The 7th Battalion The RIFLES have been training the Kazak Army during their two week annual camp.  150 territorial soldiers from across London and the home counties have travelled to Kazakhstan as part of the Partnership for Peace programme developing defence diplomacy with the Kazak Army. 

The Battalion has been instructing the KAZ BAT (part of the Kazak Airborne Brigade) in Peace Support Operations, in which the British Army has a wealth of experience, in areas such as the Balkans.  The training has included base security, mobile and foot patrols, VCP's and public order.  The aim is that in the future the Kazak Army will be able to operate along side other countries in peace keeping roles for the international community.

Kazakh soldier

The troops are operating in hot and dusty conditions, reminiscent of Afghanistan; they are stationed in Camp ILLIISKI in the south east of the country about 150 km from the Chinese boarder.  The Riflemen have had little difficulty adapting to life in the field from their lives back home, and all of them have thrived on the challenges.

Live Firing

 Along side training the Kazak Army the troops have also been conducting a live firing package, following on from training conducted in Brecon before they deployed.  The package includes platoon attacks and ambushes and will culminate in a live firing company attack.  The Rifleman have been benefiting from the experience of working along side another army with different ways of operating, ethos, different cultural practices and most importantly a different language, focusing on their inter-operability. 

Using the Kazak interpreters is great experience for those who may serve in Afghanistan in the future, either training or mentoring the Afghan National Army. As well as ranges the troops have taken the opportunity to hone some other skills including first aid and signals. For the Riflemen this is their annual opportunity to leave their civilian lives behind them and fully immerse themselves in the military environment for a protracted period as a formed body. 

 Many of those taking part are already veterans of tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, while for some this is their first taste of working with the Army overseas.  Among the soldiers taking part in the exercise are the Battalions Medics, working along side their Kazak counter parts.  Also deployed are members of the Battalions Band and Bugles who have been busy performing at a range of local events, the iconic silver bugles of The RIFLES have been heard across the Kazak Steppes sounding out their distinctive bugle calls to the Riflemen.