Page 90 - The Bugle Issue 12 Autumn 2016

Anti-Tank Platoon
The Anti-Tank cadre formed up on 25 Apr with possible, the Lance Corporals were stretched
15 students from both 1 and 4 RIFLES. The four week training package was delivered out of Senny- bridge Camp and on the local Aldershot training areas. The basic aim of the cadre was to instruct both newly-promoted Lance Corporals and hopeful Ri emen in the duties of a Javelin Gunner. Where
to include duties of an Anti-Tank Detachment Commander. Here they would become masters of the Javelin Anti-Tank missile system, learn to recognise both NATO and former Warsaw Pact vehicles in detail and how to execute their Anti-Tank duties on operations. Any fears that the men may have had regarding the infamous Pen Y Fan were put to bed following a basic ‘Fan Dance’ exercise. This was designed to prove that aspect of IBS battle courses is well within their reach should they choose to attend those courses in the future. The training staff adopted a ‘train in, not select out’ attitude of mind and through their hard work and the diligence of the students, all 15 students passed. Some have moved straight to Support Company and the Anti-Tank Platoon. Others will spread the good word of Anti-Tanking amongst the Ri e Companies until spaces become available.
Support Company Cadres – Apr 16
The Support Company is a beast that needs an annual big feed. This year, the Reconnaissance Platoon, the Anti-Tank Platoon and the Mortar Platoon all conducted training cadres taking volunteers from the Ri e Companies and turning them into quali ed support weapon specialists.
Recce Platoon contact drills
THE INTENT OF THE CADRE WAS TO SELECT THE VERY BEST RIFLEMEN FROM ACROSS THE BATTALION TO JOIN THE CO’S PLATOON
Reconnaissance Platoon
Over the course of ve weeks, the Reconnaissance Cadre deployed to Salisbury Plain, Thetford and Brecon as part of a demanding training package. The intent of the cadre was to select the very best Ri emen from across the Battalion to join the CO’s Platoon. The training focus revolved around re-learning the basics incorporated into complex training serials including the employment of sub-surface observation posts, river crossings and extensive live ranges. The course was arduous in its nature with high levels of physical exertion and sleep deprivation across challenging terrain. At all times, the Ri emens’ conduct was expected to re ect the ethos of the platoon which is based on humility and sel ess commitment both to the mission and to their brother Ri emen. The six Recce Patrolmen who were selected on completion of the cadre rose to the challenge in all respects.
Mortar Platoon
The Mortar Platoon spent four weeks in Sennybridge to re-qualify the existing Platoon members and train in the new cohort of Ri emen for the Platoon. The training package consisted of intensive weapon handling training that taught new Ri emen on a new and complicated weapon system. In weeks three and four, they moved onto its tactical deployment in the light and mechanised roles within a dry exercise, before culminating in a four day live ring package. This saw the new Ri emen progress from the ring their rst round to fully tactical, complex night-time re-plans. Besides the mandatory training objectives, the cadre aimed to develop the mental and physical robustness of the Platoon. The basic mortarman’s kit weighs some 15 kg on top of their normal load. To test them, they completed obstacle courses and progressive heavy marches, all building up to the ‘Fan Dance’. The Platoon completed an arduous 22 km up and over Pen-y-Fan carrying mortar kit in the region of 35 kg in ve hours. The Platoon, now 90% manned, has bounced on to other successes and has recently won the 1 Armoured Infantry Brigade Mortar Concentration competition.
Maj Bob Sawers, OC S Company
88 FOURTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES