Page 52 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

RTT
RIFLES TRAINING TEAM
The Rifles Training Team has had some significant, unforeseen challenges with the imposed lockdown due to COVID-19 which has impacted on all military training. The team, however, have been resolute in the pursuit of excellence and have adapted procedures and course content to ensure our people remain prepared. The team has relocated from the old facility in Beachley Barracks to a fully functional training wing with full IT suite and multiple classrooms. The skills house in Chepstow is being redesigned as the Urban Training Complex for the impending street craft syllabus from the Infantry Battle School.
The Rifleman’s Cadre has grown with each course and is now fundamental to our future as a regiment with the newest additions to the regiment conducting a regimental induction cadre that sets up new Riflemen to transition from training into the field army. A tight two-week training programme covers fitness, military skills, BRU and WIPs – all delivered with The Rifles’ swagger.
Prior to the lockdown at Easter we had
a celebrity visit. Frank Bruno, the former professional boxer, visited the RTT to the delight of the staff and students. He spoke about his own life experiences, mistakes and all, and signed copies of his book for the Riflemen. He enjoyed some time on the 25m range firing Glock 17 service pistol with The Rifles Shooting Team and scored particularly well. We have also hosted the Field Army Command Sergeant Major among other visitors who are all keen to see what the RTT delivers which is testament to the staff of the team and the standards they set.
Post lockdown, the team have delivered training in unique circumstances that have thrown up new ideas and frustrations. The courses continue to evolve and by the end of the calendar year the RTT will deliver the first RIFLES Infantry Skills Course for all tactical commanders of any course to open the doors for those Riflemen who don’t attend the tradi- tional Infantry Battle School courses.
The Rifles Training Team have delivered 36 courses, mentoring and developing over 600 students from new Riflemen to Lieutenants with the first two female officers and two female Riflemen paving the way for the future of integrated training. The new Army wide education commences in Oct where the Army Leadership Development Course will replace the old CLM.
August saw the departure of the RTT Serjeant Major Josh Seemayer who moves to Sp Company 1 RIFLES and the arrival of Serjeant Major Dan Collins from A Company 5 RIFLES, the two characters couldn’t be any more different but it’s always refreshing to have diverse personalities. In addition, CSjt Si Martin moves from the RTT to R Company
4 RIFLES with his successor being CSjt Mark Kelly from the Infantry Battle School. The Riflemen of the regiment have been lucky
to have had such professional instructors to prepare them for their chosen path.
The Rifles Training Team grows with each passing year and from delivering only pre-Brecon in 2014, by 2020 it is well estab- lished as the regimental development wing and standard setters for all RIFLES training. Capt T Rafferty
OC RTT
A tight two-week training programme covers fitness, military skills,
BRU and WIPs – all delivered with The Rifles’ swagger
52 RIFLES The Bugle
Frank Bruno visits
Riflemen at the RTT