Page 28 - The Bugle Issue 12 Autumn 2016

IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE THAT I CAN REPORT SIGNIFICANT RIFLES SUCCESS
Commandant’s Cup March and Shoot Competition
Taking place nine days before the recruits pass out of the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick, the Commandant’s Cup is the most prestigious single event of the Combat Infantryman’s Course. After six months training in their sections, the rivalry is erce, both within the platoons and across each multi-cap badge intake. It means bragging rights at the passing out parade and in the Corporal’s Mess.
The competition is divided into ve stages. First the recruit’s ability to prep for battle is con rmed by a kit check from the RSM. Next they march four miles with 25kg at 15 minute mile pace, followed by a two mile best effort as a section with 15kg plus weapon. They are then timed around the assault course before moving to the 25m range to conduct the shoot. The nal stage is a 1km casevac with a stretcher. At each stage the sections are timed or scored and then ranked, with their combined placing across the ve events giving the overall winner. It is a demanding event that tests the recruits mentally and physically, and also
relies on the leadership of the section
commander.
It is with great pride that I can
report signi cant Ri es success in this compe- tition. Over the last fourteen months, every single Commandant’s Cup involving Ri emen has been won by a Ri es section. Additionally, in ve of these eight competitions The Ri es have secured rst second and third place across an eight section intake.
This extraordinarily consistent run of success is down to the quality of our section commanders and the Ri es culture. Our recruits are not of a higher standard on arrival, and they conduct the same training programme over six months, yet the Ri emen thrive in this competition. The principle of collective identity, that all who serve in the Ri es are Ri emen regardless of rank, creates a more inclusive atmosphere in training and allows the recruits to prosper. Also, we encourage suitable informality and a good humoured rapport amongst all ranks. This environment produces motivated soldiers who want to succeed, both for their own professional pride and for their section commander,
who is idolised. To quote Sir John Moore, “this Regiment possesses an excellent spirit”, and it results in our domination of the Comman-
dant’s Cup at ITC Catterick.
Captain Ian Cullen, Ri es Company 2IC
26 XXX
THE RIFLES