Page 7 - Bugle Spring 2023

1 RIFLES
As part of the Battalion’s deployment to Kenya, each Rifle Company had a ten-day exercise called ASKARI WARRIOR where they had the time, space and resources to train their sections and platoons. The aim was to cement the basics before moving to the company and battlegroup level with the added complexity and challenges
that brings. Each Company deployed to Ol Doinyo Lemboro (ODL), a spectacular piece of Kenyan Savanna reminiscent of a superb touristy postcard and shared it with the various local wildlife made famous by the opening scene of The Lion King.
Once established, the JNCOs got straight
to work training their sections, focusing on attack lanes and various patrol actions. The company was fortunate to be supported by the Ravenswood TES system that allowed for five days of section level force on force. The terrain was incredible; the combination of thick scrub and deep wadis, made for incredibly realistic but challenging training where every poor
fire position, or ill aimed shot was punished, gleefully, by the opposing section. Each action generated bragging rights to the victor which stimulated a healthy inter section rivalry and fuelled a thirsty desire to improve and win next time around.
With the blank firing done the training transitioned to Live Fire Tactical Training. Ably planned and delivered by the platoon HQs, some of the section and platoon attack lanes were the best ranges the SASC had
ever seen. Ex ASKARI WARRIOR culminated with platoon attacks by night with no illum. It was a pleasure to watch Riflemen confidently engaging and fighting through positions with zero ambient light, but as fluently as if it was daytime. The standard that the Riflemen got to during the ten-day package was testament to the quality and efforts of the JNCOs and platoon HQs. Ultimately, this excellent training opportunity made the sections and platoons razor sharp and laid the strong foundation for the Company’s success later in the exercise. Maj Rhys Jones
OC A Company
The standard that the Riflemen got to was testament to the
LFTT in Ex ASKARI WARRIOR, ably planned and delivered by platoon HQs
quality and efforts of the JNCOs and platoon HQs
Capt Bills and Sjt Poole wonder how to move the elephants off the range
A Coy conduct sword point of aim shoot
RIFLES The Bugle 7
A COY WARRIOR