Page 25 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

3RIFLES
An early morning dip
At the end of September 2019 around 100 chosen men from across the regiment arrived at a particularly bleak-looking Otterburn Training Area. They were about to face six of their most challenging weeks as Riflemen. An Infantry Potential NCO cadre
is designed to equip our most talented Riflemen with the skills they need to become junior NCOs, whilst proving their ability to lead under demanding circumstances.
Those potential NCOs expecting a purely physical thrashing were surprised to find themselves putting in long hours in the classroom receiving their first exposure to the Command, Leadership and Management (CLM) programme. This included discussions over leadership styles, ethics, and diversity and inclusion.
The focus then shifted towards the field skills expected of RIFLES JNCOs. An intensive navigation package culminated in tough individual day and night navigation exercises. Riflemen were further challenged with an introduction to the combat estimate and orders process, which they would later be required to master in the field. Additionally,
a brief from Brig James Martin, Comd 1 (AI) Bde, on his expectations for JNCOs within the STRIKE brigade was both eye-opening and enthusing. For those looking further ahead, meeting a Rifleman now serving with UKSF was a highlight.
Ultimately though,
an NCO cadre is a field course. Starting abruptly with a meaty insertion tab, and then building from section, through platoon and into company light role oper- ations, the 10-day final exercise was gruelling. Otterburn’s striking terrain features were used to full effect,
from the rivers to the crags and the open moorland in between.
The final action saw the students insert under cover of darkness and restrictive EMCON, before a further night move took them into a five-hour, uphill, non-stop company attack, culminating in two simultaneous platoon assaults on rocky outcrops to capture the enemy ‘commander.’
The cadre concluded with a move to Barry Buddon for students to earn their M and K range qualifications, allowing them to deliver blank and live fire training to the Riflemen and a crash course in The Rifles’ least favourite activity – drill. Of course, there was still time for a gruelling sword lane supported by the bangs and bugles of 3 RIFLES Assault Pioneer platoon.
By this stage, the rigours of the course left 58 now battle- hardened Riflemen
By this stage, the rigours
of the course left 58 now battle-hardened Rfn standing on Dreghorn square ready to pass off. The parade was inspected and addressed by Rifleman Brig Tom Bewick, who presented the Kirkness Cane to the top student. The cane is given in memory of LCpl Kirkness, of 3 RIFLES, who was killed in action in Afghanistan, to the top student on every 3 RIFLES NCO Cadre. This time it was awarded to Rfn (now LCpl) Boulter.
Those JNCOs who doubled off the square had all shown tremendous grit and determina- tion to get there, and their leadership potential was tangible throughout. In their hands, the future of our Riflemen looks bright.
RIFLES The Bugle 25
JNCO CADRE
Maj King offers some friendly advice before the sword lane