3 RIFLES is one of just four 'Strike' Infantry Battalions within the British Army and will be equipped with the new Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) to provide a better, more protected agile force that will be able to self-deploy thousands of kilometres with minimal logistical support. This exciting new role plays to the strengths of The Rifles, in which Riflemen have always been known for their ability to operate on their own initiative deep inside the battlefield.

Since 2007, 3 RIFLES has deployed on five tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, together with numerous other operations and training missions worldwide.

Both Edinburgh and Catterick have very good transport connections to the whole of the country. In particular Riflemen from North East and Yorkshire find it easy to get home easily most weekends.

• 3 RIFLES is a Mechanised Infantry Battalion, operating out of Ridgeback, Wolfhound, Jackal and Mastiff vehicles. These vehicles were brought into Army service during the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are battle proven, robust and offer good protection from small arms fire and blast damage.

• 3 RIFLES is one of the only Infantry battalions within the Army’s new concept Strike Brigades. This means that they will be equipped with the brand new Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) when they soon come into service and will be working alongside the new medium armour Ajax family of vehicles.  

• 3 RIFLES are currently based in Edinburgh and will be moving to Catterick in 2021.

Rifleman Aaraon Lazarcsak

"As soon as I arrived at 3 RIFLES I began pre-deployment training for Operation FIRIC, a 12-week deployment to The Falklands Islands. It was great fun. It was hard work, but it's during deployments like that where you make your best mates. When we got back from The Falklands, we then deployed to Kenya to take part in a battalion level exercise. I don’t think I would have travelled to any of these places if I wasn’t in the Army and going with the guys in my platoon was brilliant.  For me, 3 RIFLES is a very close-knit unit where I've made friends for life. There are exciting opportunities on the horizon; 3 Rifles is going places, and I'm onboard for the ride."

Lieutenant Tom Brash

"Leading Riflemen is a real privilege and watching my platoon develop has been hugely rewarding. What I particularly like about the Battalion, the Mess, and The Rifles as a whole, is the relaxed working environment and the mutual respect shared across the ranks. My 'top tip' for potential officers would be: do your homework. Go on as many Regimental visits as you can before Sandhurst and find a Regiment which feels like home.  For me, that was The Rifles."