Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 70
TRA
THE RIFLEMAN’S ASSOCIATION
A NEW CHAPTER FOR
THE REGIMENTAL FAMILY
The formation of The Rifleman’s Association
(TRA) marks the most significant
development in our Regimental family since
the creation of The Rifles in 2007. More than
simply another association, TRA represents
a lifelong commitment to every Rifleman
and family member who has worn black
buttons and carried a sword.
For generations, the strength of our
Regiment has never rested solely on its
battlefield achievements. It has been built
upon something far more enduring: the
unbreakable bonds forged through shared
hardship, humour, sacrifice, and service. Those
bonds should not end when a Rifleman leaves
the Colours. The Rifleman’s Association exists
to ensure they never do.
At the heart of TRA is a simple but powerful
ambition: to provide every departing Rifleman
with a soft landing into civilian life while
maintaining the comradeship and sense
of belonging that defines our Regiment.
Transition from military service can be one of
life’s greatest challenges. Whether navigating
employment, reconnecting with family life or
simply adjusting to a different pace of living,
no Rifleman should face that journey alone.
To achieve this, each Regular Battalion
is supported by an experienced Senior
Rifleman, a respected veteran whose role is
to offer guidance, mentorship and practical
advice while helping former Riflemen remain
connected to the wider Regimental family.
Their experience spans decades of operational
service, leadership and civilian success,
ensuring every Rifleman has someone
who truly understands the journey they are
undertaking.
Recognising that no Regiment thrives
without the support of its families, TRA has
also established a Ladies Branch, dedicated
to bringing together wives, partners, parents
and children whose quiet commitment has
sustained generations of Riflemen. It is an
opportunity not only to support one another,
but to celebrate the immeasurable contribution
made by those whose service has so often
gone unseen. Our Senior Riflemen are:
Brendan Forbes
Senior Rifleman, 3 RIFLES TRA Branch
Previously in 3 RIFLES, Brendan has
built a successful civilian career
as a construction consultant and
advisor. His strengths in leadership,
mentoring and stakeholder
engagement continue to strengthen
connections throughout The Rifles
community, particularly
across Scotland.
Sam Castledine
Ian Weatherley VR
Senior Rifleman, 5 RIFLES TRA Branch
Senior Rifleman, 7 RIFLES TRA Branch
Sam served with distinction in Paderborn,
Brunei and Pirbright before embarking
upon a successful civilian career
with the Department for Work
and Pensions. Having personally
navigated the transition process,
he brings valuable insight into
employment, resettlement and
the opportunities available to
today’s service leavers.
Ian devoted 38 years to military service,
progressing from Rifleman to Major
while serving across the London
RIFLES footprint in leadership,
training and employer engagement
appointments. A longstanding
member of the Royal Green Jackets
Association, Ian continues to provide
invaluable guidance and support to
Riflemen living in or visiting the
capital.
70 RIFLES The Bugle
Glen Low
Senior Rifleman,
2 RIFLES TRA Branch
After 24 years of service across
the Regular Army, Army Reserve
and Defence training, Glen
combines extensive leadership
and personnel management
experience with a deep
commitment to preserving
the identity and values of The
Rifles. He is passionate about
strengthening comradeship
and supporting the welfare
of every member of the
Regimental family.
