Page 16 - Bugle Autumn 2024

2 RIFLES
Ex APOLLO SABRE
APOLLO SABRE saw a composite platoon from across A Company deploy to Salisbury to provide an enemy force for the Army’s new RANGER regiment’s validation exercise. Over 4 weeks, Riflemen would work across a spectrum of roles from aggressive conventional forces to a corrupt host nation security service.
The exercise offered an excellent opportunity for a platoon of Riflemen to hone their combat skills and develop small team tactics. Being able to work as an enemy force is enlightening in many regards, giving valuable insight into the mentality of our adversaries and the conduct in which they wage war.
Coming to blows in a plethora of scenarios, RANGER teams alongside a Company strength partner force would be challenged around the clock. With close fighting in the convoluted urban of Imber Village, to long distance engagements across the open expanses of the Plain. The nature of the exercise allowed for significant freedom of thought and action for the platoon, allowing junior commanders to gain exceptional leadership experience across challenging scenarios.
Lt Joe Peppard
OC 1 Platoon, A Company
Getting into role as an unconventional enemy force
Treating realistic casualties on APOLLO SABRE
THE RIFLES
CYBER
CONCENTRATION
During The Rifles Cyber Concentration, the team and I worked with Riflemen from across the Regiment who all
hold the same interests in Cyprus. Throughout our time there, we covered a range of areas ranging from Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst, Threat Hunting and how to detect Threat Actors within the Cyber Fields.
Prior to the concentration, I had a little understanding of the Cyber Field and was completely unaware of what was available to a Rifleman. Immersive labs were used to delve into all the different areas of cyber, whilst breaking it down into digestible bite sized modules. We also had the opportunity to engage
with key personalities from different organisations such as Special Forces and high headquarters; all of which had their own stories, experiences, and expertise to share. This allowed us to take away potential career moves and next steps outside of army.
I honestly believe that this opportunity is going to open many doors for individuals within The Rifles, not only within the military but also as potential career paths after leaving the service. The possibilities are endless
for integration of this knowledge, both in our day-to-day working but also utilising these skills to further add to our capabilities as a fighting force. Moreso than ever, the thinking, fighting Rifleman will lead the way.
Rfn Daniel Sampson
Company HQ, C Company
Ex WINGED LEOPARD 24
B Coy, 2 RIFLES deployed a section of Riflemen to Oman between April and
May, operating as a Force Protection (FP) Team in support of Ex WINGED LEOPARD
24. The FP Team formed a vital part of the casualty evacuation chain, acting as drivers, commanders, and dismounts.
The role of the FP group was varied, from escorting central figures to and from Salalah Airport and the local medical facilities, entrusting junior Riflemen with the unique opportunity to work independently in a new and complex environment. Working under
specialist teams in often testing conditions the Riflemen excelled, displaying the level of professionalism the regiment is known for across the Army.
Having conducted recces on many of the exercises key locations, the team were able to provide tactical guidance on numerous occasions. Notably, ensuring grid references were correct and, forward mounting with the MERT to ensure response times were as low as possible. Several personnel deployed as part of the enemy force on the final exercise, boldly showcasing skill sets key to a light
Ready to roll
infanteer. Ex WINGED LEOPARD provided an excellent opportunity to apply the thinking Rifleman ethos.
LCpl Sharpe-Wright,
6 Platoon, B Company
16 RIFLES The Bugle