Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 46
8 RIFLES
PATROLS
COMPETITION
Over a demanding 48-hours five
sections, each representing a
Company, competed in the Battalion
Patrols Competition to determine the
best section in the unit.
The competition was designed
to test a wide range of infantry
skills under pressure, challenging
competitors both physically and
mentally. Throughout, the sections
were assessed on Navigation, Section
Attack, Ammo Run, Fitness, Call for
Fire, BCD, Casualty Extraction, Military
Knowledge, Section Appearance, and
the Delivery of Orders.
Each stand required teams
to demonstrate professionalism,
teamwork, leadership, and tactical
competence while operating in a
competitive environment. The varied
nature of the stands ensured that all
aspects of soldiering were tested, from
individual skill and physical robustness
to collective section performance and
command ability.
The standard across all five sections
was exceptionally high, and the event
provided an excellent opportunity
to identify strengths, reinforce core
infantry skills, and foster healthy
competition between companies.
At the conclusion of the
competition, D Company, led by LCpl
Butters, emerged as the clear winners.
The Battalion Patrol Competition
once again proved to be a valuable
training opportunity and highlighted
the high standards maintained across
8 RIFLES.
CSjt Sutherland, D Coy
46 RIFLES The Bugle
SHOOTING TEAM BUILDING MOMENTUM
Our shooting team has enjoyed another
successful year on the range, building on
previous experience through a structured
programme of training and competition.
Over five training weekends, including
three dedicated pistol days, they focused
on developing the core skills required for
Operational Shooting Competitions (OSC).
A key highlight was a four-day shooting
concentration with 5 RIFLES that saw a
package providing one-to-one coaching, with
experienced instructors delivering continuous
The hard
work paid
o昀昀 at the
DIV OSC in
May
feedback in a relaxed environment. Pistol
training focused on engagements from 5–25
metres before progressing to competition
shoots, while rifle training included rehearsals
of more technical OSC practices under
competition conditions.
The hard work paid off at the DIV OSC in
May, where 8 RIFLES finished 4th out of 12
teams – an impressive improvement on the
previous year despite increasing the size of
the team with two new Riflemen. Rfn Alex
Lindsay was the Battalion’s top performer, and
the team reached the semi-finals of the Falling
Plate competition.
The team then progressed to the shingles
of Lydd ranges for Army Reserve Operational
Shooting Competition (AROSC). Despite
fielding only seven-men following a late
withdrawal, strong performances were
delivered throughout the weekend. The team
was also delighted to see 2Lt Frampton
awarded the Best Junior Officer trophy.
2Lt Elliot Frampton, Pl Comd E Coy
