Page 38 - Bugle Autumn 2024

6 RIFLES
C COMPANY TRAINING
C Company kicked off the New Year with a brisk January weekend at Bulford Ranges. The frosty air didn’t deter anyone; all ranks eagerly participated in a range package that included firing their pistols and rifles using the Annual Combat Marksmanship Test (ACMT). But the real highlight? An introductory shoot with the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a weapon system that most Riflemen had never handled before.
After the range weekend, Major Taylor (OC), Warrant Officer 2 Miller, and Colour Serjeant Cank (SPSI) collaborated to design an innovative training program. Their goal? To enhance soldiers’ skills over the coming months. The OC crafted the battle scenario, while the CSM and SPSI meticulously planned the training progression. From basic rural patrol skills to probing outlying positions, assaulting built-up areas, and harrying retreating enemies across open countryside - their vision was ambitious.
February: Rural Patrols and FIWAF
The February weekend shifted focus to rural patrolling and operating from a Forward Operating Base (FOB). Soldiers honed their clearance patrol techniques and got acquainted with
Field Improvised Weapons and Ammunition Familiarization (FIWAF). The company chefs, undeterred by challenging weather conditions, whipped up outstanding meals from 10-man ration packs right there in the FOB.
March: Bridging Rural and Urban Operations
March saw the transition from rural to rural/urban interface training. At Bramley Training Area soldiers practiced trench clearance and low-level Operations in Built-Up Areas (OBUA) skills. The mix of woodland and scattered buildings provided an ideal setting for these exercises. The small trench system and bunker complex added realism to the scenarios.
April: Scraesden Fort—A Hidden Gem
In April, C Company had the privilege of training at Scraesden Fort in Cornwall. Despite its derelict state, this 1850s-era fort proved invaluable. Its three levels offered unique challenges. The upper courtyard, surrounded by buildings, became a practice ground for room clearance drills. Stairways led seemingly into the depths of the earth, but they actually connected to the middle battery and a lower tunnel system within the fort’s ditch. A pre-dawn assault tested soldiers as they cleared all three levels.
May: Recce and Ambush Patrols at Highwood Heath
Returning to familiar ground at Highwood Heath (Lulworth Training Area), C Company focused on reconnaissance and ambush patrols. Working against a dynamic enemy, patrols identified likely enemy supply and escape routes, disrupting them effectively.
June: A Narrow Second Place
All the preparation paid off. In June, C Coy secured a commendable second place in the battalion patrols competition, narrowly edged out by D Coy. Their journey from Bulford Ranges to Scraesden Fort had transformed them into a formidable force. 2Lt Young, C Coy
6 RIFLES near capsizing
WINDSWEPT RIFLEMEN
6 RIFLES Sailing in Cyprus
At the end of April, I had the privilege of leading the 6 RIFLES team out to Dhekelia
for the RIFLES Dinghying Regatta. The event brought Regulars and Reservists from across the Regiment together for three days sailing in the sunny Mediterranean, hosted by 1 RIFLES.
The trip was an amazing opportunity to conduct AT abroad and broaden both mine, and the team’s sailing knowledge. 6 and 7 RIFLES teamed up to form a composite team, which placed 7th of 9 teams. Sailing both single and double-handers, for a sailing novice like me was a great experience, aided by the sunny climes and warm waters of Cyprus. Our team’s lack of knowledge with sailing was evident from the word go, as we struggled
to rig the boats straight out of the blocks. Despite our inabilities, after a quick crash course it was out to sea. I was lucky we’d discussed capsizing as that happened more times than I care to admit. Whilst out there, we had the opportunity to form closer bonds with our colleagues from other Battalions, and predictably the Reservists grouped together. Sailing with and competing against the 8 RIFLES team was a highlight, despite them roundly beating us at sea. Fortunately, they were gracious in victory and proved excellent company for the few days we were out there, even if they did talk me into trying a local dish of sheep intestine at dinner in Larnaca.
We were equally lucky with our AT coinciding with the 1 RIFLES vs RMAS rugby game, which we were able to watch with the wider RIFLES family. The touring side put up
The team in Cyprus
a strong performance and there was quality rugby from both sides, a nice way to cap off our trip on the final night. Having completed our competition, it was back to Akrotiri for the flight home, this time on a far less packed Trooper than on the way out, and back to the drizzle of Oxfordshire. After all, there is no silver lining without the cloud that goes with it. From the 6 RIFLES team and all the participants,
it feels wrong to recount such a great trip without thanking 1 RIFLES for hosting us, and the sailing club for getting us on the water. 2Lt Dunn
they were gracious in victory, even if they did talk me into trying a local dish of sheep intestine at dinner in Larnaca
38 RIFLES The Bugle