HEAT OF THE KENYAN BUSH
The end of October saw members of S
Coy deploy as the range team for the Rifle Companies’ final live fire training on Exercise ASKARI DELTA. The package was conducted in the Archer’s Post training area, a location known for its scorching temperatures and challenging terrain. The package involved two Company attacks, including an advance to clear through the day, followed by a night attack up the infamous ‘Whaleback’ high feature. Both offensive actions utilised an array of Support Company assets, including Pre-H hr mortars, a sniper pair, machine gun support and a Recce guiding team.
The PRT itself enabled the safe conduct
of the range and supported the attacks throughout. Careful preparation of the training package meant that the day and night attacks were conducted in as immersive manner as possible, and the twenty-strong S Company range team were worked around the clock to ensure that this was the case. The PRT were safety staff for not only the Rifle Companies, but also for the various Support groupings that
The 1RIFLES Battlegroup went to Kenya with the aspiration of modernising the deployed headquarters. Due to having
a smaller team we had an opportunity
to experiment with a smaller, more agile concept. We took inspiration from the work that 2RIFLES did when they were on ASKARI STORM in 2021 as well as advice from those who had worked with armour at 5RIFLES. We focussed on reducing emissions of all kinds, whether that be electronic, thermal, noise, or light. Using the innovation fund and business cases a number of civilian
off the shelf solutions were purchased. To decrease noise, power packs were used so that generators could be run less frequently. While effective, future testing of silent chemical generators would be recommended to complement these.
A deployable Wi-Fi box was purchased and was invaluable, both for keeping BHQ online when not in a tactical setting, (seemingly
a reality of a modern deployment), as well
as to deliver drone footage from the recce platoon back to BHQ. There, it was analysed and compressed by the J2 team before being distributed via ComBAT to the Companies. During the planning stage an 18x24 was set up
6 RIFLES The Bugle
S Coy provide range safety on the CALFEX
were part of each serial. The professionalism of the S Coy safety team resulted in a well- tested set of Rifle Companies who enjoyed a challenging and realistic LFTT package that was demanding for the newest Rifleman and Company Commander.
Capt Cam Sperrin Recce Pl Comd
well behind the FLOT, with the vehicles Zulu mustered away and turned off thus generating no emissions. Then, during the execute phase, FFRs would reverse into a tight rectangle (six in Main and four in Step-Up), before being covered by thermal sheets and a cam net. When not in use this was rolled up complete and secured to the roof of one vehicle, it could be deployed to cover the HQ in a matter of minutes.
Arduous LFTT at Archer’s Post
Archer’s Post training area, a location known for its scorching temperatures and challenging terrain
To decrease noise, power packs were used
Future battlegroups looking to build on these concepts should experiment with silent generators, as well as new camouflage such as the SAAB barracuda net which was effectively deployed by Snipers and Recce. Capt P Dennison, RSO
MODERNISING BGHQ