Page 8 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

CO’s Overview
Operations in Kabul unified the Battalion’s efforts for much of 2019. Since returning from Afghanistan, the team has dispersed on a range of tasks: training the Nigerian
Army, partnering the Indian Army, patrolling the Falklands & South Georgia and, of course, doing our bit in the COVID response – ambulance drivers, virus testing teams and hospital construction. In the background, we haven’t stopped laying the foundations for the next generation of soldiers: running courses for the regiment’s Fire Team Commanders and the gamut of specialists essential to an infantry battalion – mortarmen, anti-tank teams, machine gun operators, recce troops, signallers and snipers. All whilst underpinned by the unstinting support and patience of our families.
In the pre-virus era, 1 RIFLES’s boxing novices laid on a vintage evening of bouts, topping a post tour scramble of a Homecoming Parade (in Gloucester), medals presentation by our Royal Colonel, and a third consecutive Cambrian Patrol gold. The Battalion’s Nordic skiers skated & shot to their best medal haul on the snow whilst Riflemen made their way onto the ice (Bobsleigh) and underwater (diving expedition to Malta). Autumn 2020 sees 1 RIFLES congregate together, for the first time in 18 months, in a period of rebuilding – one section at a time, ready for the surprises 2021 will undoubtedly have in store.
Lt Col Mark Shercliff
Commanding Officer
Rfn Donovan leading the
PJNCO Cadre Passing Out Parade
Rfn Gareth Donovan (4 RIFLES)
deemed the best across the tests and command appointments throughout the course, who was awarded the Upton Cane.
A sharpshooter in action during
Rfn Thomson Williamson (1 RIFLES)
selected from peers as the Rifleman best demonstrating the RIFLES JNCO leadership ethos.
the 1 RIFLES PJNCO cadre
Potential JNCO Cadre
Starting in early January, the 1 RIFLES JNCO Cadre was always going to be a true ‘winter course’. All Battalions were represented
in the 96 Riflemen starting the six-week course, with instructors from 1, 4 and 5 RIFLES – a truly Regimental effort.
The first few weeks saw the course in camp and on the ranges, developing their leadership skills and gaining the range qualifications needed by a RIFLES LCpl. This was followed by a battle camp in Thetford to test and develop their raw infantry leadership skills. This included a sword lane with very realistic targets and challenging attack lanes with rare support from a Chinook helicopter. The course moved to Sennybridge where the weather did not make the final exercise easy. With the tactical element complete it was back to Chepstow for the final week. The Army Serjeant Major, WO1 Gav Paton, give some
excellent leadership insights at the cadre dinner night.
The course was capped off by
The prospective JNCOs were thoroughly tested during the course to ensure they met our high standards
the pass-off parade where Colonel Nev Holmes (Comd South West) took the salute.
The prospective JNCOs were thoroughly tested during the course to ensure they met our high standards. The instructors guided, developed and coached their sections to give our Riflemen the best chance of success. Capt Alex Aitken, Cadre Officer.
8 RIFLES The Bugle
TOP STUDENT
RIFLEMAN’S CHOICE