Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 31
5 RIFLES
Ex
FIRST BITE
Exercise FIRST BITE, organised by Cpl
Roe-Lavery, supported by CSM Thomas
was a demanding and progressive crawl–
walk–run package delivered by D Coy “the
Dogs” in Sennybridge Training Area, rightly
known as the home of the Infantry. The
exercise was designed to sharpen core
soldiering skills while building confidence
and cohesion at section and platoon
level, forming a vital build-up to Ex CAPE
UPHOLDER in the Falkland Islands.
It was distinctly JNCO-led, with LCpls
taking ownership of much of the instruction,
delivering lessons on fieldcraft, navigation,
section tactics, and battle drills. The crawl–
walk–run approach allowed soldiers to grasp
fundamentals before applying them under
increasing pressure. As the tempo rose, so
too did the realism, culminating in dynamic
scenarios that tested decision-making and
resilience. D Coy’s junior leaders set the tone
throughout, maintaining high standards and
driving performance.
Physical robustness underpinned the
package. The Coy completed the infamous 3
Miler, followed by a gruelling 5 Mile casualty
extraction, reinforcing endurance and
teamwork.
Major Miles Van den Berg
OC D Company
As the tempo rose,
so too did the
realism, culminating
in dynamic scenarios
that tested decisionmaking and
resilience
D Company attacking
in the dawn
RIFLES The Bugle 31
