Page 5 - Bugle Autumn 2024

FOREWORD
FOREWORD
By The Colonel Commandant
Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes CBE
Entering my second year as Colonel Commandant I have reflected on the pace
of life, across all pillars of The Rifles, that has caused this year to pass by so quickly. Global and national events have obviously played a big part in this. Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine slogs on, the Israel- Hamas conflict continues, and could yet escalate into wider regional conflagration. As I write we await the outcome of a general election in the UK that will almost certainly herald a Defence Review. Amongst all this turbulence, I am proud that the regiment
is closely involved in the nation’s response to both conflicts and our Riflemen are maintaining our reputation for operational excellence. That is always the best way to go into any impending review.
Since the last edition, I’ve had a chance to get around much of the regiment and see the excellent work in the battalions and beyond. Recently I had the privilege of spending
some time with 5 RIFLES deployed in Estonia, supporting our NATO allies and bolstering deterrence on the Northern Flank. For some this is the third or even fourth tour in Tapa. I was particularly struck by two things: first, the enduring battle-worthiness and robustness of the Riflemen – who are fitter and better trained than ever; and second, the innovative thirst shown by all ranks – eager to learn lessons from conflicts like Ukraine, to develop their own tactics and fieldcraft.
This is a theme across the regiment. With
1 RIFLES and 4 RANGERS focused on the broader Middle East region, 3 RIFLES and 2 RIFLES deploying on exercise in Kenya, all supported by our three Reserve battalions, professionalism and innovation remain fundamental to our success. This was also demonstrated by the outstanding performance of our regimental Shooting Team at Bisley this summer - achieving third place in the Army (behind two Gurkha teams); all shots in the Army 100; and Sjt Stanton being selected as the Captain of the Army Shooting Team. This caps a range of successes across a broad field of sports, from Nordic skiing to cycling, of which there’s more later in this edition.
Beyond regular and reserve battalion activity, all five pillars of the regiment continue to integrate and support each other, compounding our strengths. It was humbling yet inspiring to attend the Always a Rifleman Programme’s Gala Dinner at Silverstone in April, organised by Baz Melia and the RHQ team. We witnessed all parts of the regiment, old faces and new, come together to celebrate our people, and to recognise the incredible work the AARP team does, supporting any of our regimental family going through a difficult time. This close-knit spirit and our care for fellow Riflemen – whether regular, reserve,
all parts of the regiment, old faces and new, come together
cadet, veteran, family, or community member – is what sustains us, and will allow us to thrive over the years ahead, whatever the world throws at us.
Swift and Bold.
RIFLES The Bugle 5