Page 106 - Bugle Autumn 2014

G4 delivering the morale effect
Ex LION STAR 3
Commander 43(Wx) Bde Brig Piers Hankinson MBE visiting the final attack
D Company has been fortunate to say
the least in taking the lead as 6 RIFLES embarked on its second OTX to Cyprus
in the last two years, this time with the addition of a complete Rifle Platoon and elements of the Machine Gun (MG) Platoon from 1 RIFLES. Having
After settling into the spartan but functional accommodation at ‘Radio Sonde’ Camp in Cyprus there was an initial period of mandatory briefs and a chance for Company HQ to ‘shake out’, from the outset and throughout the exercise the
delivered one of the best lessons I have seen on Battle Prep and really engaged the Riflemen. While the Rifle Company spent the next two days living in the field working on Section and Platoon attacks the MG Platoon led by CSjt Adams and Sjt Bray had worked up its own training plan and was busy integrating a 50/50 mix from both Battalions. Strength in depth from Reservists led to a good exchange of knowledge in both directions.
With the cobwebs blown out, the Company group deployed on a 5 day FTX, the first challenge being how to move over 100 Riflemen. Once firm and with the Platoons busy trying to find the Peoples Army of Episkopi (PAE) the HQ started to get to grips with running a Company in the field. The first task involved a Company Advance to Contact in what proved to be close country, while the Rifle Platoons effectively engaged their objectives the MG Platoon
previously engaged in shared activities with
1 RIFLES this was
our first opportunity since formally being paired to work together and promised from
there was an initial period of mandatory briefs and a chance for Company HQ to ‘shake out’
Company had sole responsibility for its conduct in and out of camp which presented an ideal opportunity to stretch ourselves.
Training started with a day of low-level tactics in a series
the outset to be a
rewarding experience. During the obligatory hanging around at South Cerney Lt Nick Massey and Sjt Bray were introduced to the 6 RIFLES chain of command. This was also the first time the majority of the Battalion had met the members from E Company, with WO2 Villas doing the honours.
of stands provided by the Battalions Permanent Staff instructors (PSIs) who approached this by mentoring the Riflemen, which was both welcome and refreshing. The result was some excellent training
and everyone benefitted. Prior to this, RSM Stevens by way of introduction had
104 XXX
THE RIFLES