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.
Our Locations
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1 RIFLES
Beachley Barracks, Beachley Road, CHEPSTOW, Wales, NP16 7YG Telephone: 01291 645 220
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2 RIFLES
Thiepval Barracks, Magheralave Road, LISBURN, Northern Ireland, BFPO 801 Telephone: 02892 262 133
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3 RIFLES
Dreghorn Barracks, Redford Road, EDINBURGH, Midlothian, EH13 9QW Telephone: 0131 102 727
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4 RIFLES
New Normandy Barracks, Evelyn Woods Road, ALDERSHOT, Hampshire, GU11 2LZ Telephone: 01252 347 609
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5 RIFLES
Ward Barracks,Bulford Station, SALISBURY, Wiltshire, SP4 9NA Telephone: 01980 672 794
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6 RIFLES
Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Wyvern Barracks, EXETER, Devon, EX2 6AR Telephone: 01392 492 472
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6 RIFLES
Headquarters Company detachment, Oakleigh Road, BARNSTABLE, EX32 8JT Telephone: 01392 492510
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6 RIFLES
Headquarters Company detachment, York Road, PAIGNTON, TQ4 5NJ Telephone: 01452 523132
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6 RIFLES
A Company, Eastern Avenue, GL4 3BD Telephone: 01452 523132
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6 RIFLES
2 Platoon, A Company, HMS Flying Fox, Winterstoke Road, BS3 2NS Telephone: 01452 523132
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6 RIFLES
3 Platoon, A Company, Suvla Barracks, HR1 2QX Telephone: 01432 360752
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6 RIFLES
C Company, Poundbury Road, DORCHESTER, DT1 1TA Telephone: 01305 264969
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6 RIFLES
6 Platoon, C Company, Wallisdown Road, POOLE BH12 5AD Telephone: 01305 264969
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6 RIFLES
D Company, Moresk Road, TRURO, TR1 1DF Telephone: 01872 272010
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6 RIFLES
8 Platoon, D Company, Millbay Park, PLYMOUTH, PL1 3BQ Telephone: 01872 272010
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7 RIFLES
Headquarters Company, Brock Barracks, Oxford Road, READING, RG30 1HW Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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7 RIFLES
B Company, Army Reserve Centre, Church Place, SWINDON, SN1 5ED Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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7 RIFLES
A Company, Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Road, ABINGDON, OX13 6HW Telephone: 01235 548003
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7 RIFLES
High Wycombe Platoon, Youens House, Old Horns Lane, Booker, HIGH WYCOMBE, SL7 3DU Telephone: 01235 548003
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7 RIFLES
Aylesbury Platoon, Viney House, Oxford Road, AYLESBURY, HP19 8RN Telephone: 01235 548003
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7 RIFLES
Battalion Headquarters 1a Iverna Gdns, Kensington W8 6TN Telephone: 020 7629 3674
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7 RIFLES
G Company, Army Reserve Centre, The Cedars, Portway, WEST HAM, E15 3QN Telephone: 020 8472 0140
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7 RIFLES
G Company, Army Reserve Centre, 405 Mile End Road, LONDON, E3 4PD Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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8 RIFLES
Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company, St Andrew's Road, BISHOPS AUCKLAND, DL14 6RX Telephone: 0191 375 5199
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8 RIFLES
D Company, The Gilesgate Armoury, Gilesgate, DURHAM, DH1 1JR Telephone: 0191 375 5199
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8 RIFLES
2 Platoon, D Company and Assault Pioneer Pl, HQ Company, ARC Dykelands Rd, Seaburn, SUNDERLAND, SR6 8DP Telephone: 0191 375 5199
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8 RIFLES
E Company, ARC, Bligny House, Copthorne Road, SHREWSBURY, SY3 8LZ Telephone: 01743 842034 or 01743 842026
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8 RIFLES
5 Platoon, E Company, Golden Hillcock Road, Sparkbrook, BIRMINGHAM, B11 2QG Telephone: 01743 842034 or 01743 842026
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8 RIFLES
Y Company, Wakefield Road, PONTEFRACT, WF8 4ES Telephone: 01302 322776
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8 RIFLES
8 Platoon, Y Company, Danum Road, DONCASTER, DN4 5HD Telephone: 01302 322776
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.
Troops complete final preparations before deploying to Afghanistan
The deployment sees 1st Battalion The Rifles and 1st Battalion The Royal Irish operating together for the first time since World War Two.
DEFENCE SECRETARY GAVIN WILLIAMSON ANNOUNCEMENT
ALL ARMY ROLES OPEN TO WOMEN
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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.
