5 RIFLES is equipped with the Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle and other armoured support vehicles. Riflemen command, drive, provide the gunners and dismount from these formidable armoured fighting vehicles. Riflemen in 5 RIFLES are trained to conduct the full range of operations, especially those requiring heavily armoured, combined arms rapid intervention such as that used in the Gulf War. 

Since 2007, 5 RIFLES has deployed on four tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, together with numerous other operations and training missions worldwide.

In 2017, the Battalion provided the lead element for the UK's first ever Enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia and is scheduled to return there for a second tour a couple of years time.

• 5 RIFLES were the first Infantry Battalion to deploy as a part of the UK's Enhanced Forward Presence, based in Estonia in 2017.  In Estonia the 5 RIFLES Battlegroup will support UK allies and act as the lead elements to confront threats to European security.

• 5 RIFLES routinely deploy overseas to Canada onto large exercises involving thousands of personnel and hundreds of armoured vehicles.

• The Battalion is an Armoured Infantry Battalion that is part of 20 Armoured Brigade, within 3rd (UK) Division – “The Iron Division" that is the only division at continual operational readiness in the UK.

Rifleman Evan Watson

"I arrived at 5 RIFLES in 2014 and was quickly integrated into the Platoon. So far, I have lived in Germany and England and deployed on exercises all over the world, including to my home country of Canada. I have deployed on operations to the Falklands as part of the ongoing commitment to the islands and to Estonia; as part of NATO’s enhanced forward presence. The Army has given me many skills and has enhanced my self-confidence. Being a Rifleman has helped me develop mentally and physically. With home still in Canada, 5 RIFLES welcomed me with open arms and soon became a second family. The battalion has given me the respect, friends for life and independence that I was looking for."

Lieutenant Richard Smart

"The job of an Armoured Infantry Platoon Commander is as rewarding as it is challenging. No two days are the same and it is the Riflemen under your command that makes the job particularly enjoyable. They're from all across the UK and all have their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses; there really is no such thing as an "average" Rifleman. It is a true privilege to serve alongside the Riflemen and an honour to lead them. Another great thing about The Rifles is that it has given me the opportunity to continue pursuing the sports I enjoy. I have taken the Battalion rugby club on tour and also represented the Infantry."