Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 36
6 RIFLES
6 RIFLES ON EXERCISE IRON WOLF 26, LITHUANIA
6 RIFLES deployed a composite company,
with attachments from 4 LANCS, 6 &
7 SCOTS and other 19X/1XX units, to
Lithuania in May for Ex IRON WOLF, a major
Lithuanian-led NATO exercise involving over
2,500 troops. Centred on two mechanised
battlegroups conducting force-on-force
operations over eight days, the exercise
tested offensive and defensive capabilities
in a demanding contemporary battlespace.
Lithuania’s increased defence spending
from 2% in 2021 to 5% this year was evident
in the modern infrastructure and a large
fleet of JLTVs, Boxers and M113 variants.
After RSOI and FIWAF-focused training,
the company occupied its initial defensive
positions as part of a DISRUPT to DEFEND
plan. Enemy FPV drones, heavy weapons
and effective observation created constant
pressure. The company also facilitated RPOL
of Polish and Lithuanian mechanised forces
before assuming its own battlespace. Harsh
weather, cold nights and dense woodland
added to the challenge, but Riflemen
consistently delivered the required effects.
On Day 3, platoons occupied battle
positions, with one forward platoon prepared
to call indirect fires. An NLAW section and
GPMGs covered likely armour approaches.
Enemy delays meant contact occurred at 2200
hrs; the company destroyed two platoons
before withdrawing to the MDA. The next day
saw renewed assaults, counterattacks, and
attempts to isolate the company. A decisive
counterattack northward enabled a fighting
withdrawal to an anti-armour ambush site,
helping halt the enemy at the MDA.
During the offensive phase, the company
infiltrated with engineers to emplace an
anti-tank minefield. Ambushed near the
objective, 3 Pl under Capt Allcock destroyed an
enemy platoon and disrupted reinforcements
with indirect fires. Subsequent FIWAF
engagements continued until ammunition
Harsh
weather
depletion forced withdrawal just as ENDEX
was called.
Throughout, leadership, mission command,
and SITAWARE communications on a localised
4G network proved vital. Several soldiers
received Commander’s Coins, and the
company was awarded a ceremonial battle
hammer for its impact against enemy armour.
Frosted Wyvern 26: Battalion Ski Expedition to Austria
FROSTED WYVERN 26 saw 43 members
of the Battalion deploy to Snow Space
Salzburg, Austria, for a challenging and
highly rewarding Ski Expedition designed to
deliver top tier adventurous training while
developing operationally relevant skills.
Set in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the
expedition provided demanding conditions,
professional instruction and an exceptional
environment to test physical and mental
resilience.
36 RIFLES The Bugle
Personnel of all abilities took part,
from complete novices to experienced
skiers. Under the direction of qualified ski
instructors, soldiers progressed rapidly,
building confidence and competence on the
slopes. For many, it was their first exposure to
skiing, making the achievement of confidently
navigating red runs a major personal
success.
FROSTED WYVERN 26 was not just about
skiing. The expedition placed emphasis on
The
Battalion
returned
昀椀tter,
more
con昀椀dent
and more
cohesive,
having
tested
itself
leadership, discipline and teamwork in an
unfamiliar and austere environment. Evening
debriefs and informal team activities further
strengthened Battalion cohesion.
FROSTED WYVERN 26 reaffirmed the
enduring value of adventurous training.
The Battalion returned fitter, more confident
and more cohesive, having tested itself in
one of Europe’s most demanding training
environments, ready to apply those lessons
on operations and future deployments.
