SWIFT AND BOLD
The Rifles is a large regiment with 4 Regular and 3 Reserve Battalions. We offer our people the widest range of Infantry roles and locations in the British Army.
When you join the Army Reserve, you'll get involved in everything that the Regular Army does - 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 soldiers 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.
Got any questions, or interested in joining The Rifles? Contact us via our enquiry form
Our Three Reserve Battalions
6 RIFLES
6 RIFLES has around 500 part-time soldiers from a wide variety of backgrounds, making us one of the largest reservist units in the British Army. The headquarters is in Wyvern Barracks, Exeter and the remainder of the battalion is spread over ten locations across the South West, with company headquarters and outstations in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. The battalion has three rifle companies and a headquarters company, each comprising approximately 100 Riflemen and the accomplished, 30-strong Salamanca Band and Bugles that supports a variety of Defence tasks.
6 RIFLES has recently returned from an operational deployment as the United Nations Roulement Battle Group, and the lead unit on Operation TOSCA - the UK's contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force In Cyprus. The Battalion assumed responsibility for Sector 2 in Nicosia from its sibling battalion 7 RIFLES, in the first such handover between two reserve units on operations in recent memory.
7 RIFLES
7 RIFLES is the Reserve Infantry Battalion of The Rifles for London and the South East. We trace our heritage back to the original skirmishers and sharpshooters of the 1800s.
Comprising of 500 Reservists from culturally diverse backgrounds and have bases in London, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire.
We offer a range of combat and combat service support roles, including our accomplished Waterloo Band and Bugles.
As part of the Army’s largest Regiment, and as a Reserve component within the 3rd (UK) Division under command of 20th Armoured Brigade Combat Team, we have unparalleled access to the widest possible roles and deployment opportunities.
We therefore stand ready to support 20 Armoured Brigade Combat Team as part of the Iron Fist in the Iron Division, and recent examples include:
- Operations in IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN.
- Providing training teams to MALAWI, SOUTH AFRICA, ZAMBIA, UGANDA.
- Supporting regional and local government efforts on Op PITCHPOLE (flooding) and Op RESCRIPT (Covid19 response) as well as Op Unity (Commonwealth Games).
- Peacekeeping operations in CYPRUS.
- Operational deployments to Estonia as part of the Enhanced Forward Presence (Op Cabrit).
8 RIFLES
The Battalion is paired with 2 RIFLES and its principal mission is to train and prepare Reserve Riflemen for front line Light Infantry operations, where they serve alongside and integrated within Regular RIFLES units.
Reserve service in 8 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.
Reservists on Exercise
Our Locations
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HQ Company, 6 RIFLES
HQ Company
Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Wyvern Barracks, EXETER, Devon, EX2 6AR Telephone: 01392 492 472
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HQ Company, 6 RIFLES
HQ Company Detachment
Headquarters Company detachment, Oakleigh Road, BARNSTABLE, EX32 8JT Telephone: 01392 492510
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HQ Company, 6 RIFLES
HQ Company Detachment
Headquarters Company detachment, York Road, PAIGNTON, TQ4 5NJ Telephone: 01452 523132
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A Company, 6 RIFLES
A Company, Eastern Avenue, GL4 3BD Telephone: 01452 523132
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3 Pl, A Coy, 6 RIFLES
3 Platoon, A Company, HMS Flying Fox, Winterstoke Road, BS3 2NS Telephone: 01452 523132
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2 Pl, A Coy, 6 RIFLES
2 Platoon, A Company, Suvla Barracks, HR1 2QX Telephone: 01432 360752
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C Coy, 6 RIFLES
C Company, Poundbury Road, DORCHESTER, DT1 1TA Telephone: 01305 264969
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6 Pl, C Coy, 6 RIFLES
6 Platoon, C Company, Wallisdown Road, POOLE BH12 5AD Telephone: 01305 264969
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D Coy, 6 RIFLES
D Company, Moresk Road, TRURO, TR1 1DF Telephone: 01872 272010
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8 Pl, D Coy, 6 RIFLES
8 Platoon, D Company, Millbay Park, PLYMOUTH, PL1 3BQ Telephone: 01872 272010
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HQ Coy, 7 RIFLES
Headquarters Company, Brock Barracks, Oxford Road, READING, RG30 1HW Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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A Coy, 7 RIFLES
A Company, Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Road, ABINGDON, OX13 6HW Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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High Wycombe Pl, 7 RIFLES
High Wycombe Platoon, Youens House, Old Horns Lane, Booker, HIGH WYCOMBE, SL7 3DU Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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Aylesbury Pl, 7 RIFLES
Aylesbury Platoon, Viney House, Oxford Road, AYLESBURY, HP19 8RN Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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B Coy, 7 RIFLES
B Company, Army Reserve Centre, Church Place, SWINDON, SN1 5ED Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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Bulford Pl, 7 RIFLES
Bulford Platoon, Ward Barracks, BULFORD, SP4 9NA Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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G Coy, 7 RIFLES
G Company, Army Reserve Centre, The Cedars, Portway, WEST HAM, E15 3QN Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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G Coy, 7 RIFLES
G Company, Army Reserve Centre, 405 Mile End Road, LONDON, E3 4PD Telephone: 0118 953 0239
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Bn HQ, 7 RIFLES
Battalion Headquarters 1a Iverna Gdns, Kensington W8 6TN Telephone: 020 7629 3674
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Bn HQ, 8 RIFLES
Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company, St Andrew's Road, BISHOPS AUCKLAND, DL14 6RX Telephone: 0191 375 5199
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D Coy, 8 RIFLES
D Company, The Gilesgate Armoury, Gilesgate, DURHAM, DH1 1JR Telephone: 0191 375 5199
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2 Pl, D Coy, 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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E Coy, 8 RIFLES
E Company, ARC, Bligny House, Copthorne Road, SHREWSBURY, SY3 8LZ Telephone: 01743 842034 or 01743 842026
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5 Pl, E Coy, 8 RIFLES
5 Platoon, E Company, Golden Hillcock Road, Sparkbrook, BIRMINGHAM, B11 2QG Telephone: 01743 842034 or 01743 842026
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Y Coy, 8 RIFLES
Y Company, Wakefield Road, PONTEFRACT, WF8 4ES Telephone: 01977 698116
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8 Pl, Y Coy, 8 RIFLES
8 Platoon, Y Company, Danum Road, DONCASTER, DN4 5HD Telephone: 01977 698116
Our Equipment
Warrior
Foxhound
Husky
Mastiff
RWMIK Land Rover
SA80 Individual Weapon
L115A3 Long Range 'Sniper' Rifle
L129A1 Sharpshooter Rifle
81mm Mortar
Combat Shotgun
General Purpose Machine Gun
Grenade Machine Gun
Quad Bike
Heavy Machine Gun
Light Machine Gun
SA80 Individual Weapon
Joining as a Reservist
You'll need to be 18 to join as a RIFLES Reservist, but you can apply when you reach 17 and 9 months. The best way to join is to go to see your local RIFLES Unit and find out what is on offer and whether you like it. The team there will talk to you and give you a taster of being a RIFLES Reserve soldier. They'll then help you with your application and getting ready for the Army Assessment Centre. You will need to start your application online. Maximum age is 43 in most cases.
Looking to join The Rifles? For more information, fill out a Recruiting Interest Form: HERE
Our Benefits

PAY
You'll get paid a day rate according to the relevant rates of pay to rank. This includes being paid for weekly training nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
You will also be included in the Army’s pension and earn a day’s paid holiday for every 10 that you spend training.
The Army is an equal opportunities employer, that treats people equally regardless of who they are or where they’re from, that defines people by their skills, not any other criteria.
ADVENTUROUS TRAINING AND SPORT
We encourage our Riflemen to take part in adventurous training and sport. Our regiment has football, rugby, cricket, hockey, boxing and skiing teams. These will help you to develop teamwork and leadership skills and enjoy life away from work.

More than the money
Being a Reservist isn’t just about soldiering; you will also have opportunities to travel, earn military and civilian qualifications which will help you gain more experience and promote through the ranks.
Serving will also offer you something different outside of a normal 9 - 5 job including excitement, adventure and the chance to protect the nation. After a period of time as a RIFLES Reservist, if you have the aptitude, you can attempt selection for the Special Forces or spend an extended period with one of our Regular battalions on overseas operations.
THE BRITISH ARMY'S LARGEST INFANTRY REGIMENT
The Rifles is looking for quality people just like you right now. To speak to someone about joining the infantry and becoming a Rifleman, please get in touch with The Rifles’ Engagement Team.
RIFLES Engagement Warrant Officer can be contacted by Phone, Text or WhatsApp - 07971 893807 or on [email protected]