Page 65 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

LONDON
7 RIFLES deployment on Operation TOSCA 32 is the largest Army Reserve-commanded deployment since the reforms of 2014. But Community Engagement (CE) does not cease just because a unit is deployed.
We liaise with local authorities, Mayors, Veterans organisations, Cadet units and sports clubs across a large geographical area, partly because we drive most of our own recruiting. CE is largely delivered by the OC of each sub-unit, alongside their Permanent Staff Administration Officer (PSAO).
Following lockdown, mass gatherings were replaced by virtual events, including Armed Forces Day with the Lord Mayor of London, and a VJ Day speakers’ panel, convened by
the Mayor of Reading.
Following the tragic events in Reading
on Saturday 20th June, the Commanding Officer recognised that it was vital for 7
RIFLES to be represented at the memorial, as many of our soldiers serving on operations are from the town. I attended the vigil in Market Street on his behalf
the following weekend.
Community Engagement helps us stay connected to the towns and communities that we come from and is particularly important when the majority of the Battalion is overseas. It is not an activity that yields immediate outcomes, but it is very rewarding and generates goodwill towards both the Battalion and Regiment.
Maj Joe English, OC ROG, 7 RIFLES
Maj English lights a candle at the vigil for
the victims of Forbury Gardens with Mr Peter Sloman, Chief Executive of
it is very rewarding and generates goodwill towards both the Battalion and Regiment
Reading Borough Council (27 June 2020)
RIFLES The Bugle 65
REAR OPERATIONS GROUP COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT