Our Capabilities
Our determination and approach to soldiering means our troops are considered some of the toughest fighting soldiers in the Army. With this comes other possibilities because in The Rifles we offer a choice from the greatest range of potential career pathways and opportunities available in the Infantry.
Riflemen are innovators by nature and have been since the Regiment’s formation. This ability makes us one of the most popular infantry regiments in the British Army. We continually strive to improve and push ourselves to the limit.
Our Deployments
Our past, present and future deployments. Our Riflemen are also deployed to assist in training, advice and assistance roles to other nations.
The Rifles has Riflemen consistently deployed on operations and training worldwide.
- Iraq - six tours
- Afghanistan - 14 tours
- Estonia (NATO) - 2017, 2020, 2023, 2024
- Lebanon (Dates withheld)
- Jordan (Dates withheld)
- Worldwide 2020 to Present, including - Belize, Canada, Cyprus, Kenya, Eastern Europe, Finland, France, Germany, USA, Hawaii, Egypt, Australia, Mikasa, South Korea, Singapore, Slovenia, Japan, Brunei
Our Locations
The Rifles has established roots across many towns, cities and counties. We are based in 26 locations within the UK, more than any other infantry regiment. Four of these are regular unit locations and 21 are reserve unit locations. No matter where you come from, The Rifles has a connection; either through other serving Riflemen or the physical presence of one of our battalions.
This allows regular Riflemen to get home easily when off duty and provides a web of local reserve bases for part-time Riflemen.
Your career would not be limited to service in these locations. You may also find yourself serving alongside another unit, or at a training establishment elsewhere.
Through the years
The Rifles formed in 2007 when four of the most famous Regiments in the British Army merged together into a modern and exciting large regiment optimised for 21st Century warfare. Optimised in the crucible of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, The Rifles holds an incredible 913 battle honours, world record 117 Victoria Crosses (VC) and has a living history that is second to none.
The first British soldiers to wear camouflaged uniforms and 'skirmish' were Riflemen.
Renown for their fitness, initiative and fighting spirit in Spain and Portugal; Riflemen were the first to be issued rifles and 'swords' rather than muskets and bayonets.
The Antecedent and Forming Regiments of The Rifles made a massive contribution, earning 49 Victoria Crosses.
The first Mechanised Infantry, and first soldiers on the ground on D Day (Pegasus Bridge) were Riflemen.
Since formation in 2007, Riflemen have constantly been engaged on operations; amassing over 100 gallantry awards including a George Medal, 4 x CGCs, 11 x DSOs, 5 x QGMs and 21 Military Crosses.
Recognised for innovation and professional excellence on the battlefield over centuries and with battalions now in four of the five possible Infantry roles, The Rifles is certain to play a key part in future major military campaigns.
