2 RIFLES

2 RIFLES are a fully operational light roled Battle-Group, trained and on standby for operations world-wide, an exciting new role for a Battalion based in Northern Ireland.  For news of the battalion's latest tour in Afghanistan  see our Swift and Bold site at http://swiftandbold.org/2rifles

NEWS

The battalion is now deployed in Afghanistan for the next 6 or so months see Swift and Bold dispatches and the news section on this site for updates.

In the first half of 2010, recuperation and regeneration were the Main Effort as the Battalion sought to remember its dead, support its wounded and regenerate specialist qualifications in Support and Headquarter Companies.  Rather unglamorously it was the administrative corners of the Battalion that found themselves centre stage as equipment care, logistic and administrative inspections loomed and the new Army Recovery Capability was introduced in order to deal with the growing numbers of soldiers injured on operations. 

Training Ballykinler

In the background, a successful JNCO Cadre, some excellent Support Company Cadres and even some sport and adventurous training allowed the majority of the Battalion to enjoy a few brief months of relative calm over which to take stock of their experiences in Sangin and spend some time with their families. 

Ballykinler memorial

The unveiling of a memorial to all of the Battalion’s fallen and a very generous garden party hosted at his home by the Royal Colonel were a fitting ending to this period and an ideal opportunity for the families of our killed and wounded to gather. 

As summer approached, the emphasis began to shift and the pace quicken as training at Fire Team and Section level became the focus before deploying to Kenya on Exercise ASKARI THUNDER.  Over six demanding weeks the Battle Group surpassed itself, showing all of the tenacity and guile that had earned such plaudits in Helmand a year earlier. 

Kenya training

 The final BG mission was conducted under the watchful eyes of the 3 Star Commander Force Development & Training, the Divisional Commander and Commander 19 (Light) Brigade, they were suitably impressed.  Building from Section to Platoon to Company to Battle Group operations, including some excellent Air Assault missions, the Battalion staked a strong claim for a central role on operations in Afghanistan from September 2011.

 
Kenya training

Through the first half of 2011 Mission Specific Training has steadily ramped up for all elements – individual training and driving dominating the early stages.  A and C Coy are nominally detached to work with 5 RIFLES as ground holders on HERRICK 15. BHQ, I and B Coy will form the core of the Brigade Advisory Group with responsibility for developing the Afghan National Army through an important period of the Campaign; firmly on the UK’s and Task Force Helmand’s Main Effort.

ABOUT BALLYKINLER

Abercorn Barracks is one of the British Army's best-equipped camps with most Riflemen in individual rooms and top-grade quarters for married soldiers.

New accomodation block Abercorn Barracks

Adventure training facilities are second to none having watersports clubs within the camp and the mountains of Mourne within easy reach for climbing, abseiling and trekking.

Riflemen enjoy a generous welfare package of financial and travel allowances.

The battalion have recently been Army Rugby League champions.

2 RIFLES WELFARE CONTACT

Workling hours:  Tel: 02844 610297.  Out of Hours: Gurdroom (ask for Duty Officer) 02844 610 285.