Page 107 - The Bugle 2018

September saw the start of the Battalion’s annual two-week deployment. Involving over 300 Troops, 4 different training areas and 8 Cadres, this year was to prove demanding for all involved, from the planning and execution staff to the Riflemen on the ground.
One of the main aims was to ensure everything was centred in the South West, enabling the Bn to use its own recruiting footprint and to utilise the wide range of training assets and facilities available on its doorstep as well as showing our faces in support of our Firm Base. Bn HQ was set up in Okehampton Camp and the first week saw a wide range of training; much-needed Capability Cadres to train our Rfn on new support weapons and existing areas of enabling activities. Each Coy took on its particular skills;
A Coy: Javelin Cadre, Sharpshooter Cadre.
C Coy: Mortar Cadre and Georgian hosting.
D Coy: GPMG Cadre and Bush craft course
HQ Coy: Assault Soldier Cadre, Basic Radio User
Cadre, Team Medics Course, Driver Conversion training and MATT 9 instructors training.
The Combat Shooting Team had time to focus on their quest for success.
The Cambrian Patrol Team also used the time to put some miles under their belts and perfect their drills ready for the competition.
The Cadres were a great opportunity to tap into the knowledge and support of our Regular counterparts with 1 and 4 RIFLES assisting on the Javelin and Mortar Cadres.
We then came together in the middle weekend for a Battalion consolidation, a chance for a bit of Mountain Biking and for the Coys to take part in some of the Inter Coy Competition events.
Then came a rather complex and audacious FTX seeing a Coy (+) under Maj Olly Bevan and CSM WO2 Hodgkinson progressing through section and Platoon attacks with live OHF from D Coys GPMG SF and the pressure of a Royal visit from HRH the Duke of Gloucester. This was followed by a Coy move on foot across Dartmoor Training Area to Bearwalls Farm while the AP Platoon moved to Tregantle Fort by CH47 with their stores under slung to set up defences as OPFOR. Once recces had been conducted by the Cambrian Patrol team and orders given, the Coy then moved by Merlin, descending into Scraesden Fort as if entering a volcano. The final Merlin lift dropped more OPFOR into Tregantle Fort to assist with Defences and receive Orders from OC OPFOR 2 Lt Charlie Boffy-Rawlings.
The Company embarked with 1 Assault Group Royal Marines (1AGRM) for waiding and beaching drills as it became clear it was to be a daunting final attack on Tregantle Fort. Sea conditions dictated that the landing would be at Cawsands beach followed by a move through the village at dawn and not on the preferred Tregantle beach; nevertheless it meant an uphill slog for many and a challenge for command and control on both sides.
Throughout the whole period there was signif- icant Media engagement, various forms were exploited with up to date footage of activity. This paid dividends on return with a noticeable increase in recruiting.
Major Jonny Webber Bn 2IC
6 RIFLES Annual Deployment Exercise 2017
OVER 300 TROOPS, 4 DIFFERENT TRAINING AREAS AND 8 CADRES
End Exe at Tregantle Fort
THE RIFLES
SIXTH BATTALION 113
WO2 CSM Hodgkinson puckering up on Dartmoor!
Even the Georgians enjoyed the SERE/Bushcraft package!