Page 10 - The Bugle Issue 12 Autumn 2016

FOREWORD
by General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen
There has been much emphasis on leadership within the Army following the launch of the new Army Leadership Code. This re ected a strongly held view that our leadership in barracks failed to meet the same standards that we espouse on operations. A prevalence of unacceptable behavior and a failure to show genuine care for soldiers are symptoms of a wider Army malaise. Rightly our Regiment has established an enviable reputation – but we cannot afford to be complacent. And as we approach our tenth anniversary it is right that we should re ect on the excellent start we have made, learn the right lessons and adapt as appro- priate.
I HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY PLEASED WITH THE IMPROVEMENT IN OUR SHOOTING
The publication of the Strategic Defence and Security Review at the end of 2015 built on the three core purposes that were set out in Army 2020. Namely a combat ready and adaptable Army prepared for current and future contingencies; an Army persistently engaged overseas to under- stand and shape, to deter and protect, and to enhance national prosperity; and an Army engaged and connected positively at home, contributing to national security, and assuring its own enduring resilience.
These purposes provide the framework in which the Regiment’s ve pillars: Regulars, Reserves, Cadets, Associations and Communities have a signi cant role to play. The SDSR also opened up new roles that will lead to some reorganisation within the Infantry. The new STRIKE capability, based principally on AJAX and a new mechanised infantry vehicle, as well as the Specialised Infantry Battalions that are designed for overseas engagement, provide exciting opportunities for the Regiment.
In 2016 all seven battalions have played an important part through a combination of collective training, deterrence and reassurance activity in support of the NATO Readiness Action Plan; the provision of capacity building and training teams in support of indigenous forces throughout the world; and as a contingent capability in support of UK national resilience and community engagement at home.
As I write both 1 and 4 RIFLES are deployed supporting Iraqi forces as they strive to retake Mosul from Daesh; 2 RIFLES is preparing a company for UN operations in East Africa and its Headquarters and other companies for the Middle East; 3 RIFLES is entering its busy training period having deployed on operations last year; and 5 RIFLES, recently relocated to Bulford from Paderborn, is at readiness for UK resilience on Operation TEMPERER and will be the rst battalion deployed to Estonia as part of NATO Enhanced Forward Presence.
Reserve Ri emen have made a signi cant contri- bution as an exemplar of the ‘integrated Army’ envisaged in Army 2020. The pairing mechanism between 1 and 6 RIFLES, together with 2 and 7 RIFLES, is setting the benchmark for others to follow – notably with unprecedented numbers taking part in the major training activities on Salisbury Plain in 2015 and Kenya in 2016. Both 6 and 7 RIFLES have been deployed constructively in defence engagement activity in the Caucasus and Africa and by reinforcing Regular battalions when required and supporting our regimental communities and cadets.
I have been particularly pleased with the improvement in our shooting and the role 4 RIFLES has played in corralling talent in Aldershot. The results speak for themselves, with 4 RIFLES being placed 5th at Bisley this year, 2 RIFLES having a strong team too and 11 Ri emen overall shooting in the Army Hundred. However, these are just the rst steps in restoring our shooting reputation as it remains the case that we are a long way behind the Brigade of Gurkhas who continue to provide 90% of
8 FOREWORD
THE RIFLES