Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 21
3 RIFLES
Ex RHINO
BASEPLATE
Exercise Rhino Baseplate focused on
employing lessons learnt from ongoing
conflicts ensuring the mortar platoon are
current and competent. It’s aims were to
practice both rural and urban mortaring,
to develop camouflage and concealment
techniques, utilise modern communication
systems and improve contact drills in the
urban. This was executed in small, dispersed
dets, empowering junior NCOs to operate
independently within a wider platoon
context.
Phase one involved small dets deploying
into the rural, occupying individual mortar
barrel hides and testing new camouflage
techniques against SUAS. The dets then
carried out fire missions, testing use of
ATAK throughout to limit RF signal exposure.
Through employment of tactics such as
resupplying via a dead letter box system, the
rural phase focused on keeping ground sign
low while still maintaining effective firepower
on a peer enemy. This phase culminated in
a fire plan from dispersed positions which
neutralized Copehill Down Village allowing
occupation for the urban phase.
The urban phase began with a teach period
on urban mortaring. Lessons covered the
Raschen bag baseplate preparation and field
telephone use as well as urban camouflage
and establishing dummy positions. Dets
then conducted fire missions from urban
positions whilst also dealing with small arms
The urban
phase
began with
a teach
period
contacts. This culminated in a fire plan during
an overwhelming enemy contact in which
the dets prioritized the fire mission, using
one-man mortar drills before conducting a
hasty withdrawal.
Exercise Rhino Baseplate was a demanding
yet rewarding experience for the platoon. It
provided an opportunity to both develop skills,
innovate and practice techniques which will
be employed further in Rhino Baseplate 2.
2Lt Clee
BATTLEFIELD STUDY – Ex NORMANDY BUGLE
In June, 3 RIFLES conducted a battlefield
study in Normandy, with 76 Riflemen of
all ranks examining key engagements
from the D-Day landings to the armoured
battles around Caen. They also considered
the potential role of modern Robotics and
Autonomous Systems (RAS) in enabling
Recce-Strike approach.
Initial analysis at Pegasus Bridge and Gold
Beach underscored the enduring importance
of speed, surprise, and effective junior
leadership in securing critical objectives.
These early engagements reinforced that
fundamental soldiering skills with the ability
to shoot, move, communicate, and medicate
that remain decisive despite advances in
technology. RAS was assessed as an enabler
rather than a replacement for these core
competencies.
Examination of Operation EPSOM and
the fighting around Hill 112 highlighted the
challenges posed by restrictive bocage
terrain and the inevitability of determined
enemy counterattack. In this context, RAS was
identified as a force multiplier, particularly
using uncrewed or unattended sensors on
the ground and in the air, enabling greater
dispersion, enhanced situational awareness,
and improved survivability while reducing
exposure to enemy fires.
The final phase focused on Operation
GOODWOOD, where British armoured forces
advanced across open terrain but were
halted by well-positioned anti-tank defences.
Reflection suggested that modern ISR
screen incorporating UGVs and UAS would
have enabled earlier threat detection and
engagement by effectors.
Overall, the study reaffirmed that while
technology evolves, the fundamentals of
warfare remain constant: terrain dictates
tactics, infantry are decisive. RAS enables
Recce-Strike keeping the force safer whilst
making it much more lethal.
FOOTBALL TEAM
REFLECTS ON A QUIET
BUT PROMISING START
The team has experienced a relatively quiet season so
far, largely due to the absence of an established Scottish
league. However, there is growing optimism as teams across
the region are actively engaging to reinstate the league,
promising a return to more competitive fixtures soon.
The most notable event was the team’s early exit from the
Walter Tull Football Competition (the Infantry Cup). The squad
entered the competition well-prepared, securing a comfortable
victory against a strong and resilient 5 SCOTS team. Rifleman
Mottau’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the
Match accolade, reflecting the team’s collective effort.
The subsequent fixture against 1 Royal Yorks saw the team
narrowly lose 3-2 in a closely contested match that was
marked by exceptional defensive displays from centre-backs
WO2 Galdes and Rifleman Morris. A crucial penalty save by
goalkeeper Corporal Greathead (REME) kept the team in
contention until the final moments.
A special mention goes to LCpl Wright, the unsung hero of
the fixture, who, as a recently qualified referee, stepped in late
to officiate the match with professionalism and impartiality,
ensuring the game proceeded smoothly.
The future looks promising for 3 RIFLES football, with
renewed enthusiasm and a clear plan to regain their
competitive edge in the coming months.
RIFLES The Bugle 21
