Fusilier News Published by Regimental Secretary Brig IR Liles OBE

Introduction

This is the first Fusilier News of 2011 and the first since Nov 10. Staffing and preparation for SDRS has been at the heart of much of RHQs effort in recent months. A host of studies are underway many of which could have an effect on the Regiment for both serving personnel and the manner in which RHQs and AHQs are structured and the work they do. Included in a separate study is Regimental Museums and MOD support to them. I know there has been a good deal of gossip out in the Shires much of which is not based upon fact. You will all be aware that the Defence Budget has a huge deficit and that this must be tackled over the coming few years. That said, no decisions have yet been promulgated by the Chain of Command that will directly affect the Regiment. We must, however, be prepared for change and ensure that if and when it comes we are in the best position possible to deal with it effectively and efficiently; this has been at the core of the work that is still ongoing. As soon as an order is received I will keep the Regimental family informed immediately of the decision and the action the Regiment will take. Until then it is business as usual for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

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1 RRF

The Battalion had a good Xmas leave and went almost straight onto Ex PASHTUN DAGGER on Salisbury Plain.  Elements of 7 Armd Bde are also involved in the Ex with their new commander Brig Nanson, RRF deployed forward. More on this Ex will be in the next Fusilier News.

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2 RRF

After a well deserved Christmas leave, the Second Fusiliers returned to work revitalised. Within days of the return, however, the barracks again looked almost deserted, as the soldiers spread to the four winds on a vast array of internal and external courses and exercises. 

January has seen the Second Battalion run a Lance Corporal's Development Cadre, in order to keep JNCOs at the top of their game; an Infantry Signals Cadre to maintain communications down to the lowest level; and driver courses to ensure the Battalions is qualified and manned to drive the latest additions to its vehicle fleet. These activities were in addition to career and qualification courses in the UK and Germany, not to mention providing a large percentage of Officers and SNCOs to support 7 Brigades Mission Rehearsal Exercise on Salisbury Plain (which is still ongoing at the time of writing).

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5 RRF

The last few months have been heavily disrupted by the adverse winter weather affecting the whole of the 5RRF. This lead to a number of training weekends and drill nights being cancelled because soldiers could not access the drill halls and the local training areas were inaccessible. The Christmas Weekend planned to be held at Warcop from 10-12 Dec 10 was the most notable casualty. Since then the Battalion has held two training weekends focused on preparation for Op HERRICK.

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A (Fusilier) Coy 4 MERCIAN

Ten Fusiliers and Lance Corporals from A (Fusilier) Company have mobilised for Afghanistan along with another 50 soldiers from 4 MERCIAN. They are being sent as individual augmentees and once through the Mobilisation Centre they will join their new units for pre deployment training. All are experienced soldiers and should be a credit to the Company whilst they are on operations.