Page 34 - Bugle Autumn 2024

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LIBERIA STTT: “WHERE OTHERS CALL HELL, WE CALL HOME”
Two members of A Company deployed to Liberia on a Short-Term Training Team (STTT) to train members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) in March. A highly motivated Armed Force, the AFL are being trained
in individual skills, vehicle patrolling, and
counter-insurgency tactics to take up a role as a United Nations QRF within Western Africa. The STTT, was made up of specific matter experts from across the Army and was the first of several iterations to deliver this training.
the AFL are being trained in individual skills, vehicle patrolling, and counter- insurgency tactics
Sweltering in the 40-degree heat of the Liberian jungle, the team, led by Major Charlie Barrett (OC A Company), spent 4 weeks with the AFL soldiers. The syllabus covered low level individual training, such as navigation and basic med training up to complex manoeuvre actions such as conducting armoured raids, base defence, and public order training.
On completing the course all AFL soldiers were given awards and in return our team were gifted traditional African robes. These coupled with wonderful memories of working with excellent people, in both the British Army, and more importantly the AFL. “Where others call hell, we call home” was the motto written on the gate to the training area we lived at for four weeks.
By the end, we also called it home.
5 RIFLES STTT with the Colonel of the training establishment, wearing traditional African clothing that was presented to them.
MESS MATTERS
Throughout this period, both Messes have been widely dispersed across Op CABRIT, Op INTERFLEX and the ROG. Despite this, we have exploited every opportunity to bring the mess together, whether that be socially or professionally, on 2 Miler assessments, development sessions or cultural visits. Impressively, Maj Chris Stevens, organised a joint SNCO and Officers’ Mess Dinner Night in Sennelager for over 150 people, with members of both Messes travelling from the UK to enjoy the event.
The WOs were able to exploit the vast RIFLES network in London and visit both MOD Main Building and Downing Street, receiving briefs and updates on Finance, Planning and Operations. The WOs’ and Sjts’ Mess hosted Russ Cook (AKA ‘The Hardest Geezer’), brother of Rfn Cook, who ran the length of Africa in 352 days. He conducted a fire side chat with mess members and other ranks, talking about issues such as mental health, gambling and drinking addiction. This provided an incredibly useful insight into
motivation and resilience techniques and all took inspiration.
The pinnacle of the deployed Officer’s
Mess was a brilliant Dinner Night at Vihula Manor. With esteemed guests such as CGS, the British and French Ambassadors as well as the Estonian Defence Minister and 1st Estonian Brigade Commander. Guests enjoyed a compelling farewell from General Sir Patrick, following his 40 years of service and the Battalion’s Buglers entertained all who had the pleasure of attending. We look forward
to bringing the Mess back together in the Autumn, for the Battalion homecoming parade, Oktoberfest, mess dine outs and the hotly anticipated ‘Wheel O’Clock,’ Mess v Mess!
The WOs were able to exploit the vast RIFLES network in London
WO’s & Sjts’ Mess trip to Downing Street
5 RIFLES’ Officers’ Dinner Night, Vihula Manor, Estonia
34 RIFLES The Bugle