Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 30
5 RIFLES
IRON WARRIOR CHAMPIONS
5 RIFLES has once again demonstrated
its physical robustness, resilience and
fighting spirit by retaining the 3rd (United
Kingdom) Division IRON WARRIOR title,
becoming overall champions for the second
consecutive year.
The Battalion delivered exceptional
performances throughout an event designed
to test the physical and mental demands of
modern soldiering. Combining the results of
two four-person teams, 5 RIFLES achieved
the fastest overall time across the Division,
highlighting the Battalion’s depth of fitness,
teamwork and determination.
The CO’s participation embodied the
ethos of command-led physical training,
demonstrating that leadership is built through
action as much as direction. By sharing the
same physical demands as his Riflemen, he
reinforced the standards, commitment and
mindset expected throughout the Battalion.
The IRON WARRIOR Challenge is built
around the principles of the Role Fitness Test
(Soldier), combining repeated loaded marches
with representative military tasks including
stretcher carries, casualty drags, jerry can
carries, fire and manoeuvre, and obstacle
crossings. Success demands resilience,
everyone
remains
ready
to 昀椀ght,
ready to
lead, and
ready to
win
teamwork, leadership and the ability to
perform under sustained physical pressure.
Retaining the title for a second
consecutive year reflects 5 RIFLES’
unwavering commitment to physical
excellence, underpinned by initiatives such
as Warrior Standard and LEADSTRONG. More
importantly, it demonstrates a Battalion
culture where leaders set the example,
Riflemen rise to the challenge, and everyone
remains ready to fight, ready to lead, and
ready to win.
SSgt (QMSI) Sam Cooney
RAPTC
NIGERIA
STTT
Over May and June, D Company supported
Operation HADIN KAI in Nigeria by providing
a Short Term Training Team (STTT). The team
delivered Infantry Skills, Medical Training
and Counter-EO Training to 40 Nigerian Army
students.
The STTT provided an excellent opportunity
for the Junior NCOs to do what they do best;
lead by example and share their knowledge
with the Nigerian Army. The STTT was
highly rewarding, as well as challenging in
parts, as the team had to deal with extreme
temperatures, as well as understand what
training would be most beneficial to the
students within the relatively short training
window. The Riflemen proved that they were
up to the challenge, consistently analysing
how the Nigerian Army fought, and moulding
training delivery around this.
Our hosts were incredibly kind and
generous and were keen for us to learn about
their rich culture. As is the case with many
military organisations, there were many
commonalities between us and the Nigerian
Army, which helped form strong friendships
with our counterparts over the STTT.
Over the deployment, The Dogs managed
to play a football match against the military
school, visited the National Nigerian Army
Museum, and visited several culturally
significant spots around Abuja. Overall, the
STTT was highly rewarding, and allowed us all
to develop our own teaching skills, as well as
strengthen the bond between The Rifles and
the Nigerian Army.
Lt Tom Drew
2IC D Company
Strengthening bonds between
the UK and Nigeria
30 RIFLES The Bugle
