Page 35 - Bugle Autumn 2024

5 RIFLES
OP INTERFLEX
A Company, with support from D Company, deployed on Op INTERFLEX
in May. The Company’s mission was delivering basic infantry training
to three intakes of Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) recruits; 600 in total. Taking over from a New Zealand Company with a formidable reputation for professionalism, A Company sought to improve the course further with the incorporation of Warrior and Challenger 2, grenade-dropping drones and a myriad of other resources relevant to the threat in Ukraine.
INTERFLEX has been a fantastic opportunity for our JNCOs, each of whom has responsibility for the motivation, administration, and education of large sections of AFU recruits.
Highlights of the course have included an armoured attack on a Ukrainian trench system
Most recruits were conscripted at short notice and have no prior military experience. Highlights of the course have included an armoured attack
on a Ukrainian trench system and a comprehensive Live Fire Tactical Training package. A Company are fortunate to
be able to lean on the experience of JNCOs and SNCOs who delivered the first tranche of the operation back in 2022, bringing vast experience to working with the Partner Force, enabling the Coy to hit the ground running. The departure of
each course back to Ukraine has been emotional for the training team, but this was compensated by the
knowledge of a job well done.
Op INTERFLEX, Live Fire Tactical Training package
Op INTERFLEX Urban assault onto Copehill Down Village, Salisbury Plain
D COMPANY - THE DOGS
In 2024 D Company has played a supporting role. Over half of the Coy has supported either Op CABRIT or Op INTERFLEX, while those remaining in the United Kingdom have deployed on Operations across Europe, supporting the 3rd (UK) Division and 20th Armoured Brigade Combat team. Our
focus has been on Light Role tactics and soldiering skills, ready to launch into the Autumn and 2025, back on tracks.
In February, the Dogs deployed on Ex IRON DRAGOON, a Battlegroup level Exercise supporting the RDG. Despite challenging conditions this was an excellent exercise
for our junior Riflemen, developing their administrative ability as well as their tactical acumen as dismounts protecting Javelin Screens across Salisbury Plain. In March, the Company deployed on Ex DOGS DASH 2, a navigation exercise that tested our Riflemen’s fieldcraft across challenging terrain. Over 48 hours, the Coy moved at best speed across
a total distance of 60km. Despite being challenging exercises, the Riflemen remained eager as ever and excelled throughout.
Despite challenging conditions this was an excellent exercise for our junior Riflemen
5 RIFLES’ D Coy Dogs on Ex Dogs Dash, a Navigation Exercise in Pippingford Park
RIFLES The Bugle 35