We Are Swift and Bold
The British Army’s largest infantry regiment, at the forefront of overseas operations, offering a choice of more roles, variety and locations.
We have a no-nonsense approach to soldiering, which makes us one of the finest fighting units, forged over centuries of conflict protecting the nation.
We have strong bonds of brotherhood, tradition and professionalism which set us apart from others.
Got any RIFLES questions? Contact us via our enquiry form
Our Capabilities
Our determination and approach to soldiering means our troops are considered some of the toughest fighting soldiers in the Army. With this comes other possibilities because in The Rifles we offer a choice from the greatest range of potential career pathways and opportunities available in the Infantry.
Riflemen are innovators by nature and have been since the Regiment’s formation. This ability makes us one of the most popular infantry regiments in the British Army. We continually strive to improve and push ourselves to the limit.
#WeAreInnovators
Light Infantry
Locations
Chepstow and Lisburn (Northern Ireland)
Battalions
1 RIFLES and 2 RIFLES
Jobs
Entry: Rifleman, Sharpshooter, GPMG Gunner, Radio Operator & Driver
Specialist: Reconnaissance, Javelin/NLAW Operator, PTI, Mortarman, Assault Pioneer, Sniper, Machine Gunner & Signaller
Equipment
Personal: SA80A3, Underslung Grenade Launcher, L129A1 Sharpshooter, L131A1 Glock 17, L109 HE Grenade, L7A2 GPMG & Thermal/Night Sights
Specialist: GPMG Sustained Fire Role, Command Launch Unit, Mortars, Demolitions, Javelin, Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), Bridging, L115A3 Sniper Rifle, Communication and Information Systems, Building Breaching Equipment, Land Rover & Troop Carrying Vehicle
Mechanised Infantry
Locations
Edinburgh
Battalions
3 RIFLES
Jobs
Entry: Rifleman, Sharpshooter, GPMG Gunner, Radio Operator, Reconnaissance, General Driver & Mastiff/Jackal Driver
Specialist: Javelin/NLAW Operator, Mortarman, PTI, Assault Pioneer, Sniper, Machine Gunner & Signaller
Equipment
Personal: SA80A3, Underslung Grenade Launcher, L129A1 Sharpshooter, L131A1 Glock 17, L109 HE Grenade, L7A2 GPMG & Thermal/Night Sights
Specialist: L1A1 HMG, Grenade Machine Gun, Command Launch Unit, Javelin Anti-Tank Missile, Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon, Mortars, Demolitions, Bridging, L115A3 Sniper Rifle, Communication and Information Systems, Breaching Equipment, Mastiff, Wolfhound, Jackal, Quadbike, Land Rover & Troop Carrying Vehicle
Armoured Infantry
Locations
Bulford
Battalions
5 RIFLES
Jobs
Entry: Rifleman, Sharpshooter, GPMG Gunner, Radio Operator & General Driver
Specialist: Reconnaissance, Javelin Operator, Mortarman, Assault Pioneer, Sniper, PTI, Signaller, Warrior Driver, Warrior Gunner, Warrior Commander, Bulldog Driver, Bulldog Commander, CVR(T) Driver, CVR(T) Gunner, CVR(T) Commander, Panther Driver & Panther Commander
Equipment
Personal: SA80A3, Underslung Grenade Launcher, L129A1 Sharpshooter, L131A1 Glock 17, L109 HE Grenade, L7A2 GPMG & Thermal/Night Sights
Specialist: Command Launch Unit, Javelin Anti-Tank Missile, Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon, Mortars, Demolitions, Bridging, L115A3 Sniper Rifle, Communication and Information Systems, Breaching Equipment, Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Chain Gun, Bulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier, CVR(T) Reconnaissance Vehicle, Panther, Quadbike, Land Rover & Troop Carrying Vehicle
Army Special Operations Battalion
Locations
Aldershot
Battalions
4 RANGER
Jobs
Entry: Rifleman/LCpl, Team Force Protection.
Specialist: Team Weapons, Team Fires, Team Medic, Team Manoeuvre Support, Team Coms, Team Intelligence.
Equipment
Personal: AIW L403A1, L131A1 Glock 17, L109 HE Grenade, L7A2 GPMG & Thermal/Night Sights
Specialist: L115A3 Sniper Rifle, Communication and Information Systems, Breaching Equipment.
Security Force Assistance
Locations
Edinburgh
Battalions
3 RIFLES
Jobs
Entry: Rifleman, Sharpshooter, GPMG Gunner, Radio Operator, Driver
Specialist: Reconnaissance, Javelin/NLAW Operator, Mortarman, PTI, Assault Pioneer, Sniper, Machine Gunner & Signaller
Equipment
Personal: SA80A3, Underslung Grenade Launcher, L129A1 Sharpshooter, L131A1 Glock 17, L109 HE Grenade, L7A2 GPMG & Thermal/Night Sights
Specialist: L1A1 HMG, Grenade Machine Gun, Command Launch Unit, Javelin Anti-Tank Missile, Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon, Mortars, Demolitions, Bridging, L115A3 Sniper Rifle, Communication and Information Systems, Breaching Equipment, Quadbike, Land Rover, Pinzagauer, & Troop Carrying Vehicle
OUR JOB ROLES
Assault Pioneer and Bugler
Iraq
Afghanistan
Estonia
Cyprus
Kenya
Belize
Canada
Sudan
Poland
Finland
Germany
France
USA
Hawaii
Egypt
Australia
Singapore
South Korea
Japan
Brunei
Slovenia
OUR DEPLOYMENTS
Past, present and future RIFLES deployments. Our Riflemen are also deployed to assist in training, advice and assistance roles to other nations.
The Rifles has Riflemen consistently deployed on operations and training worldwide.
Iraq - 6 tours
Afghanistan - 14 tours
Estonia (NATO) - 2017, 2020, 2023, 2024
Lebanon (Dates withheld)
Jordan (Dates withheld)
Worldwide 2020 to Present, including - Belize, Canada, Cyprus, Kenya, Eastern Europe, Finland, France, Germany, USA, Hawaii, Egypt, Australia, Mikasa, South Korea, Singapore, Slovenia, Japan, Brunei
Our Locations
The Rifles has established roots across many towns, cities and counties. We are based in 26 locations within the UK, more than any other Infantry Regiment. Four of these are Regular unit locations and 21 are Reserve unit locations. No matter where you come from, The Rifles has a connection; either through other serving Riflemen or the physical presence of one of our Battalions.
This allows Regular Riflemen to get home easily when off duty and provides a web of local Reserve bases for part time Riflemen.
Your career would not be limited to service in these locations. You may also find yourself serving alongside another unit, or at a training establishment elsewhere.
#WeAreRooted
We Are Riflemen
Joining The Rifles
Joining Full Time (Regular)
Looking for an exciting, varied role? Becoming a Rifleman is a great choice. You’re part of the Army’s front line team, taking part in all kinds of operations – from peace keeping and disaster relief to full scale war. You won’t do this on your own though. You’ll work and train alongside other highly skilled soldiers – who’ll become like family. This team spirit is vital in combat. And you will make friends for life. Together, you’ll take on all kinds of challenges worldwide, including adventurous training. With the chance to gain qualifications, you will learn and move up the ranks too.
Joining Part Time (Reserve)
The Army Reserve is the British Army's reserve force. When you join as a RIFLES Reservist you'll get involved in everything that the Regular Battalions do - from combat to peacekeeping and humanitarian work. You'll be given the opportunity to learn trade skills and can take advantage of the opportunities that Regular Riflemen have too - like adventurous training. You'll be paid for the time you serve. The difference is that Reservists are not full-time soldiers. Many Reservists have a day job. The role or job that an individual will perform depends very much on what is available at the nearest Army Reserve Centre (ARC).
2 Rifles battlegroup arrives in Estonia to strengthen European security
2 Rifles Battlegroup arrived in Estonia this week to bolster defence forces in the country, in support of European security. In a bilateral agreement between Estonia and the United Kingdom, the Battlegroup replaces the Royal Tank Regiment Battlegroup as the Agile Task Force (ATF) and will remain in Estonia for a six-month tour of duty.
HRH The Duchess of Rothesay Visits 3 RIFLES
HRH The Duchess of Rothesay Visits 3 RIFLES
RIFLES on Social Media
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The Rifles is recruiting quality people just like you right now as part of the Infantry. For more information on joining the Infantry and The Rifles submit an expression of interest through our Enquiry Form.
RIFLES History
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. Optimised 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.