Training

For 5 RRF to fulfil its mission the training you will receive must be as realistic as possible. As an infantry battalion it concentrates on the core skills. Fieldcraft, skill-at-arms and field firing are priorities. Field exercises test a soldier's tactical awareness, patrolling skills and endurance. Whilst commanders must use their tactical knowledge and command, control and communications skills to the full. 

Soldiers must be highly effective with their personal weapons, and 'field firing' with live ammunition regularly puts this to the test. Also live firing of 94mm LAW, 51mm mortar and grenades round off a soldier's knowledge of platoon weapons. 

Civilian training

As well as learning military skills soldiers have the opportunity to attain civillian qualifications in Road Haulage Administration, Communications and IT. 

Training opportunities

Training for soldiers within 5 RRF takes place on drill nights, training weekends, training courses and annual camp. 

Drill nights occur weekly on Tuesday nights, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at local TA Centres. Training weekends usually occur twice a month, from 7.30pm on Friday night to Sunday afternoon, when we deploy to a training area or local army camp. 

Once a year the regiment deploys away from its usual training locations for two weeks. This can take place in the UK or further afield in places like the USA, Belgium and Cyprus. This two weeks of training gives the battalion the chance to operate as a whole for much longer periods of time than normal. 

Not all of the skills required by 5 RRF can be taught 'in-house'. Consequently many soldiers will have the chance to undertake a variety of training courses many of which are run by the Regular Army.

Training Commitment

The minimum yearly attendance requirement is 27 days, 15 of which should be at Annual Camp or on a career course. In addition minimum standards in core skills like shooting, first aid, AFV recognition, CBRN and fitness must be reached. 

This commitment qualifies the soldier for an annual tax-free bounty.

Sports and Adventure Training

Not all training is of a purely military nature and The Battalion takes part in a wide range of other activities.

On a sporting front the Battalion has established itself as an orienteering and football unit. In the past the battalion won the Infantry Orienteering Championship. while the Football Team have been through to the Divisional Finals.

The Battalions shooting team regularly competes in the annual TA national competition at Bisley and usually places highly (FIRST). 

 Also a whole range of adventurous, outward bound, training is available both through the Battalion and the wider TA. Every summer adventurous training is undertaken by the battalion, usual in the Lake District.