7 Battalion The Rifles (7 RIFLES)
Looking to join The Rifles? for more information, fill out a Recruiting Interest Form: HERE
7 RIFLES is The Rifles' Reserve Infantry Battalion of London and the South. It is comprised of 500 part-time soldiers from a wide variety of backgrounds and has bases in London, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire. The Battalion has three rifle companies and a headquarters company, each comprising approximately 100 soldiers, plus its accomplished, 30-strong Waterloo Band and Bugles that covers ceremonial engagements.
7 RIFLES
The Battalion is paired with 5 RIFLES and its principal mission is to train and prepare Reserve Riflemen for front line Armoured Infantry operations, where they serve alongside and integrated within Regular RIFLES units.
Reserve service in 7 RIFLES allows individuals to work outside the Army and yet commit to being a Rifleman part time. Training takes place over periodic weekends throughout the year, training nights during the week and for a consolidated 2-week period each year. Attendance at any specific training event is voluntary to take account of an individual's civilian commitments. Reserve Riflemen are paid for the training they undertake and can earn a financial bonus at the end of each year. The Training is varied, based upon the sort of skills all people need and includes: military training, adventurous training, fitness training and sport, together with overseas travel.
Reserve Riflemen wishing to commit to further training or an operational tour alongside a Regular unit have the opportunity to do so. Ex Regular Army officers and soldiers are very welcome and joining the Reserve may attract a financial bonus.
Looking to join the Reserves
The Roles available within 7 RIFLES are not restricted to Infantry, allowing a wider choice of part time jobs to be available:
- Combat Infantryman
- Military chefs
- Combat medics
- Human resources specialist
- Musicians
At present woman may join 7 RIFLES in any of the above list non-Infantry roles, with woman being able to join Infantry roles from 2018.
Please take a look at our Join Us page for more information on Joining the Reserves as well as details on locations and timings for their weekly training evening.
Facts & Figures
- 7 RIFLES is based across London and the Southeast of England.
- The battalion is partnered with 5 RIFLES and has deployed over 300 Riflemen on operations in recent years.
- 7 RIFLES has its own 30 strong marching band; the Waterloo Band and Bugles who perform ceremonial duties.
7 RIFLES
7 RIFLES are our reserve Battalion covering the South East of England.
Whether it's family fun, things to do, dog friendly, quality accommodation or a day trip to the south coast, we boast some of the Britain's top iconic tourist attractions and find out what's on with an extensive guide of the best events for all the family.
South East England stretches from Kent in the east, across the South Coast through Sussex to the New Forest in Hampshire and north through Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Windsor, Oxford, Brighton and Bournemouth are among the most popular places to visit for holidays in England, blending festivals, culture, history and breathtaking scenery. You'll never be short of entertainment with award winning destinations to explore for all budgets and tastes, even on a rainy day.
7 RIFLES Battalion Headquarters
Our People
Lance Corporal Michael Paddock
"I joined 7 RIFLES in 2010 while studying at university to do something different with my spare time and earn some extra money. The most interesting deployment I have enjoyed was to Afghanistan in 2013 with our sister Battalion 5 RIFLES. This was a challenging experience but did a great deal to develop me as a Rifleman. I am really excited about the future for 7 RIFLES as we're currently training to be Armoured Infantry. This is a first for the Reserves and will open up much more opportunity when working with our partnered Regular Battalion, 5 RIFLES."
Captain Richard Wilton
"I left 4 RIFLES in 2014 to pursue opportunities outside of the Army and be based in London. Upon starting my second career, I found that whilst enjoying my time doing something different; there were aspects of my time with The Rifles that I missed. It was at this point that I became a Reservist in 7 RIFLES, allowing me to both progress in my civilian role and in The Rifles. 7 RIFLES has been instrumental in developing me as a person and I have used my experience to help mentor those young officers arriving into the 7th Battalion."

At Work
7 RIFLES has recently begun training as Armoured Infantry; the only Reserve Battalion in the Army to do so. This extra training offers the Riflemen easier integration and employability when working alongside their sister Battalion, 5 RIFLES.

At Play
7 RIFLES is an active battalion that conducts frequent adventurous training, such as a recent Mountain Biking excursion in Snowdonia. Based across the entire Southeast of the UK, 7 RIFLES has training establishments spread throughout the region, making it easy for the Riflemen to attend training events.
7 RIFLES Timeline
7 RIFLES is an active battalion that conducts frequent adventurous training, such as a recent Mountain Biking excursion in Snowdonia. Based across the entire Southeast of the UK, 7 RIFLES has training establishments spread throughout the region, making it easy for the Riflemen to attend training events.
Our Locations
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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
A Company, Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Road, ABINGDON, OX13 6HW Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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7 RIFLES
High Wycombe Platoon, Youens House, Old Horns Lane, Booker, HIGH WYCOMBE, SL7 3DU Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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7 RIFLES
Aylesbury Platoon, Viney House, Oxford Road, AYLESBURY, HP19 8RN 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
Bulford Platoon, Ward Barracks, BULFORD, SP4 9NA Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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7 RIFLES
G Company, Army Reserve Centre, The Cedars, Portway, WEST HAM, E15 3QN Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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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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7 RIFLES
Battalion Headquarters 1a Iverna Gdns, Kensington W8 6TN Telephone: 020 7629 3674
Armoured Infantry Battalion
Warrior
SPARTAN & CVR(T) VEHICLES
Bulldog & FV430 series
Quad Bike
SA80 Individual Weapon
L115A3 Long Range 'Sniper' Rifle
L129A1 Sharpshooter Rifle
General Purpose Machine Gun
Personal Clothing
COMBAT BODY ARMOUR
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