Infantry
The Rifles
Swift and Bold
The Rifles was formed in 2007 through the merger of four famous Regiments and forged during the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Riflemen pride themselves on being distinctive, forward looking, modern and professional. It is a point of pride to say "I am a Rifleman."
FACTS & FIGURES
FORMED
1 February 2007
role
Combat
specialism
INFANTRY
our skills
Riflemen draw on a unique history and are distinct from the remainder of the British Army in their outlook, dress, customs and traditions. Officers and soldiers alike within The Rifles are called Riflemen. Riflemen are selected, developed and renowned for their forward-looking attitude; inclusive, informal and professional approach; and, above all, their expertise on the battlefield. These qualities are what we look for in Riflemen. What The Rifles offer in return is:
Respect. Riflemen lead the way into battle and have been shaping the future of the British Army for generations.
Independence. Riflemen are well-paid, enjoy life and work in battalions where every individual’s ideas really count.
Friends for life. Riflemen belong to a special club and band together into a close-knit brotherhood that lasts forever.
Learning. Riflemen receive world-class training, supported throughout, including driving licenses and qualifications.
Excitement. Riflemen are often deployed on operations and paid to play sport, go on adventurous training and travel the world.
Success. Riflemen promote quickly, earning more money and responsibly, and frequently prosper in later life.
World wide
The Rifles has Riflemen consistently deployed on operations and training worldwide.
- Iraq - 6 tours
- Afghanistan - 12 tours
- Estonia (NATO) 2017
- Worldwide 2007 to Present, including:
- Africa
- Belize
- Canada
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Mali
- Sudan
- Eastern Europe
Our People
All of us who serve in The Rifles take pride in being known as "Riflemen" because the term is an expression of our unified and collective identity, and the respect we hold for each other.
Regimental Headquarters and Associations
Peninsula Barracks, WINCHESTER
The Rifles is national regiment with strong ties to the places where our Forming Regiments were raised. Riflemen are offered a choice of locations in which to serve, from an unmatched range of bases within three hours' travelling time from practically anywhere within the UK.
This allows Riflemen to travel home at weekends whenever they are not busy or deployed overseas on operations or training.
Battalions
Swift and Bold - the "Thinking Rifleman" Jack, 19
Check out our Battalions by clicking on the Battalion name below.
- 1 RIFLES - Light Infantry Role
- 2 RIFLES - Light Infantry Role
- 3 RIFLES - Mechanised Infantry Role (Strike)
- 4 RIFLES - Specialised Infantry Role
- 5 RIFLES - Armoured Infantry Role
- 6 RIFLES - Reserve Battalion (South West)
- 7 RIFLES - Reserve Battalion (London/South)
- 8 RIFLES - Reserve Battalion (North/Midlands)
- F (RIFLES) Company - London Regiment
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. Formed 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.
Junior soldiers stride towards new military careers
The Army Foundation College in Harrogate saw more than 650 teenagers march on their way to a new career today when they graduated from the Army’s flagship training establishment for 16-17 year olds.
New physical fitness standards for combat roles
The Army has been demonstrating its new In-Service Physical Employment Standards for all ground close combat roles which will come into effect from 2019.
Saving rhinos and stopping poachers.
Social media
News updates, clips, comment and recruitment advice via our dynamic channels.
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500 NEW JOBS AVAILABLE EVERY YEAR
The Rifles is recruiting quality people just like you right now. To speak to someone about joining us and becoming a Rifleman, please get in touch with The Rifles’ Support Team.
