Page 106 - The Rifles Bugle Autumn 2019

THE PATROLS SAW A MIXED BAG OF WEATHER OF SUN, SLEET, RAIN AND DRIVING WIND
Ex MILLENNIUM BUGLE
This year saw the re-introduction of the Battalion Annual Patrol Competition know as Exercise Millennium Bugle, which was introduced at the start of the millennium in 1LI. Due to the Operational rotation overseas, the competition has not taken place since 2003, prior to the invasion of Iraq.
The exercise was designed in line with the DCC BCS syllabus and focused on dismounted skills at individual to platoon-level in a 21st century hybrid war fighting environment. This year saw a two-day patrol lane over 40kms of arduous terrain on
Dartmoor. Each Platoon conducted seven battle exercises and then finished with a final day of a march and shoot on Bulford Ranges. The battle exercises ranged from planning and conducting a platoon raid, minefield clearance, battlefield first aid, dealing with a foreign population, minefield clearance, dealing with CPERs, harbours, AFV recognition to observation. Each patrol was provided with a private report from each BE, which was commanded by the OCs and CSMs. This allowed Platoon Commanders and Serjeants to carry out a SWOT analysis on their performance and learnt were development was required and served as a learning tool.
The patrols saw a mixed bag of weather of sun, sleet, rain and driving wind; often in one day, as you might expect in Dartmoor! Nonetheless over the next four days the patrols attacked the competition with the swiftness and endeavour that is inherent within every rifleman. The final day on Friday saw each platoon carry on a 6km march followed by a live shoot on Bulford Ranges where random Riflemen were selected by the exercise staff to shoot. This was designed to test readiness and make the selection impartial and fair.
After all the scores were tallied, prizes were given by GOC 3 (UK) Division, who addressed the battalion; commending all those who took part and praising 5 RIFLES readiness and spirit. Congratula- tions to Recce Platoon for taking home a well-de- served win.
Capt Mark Burge
Recce platoon proving their worth and achieving ‘top patrol
Mine clearance and other similar scoring events dictated
“Disregard everything outside the model boundaries gents”
104 FIFTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES