Page 21 - The Bugle Issue 12 Autumn 2016

brance weekend and a growing number of Ri emen standing side to side at the many parades across our communities. The strong showing at the Swift and Bold Concert in the Albert Hall and at Horse Guards Parade this year must be built upon, with RIFLES Gatherings becoming events we must all look forward to. The RHQ Regional and County Secretaries are the people to talk to about such opportunities as they pertain to respective areas.
Underpinning these aforementioned pillars are our Regimental communities on which our sustainability depends and of which we are so proud to belong. Nearly 10 years of campaigning in Iraq and Afghan- istan and an ever-busy Army programme has meant that we have depended upon a remarkable set of retired Ri emen and hugely supportive communities whenever there was a need. There will always be a need for this and so I urge any willing Ri emen to speak to their respective RIFLES Regional/County Secretary to see whether then can help in any way. In parallel with this and now that the Regiment is more mature, with four of its Regular Battalions based in mainland UK, the RIFLES Council has directed that our Reserve elements take the lead for
supporting our local communities and a more formal linking of our Regular Battalions/Companies to our cities and counties. This makes sense as the Army is becoming more stable, although it is stressed that the link to our communities are as a whole Regiment and not a parochial one to any local element.
What the ve pillars of The Ri es have achieved since formation in
2007 has been truly
remarkable. But it
is our very nature
to never rest easy.
We must therefore welcome and be ready, at attention as always
in the coming year because change is inevi- table and with change comes great opportunity for those that embrace it. Lieutenant Colonel
PJA Balls OBE
RIFLES Lieutenant Colonel, Headquarters Infantry
WHAT THE FIVE PILLARS OF THE RIFLES HAVE ACHIEVED SINCE FORMATION IN 2007 HAS BEEN TRULY REMARKABLE
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THE RIFLES
REGIMENTAL UPDATE 19