Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 14
2 RIFLES
EX DARK FOREST: RECCE PLATOON
TESTS STEALTH AND RESILIENCE
In May, three patrols from Recce Platoon
deployed to Binevenagh Forest for a
two-week exercise designed to test the
fundamentals of light close reconnaissance.
Selected for its similarity to the forests of
Northern and Eastern Europe, the training
area provided an ideal environment to
prepare for Op CABRIT 20 in 2027.
The dense woodland and rugged terrain
challenged both navigation and concealed
movement. Patrols conducted route
reconnaissance, established observation
posts, and carried out close target
reconnaissance. The exercise also enabled the
refresh and development of communications,
with HF systems employed as the primary
means, alongside more novel solutions such
as LoRa UHF radio mesh networks.
The opposing force presented a credible
and contemporary threat, equipped with
Javelin CLU thermal optics and thermalcapable UAS. While patrols were generally able
to defeat ground-based thermal observation,
the aerial threat highlighted the requirement
for enhanced counter-thermal measures to
achieve reliable concealment.
Despite demanding weather conditions,
Riflemen demonstrated resilience, discipline,
and a high level of professionalism throughout.
Valuable lessons were identified in both
communication and concealment, while those
new to the Platoon were well prepared for their
forthcoming Recce Cadre.
Ex DARK FOREST marks a key step in
maintaining the operational effectiveness of 2
RIFLES Recce Platoon. Through realistic and
challenging training, the Platoon continues
to build the skills, confidence, and readiness
required for future operations.
CYBER MARVEL 26:
2 RIFLES Lead the Fight
in the Cyber Domain
CYBER MARVEL 26 took place in Singapore as a large-scale
cyber defence exercise and was designed to simulate a
coordinated response to a sophisticated cyber threat; the
exercise focused on protecting critical national interests in a
contested environment.
The scenario centred on a complex cyber-attack targeting
UK operations in the region, including military communications,
maritime activity, and key infrastructure such as power and
transport networks.
Participants employed advanced defensive tools, intelligence
sharing, and rapid incident response procedures. Coordination
proved critical and the main effort was led and coordinated by 2
RIFLES, whose command-and-control arrangements maintained
tempo and coherence throughout.
The exercise reinforced the importance of joint and
inter-agency cooperation, highlighting the need for resilience
and adaptability in the face of increasingly sophisticated
cyber threats. It provided a demanding training environment,
strengthening collective capability and underscoring the
importance of cyber operations in modern warfare.
No Singapore Slings were harmed during this activity.
2 RIFLES SHOOTING TEAM: ON TARGET AT DEFOSC
The Shooting Team formed after
Christmas leave with a newly assembled
squad and a clear aim to qualify for and
compete at the Defence Operational
Shooting Competition (DefOSC), formerly
held at Bisley.
With limited preparation time, the
team’s first outing at the ROSC provided
a demanding introduction to operational
shooting. Success relied as much on
rehearsing practices as on marksmanship.
The team secured a respectable 3rd place
with Rfn Gribbins winning the Short-Range
Rural Shoot.
14 RIFLES The Bugle
At the Divisional OSC in Altcar, the team
competed against the strongest shooters
in 1 Div. Training alongside 5 RIFLES
delivered clear improvements, resulting
in a narrow 4th-place finish. The team
excelled in the Falling Plate Knockout,
defeating favourites 2 RGR in the semifinal before losing to 1 RGR in the final.
Qualification for DefOSC was secured.
At DefOSC, 32 teams competed at Lydd
and Hythe. LCpl Hunt, LCpl Dilley, and Rfn
Mears placed within the Army’s top 100.
The team again reached the Falling Plate
final, narrowly losing to Gurkha ARRC.
Overall, a successful season, with the
Battalion competing strongly and building
firm foundations for the future.
The team
again
reached
the Falling
Plate 昀椀nal
