Page 37 - The Rifles Bugle Autumn 2019

Machine Gun Pl
The MG Pl built on its success throughout 2018 from its devastating effect in Kenya as part of Ex ASKARI STORM, where they were an instrumental part in the wider BG’s impressive performance, and deployment on various defence engagement exercises and Short Term Training Teams around the world, including Serbia, Romania, Georgia, Uzbekistan, the US, Albania, and the trees of Brunei.
The MG Pl conducted its Cadre in October, where six new Riflemen were welcomed to the platoon and current members were requalified. An arduous four week course and two week LFTT package culminated in a fighting withdrawal the length of OP Road in Brecon. MG Pl since then have cemented themselves as the fittest and most robust Pl within 1 RIFLES, consistently being at the front of CO’s PT – a direct result of the weekly Gun Run.
Looking forward to Op TORAL 8 and beyond, MG Pl will be taking up a Force Protection role, providing direct security to advisors and mentors in Kabul. On return a small contingent will find themselves in Nigeria, providing conventional machine gun training to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Capt Ben Gourlay
OC MG Pl
MG PL SINCE THEN HAVE CEMENTED THEMSELVES AS THE FITTEST AND MOST ROBUST PL WITHIN 1 RIFLES
MG Pl live firing
MG Pl enjoying their fizz
At the summit of Pen-y-Fan
THE RIFLES
FIRST BATTALION 35