Page 30 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

Specialist Support to the Saudi Arabian National Guard
The ‘Other Tasks’ phase of the 4 RIFLES company rotation provides the opportunity to conduct interesting short term tasks, as well as catch-up on career courses and
low level training. In September 2019, Capt Blackmore was tasked to lead a five week deployment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with four snipers to deliver a marks- manship instructors package for the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG). The course developed the Saudi troops in tactical theory, field skills and marksmanship on the ranges using their 7.62 and .50 cal sniper rifles.
Based out of a house in Riyadh, the team worked hard on the task, developing skills with our Saudi partners over numerous hours in the dry heat of the Saudi ranges, matched only by the number of hours spent drinking tea and developing a close bond with the soldiers and officers they worked with. But the deployment came with many other opportunities, including chances to understand the local culture and explore the beautiful city of Riyadh, the desert and the surrounding historical sites. The team were exceptionally well looked after by the British Military Mission (BMM) in KSA, who endeavoured to ensure we had a good insight into ‘The Kingdom’ more broadly during our relatively short time in the country.
The Riflemen deployed on the task performed well as ever. At the centre of this deployment was rapport building, a skill we pride ourselves on at every level within the regiment; but is particularly important with the partner force of the Fourth Battalion. Pulling together a team from inside and outside the battalion and regiment was the first task, while
establishing a rapport with the National Guard soldiers and officers was one of the core roles of the instructors. As the team lead, developing the relationship with the higher echelons of the Saudi National Guard was of paramount importance. Measuring the success of these training tasks goes beyond capacity building; the defence engagement and contribution to our national relationship with Saudi Arabia are
integral. The success of this task showcased the nuanced approach that 4 RIFLES strives for at every rank; inter-personal skills, responsi- bility, professionalism and the ability to use initiative when deployed at reach in order to support an intent.
Capt Toby Blackmore
R Company
B COMPANY MEDALS PARADE
the event proved
a great opportunity for the Riflemen
On a frosty winter’s morning in November 2019, the Riflemen of B Company huddled outside the Corporals’ Mess with brews in hand and smocks firmly on in the winter chill. A murmur of wry laughter and reminis- cence of the final rehearsal of their Medals Ceremony rose faintly from the crowd.
The Company, for the first time in months, had gathered back together to welcome their families and friends to celebrate the end
of a busy operations cycle. The preceding 8-months had taken the company to four continents, over numerous deployments, short and long, to enduring and discreet UK overseas tasks.
30 RIFLES The Bugle
Befitting of the occasion the Assistant Colonel Commandant, Major General Rupert Jones, who had formerly commanded the Fourth Battalion, attended to present a total of 72 medals and two commendations. With members of the local community also invited, the event proved a great opportunity for
the Riflemen of B Company to re-unite with the battalion at home and receive formal recognition for their hard work at the forefront of some of the UK’s overseas commitments. Capt Rob Prince
Adjutant
of B Company to re-unite with the battalion at home
The course developed the Saudi troops in tactical theory,
field skills and marksmanship on the ranges
Major General Rupert Jones
Capt Blackmore and his team don
traditional Saudi attire to meet with
the National Guard leadership during
delivery of the training package
congratulates members of B Company on receipt of their operational medals
for Iraq and Afghanistan