Rifleman's Association North East
Swift and Bold

The Rifles was formed in 2007 through the merger of four famous Regiments and forged during the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Riflemen pride themselves on being distinctive, forward looking, modern and professional.
It is a point of pride to say "I am a Rifleman."

The Rifles Charter
In 2005 The Army Board directed battalions to group into larger regiments to meet the operational and organisational demands of the future. In light of this, Her Majesty The Queen has graciously approved the formation of a new regiment.
The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry,The Light Infantry,The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets recognise the profound impact of the Army Board’s decision. They elect to join together to form a wholly new regiment called The Rifles; comprising seven battalions, five Regular and two Territorial, as well as other Territorial, Cadet and Association elements. They do this after thorough and careful consideration, of their own free will, to ensure the continued excellence of their service to The Crown.
The four Founding Regiments will combine to form The Rifles from The Light Division. The Rifles will take their inspiration from the Founding Regiments’ Light Division ancestry, including their Line Regiment History. The Rifles will hold to the qualities advanced by General Sir John Moore and displayed by the finest of infantry regiments. They will demonstrate the values of independent thought and action, leadership, self discipline, fortitude and steadfastness. The Rifles will strive for excellence and be known for their fighting spirit and strong sense of decency. They will be forward looking, at the forefront of military thought and determined to set the highest professional standards.
The Regiment will give a place to all and anyone prepared to soldier loyally and effectively. The Rifles will cherish and foster their links to the counties, cities and towns from which they come; and which underpin their strong sense of national identity.
This new Regiment will be organised, operated and commanded so as to bring unity, professionalism and a sense of pride to all those who step forward with The Rifles.
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Lieutenant General
Sir Cedric Delves KBE
DSO
Col DDLI
Lieutenant General
RV Brims CBE DSO
Col Comdt Lt Div &
Col LI
General Sir Kevin O'Donoghue KCB
CBE
Col RGBW LI
Major General
NJ Cottam OBE
Regt Col
Comdt RGJ
The Rifleman
At the centre of The Rifles’ philosophy is an understanding of the partnership, collective identity and unity of purpose that are all implied in the term Rifleman - as it is applied to all ranks.
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All who serve in The Rifles are Riflemen, regardless of rank. The term Rifleman is an expression of common and united identity, embodying a close bond of comradeship rooted in respect, trust and pride, and forged through shared experience and hardship. It invokes a spirit of equality, within the hierarchy of command, which recognises that good ideas can, and will, come from everyone.
The Regiment is a brotherhood of Riflemen that delivers the unity of purpose and mutual understanding that makes mission command a natural and effortless method of operating. We always aim to set the highest professional standards and through our actions we aspire to be known for our excellence, but also for our strong sense of decency and our all-embracing sense of comradeship. We are forward looking and promote freedom of expression, aiming to contribute significantly to the development of military thought. We encourage informality and a relaxed, good-humoured rapport amongst all ranks.
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The Rifles is a national Regiment, one of strong regional ties. It knows that it is of its Counties, Cities and Towns. Its diversities actually serve to enrich its unity founded upon common values and utmost commitment to a shared professional ethos.
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The Rifles is a Regiment of excellence. Founded upon the inspiration of the past, The Rifles will be forward thinking. A National Regiment, rich in its diversity, strengthened through shared values, The Rifles will serve The Crown ever faithfully.
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The Rifles - "Swift and Bold"
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Over the Years
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. Formed 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.
1685 - Present
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The first British soldiers to wear camouflaged uniforms and 'skirmish' were Rifleman.
Peninsula War
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1808-14. Renown for their fitness, initiative and fighting spirit in Spain and Portugal; Riflemen were the first to be issued rifles and 'swords' rather than muskets and bayonets.
World War I
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1914-18. The Antecedent and Forming Regiments of The Rifles made a massive contribution, earning 49 Victoria Crosses.
World War II
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1939-45. The first Mechanised Infantry, and first soldiers on the ground on D Day (Pegasus Bridge) were Riflemen.
2007 - Present
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Since formation in 2007, Riflemen have constantly been engaged on operations; amassing over 100 gallantry awards including a George Medal, 4 x CGCs, 11 x DSOs, 5 x QGMs and 21 Military Crosses.
Future
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Recognised for innovation and professional excellence on the battlefield over centuries and with battalions now in four of the five possible Infantry roles, The Rifles is certain to play a key part in future major military campaigns.