Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 13
2 RIFLES
Ex RATTLESNAKE: A Company in High-Intensity Operations at JRTC
Exercise RATTLESNAKE is a demanding
Brigade-level training exercise conducted
at the Joint Readiness Training Centre
(JRTC), Fort Polk, Louisiana. Designed to
test units to their physical and cognitive
limits, the package comprises eight days of
force-on-force manoeuvre training followed
by three days of live fire tactical training
(LFTT), all conducted within the challenging
conditions of “The Box” against a capable
opposing force, Geronimo (G-Man).
A Company deployed as part of the
Iron Battalion, 101st Airborne Division,
contributing to a force of approximately 4,000
personnel, 900 vehicles, and 50 airframes.
Following arrival, the Company integrated at
Camp Warrior, completing acclimatisation
training and familiarising themselves with
US equipment, including the M7 rifle and
advanced night vision systems. Detailed
planning, orders, and rehearsals ensured the
Company entered operations fully prepared.
On 7 April, A Company conducted an air
assault as part of the largest operation of its
kind since Operation DESERT STORM. As the
lead element, the Company secured Landing
Zone EMU, enabling the rapid build-up of
combat power and the establishment of a
secure ground line of communication to the
Forward Line of Troops (FLOT).
Tasked with holding the northern axis along
Artillery Road, A Company adopted a defensive
posture under sustained pressure from dronedelivered simulated fires. Rapid adaptation to
aerial ISR and strike threats forced dispersion
and revised positions.
During subsequent operations, A Company
encountered enemy forces at close quarters,
including BMPs and mounted infantry.
Conducting a controlled fighting withdrawal,
the Company inflicted significant losses while
re-establishing the FLOT. Over the following
days, A Company held firm against repeated
attacks, earning a reputation for resilience
and effectiveness, particularly against enemy
armour.
A Company
held 昀椀rm
against
repeated
attacks,
earning a
reputation
for
resilience
In the defensive phase, the Company
occupied key terrain along the enemy’s main
avenue of approach. 2 Platoon’s steadfast
defence achieved a result reportedly unseen
at that location for several years. Notable
actions included the capture of a BMP by Rfn
Naucuciki and the destruction of two BMPs by
Rfn Jones during successive engagements.
The final manoeuvre phase saw the Brigade
assault Shugart-Gordon town, with A Company
enabling a decisive flanking manoeuvre. The
subsequent LFTT required the clearance
of a complex urban objective, successfully
executed through coordinated platoon-level
action and effective fire support.
Following the exercise, personnel
conducted a well-earned period of leave
across the United States.
A Company’s performance was exceptional.
Operating as a key combat multiplier, they
demonstrated adaptability, aggression, and
professionalism throughout, bringing great
credit to 2 RIFLES and the Regiment.
RIFLES The Bugle 13
