Army Reservists from 7 RIFLES deploy on two operations simultaneously

Operating COVID-19 Mobile Testing units in the Thames Valley; and UN peace-keeping in Cyprus.

7th Battalion The Rifles are supporting the NHS by providing nearly 100 Army Reservists for COVID-19 Mobile Testing Units in the Thames Valley as part of OPERATION RESCRIPT. Operation Rescript is a military operation, made up of both regulars and reservists, to assist the UK's efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.

The Mobile Testing Units allow people who suspect that they have COVID-19 to self-administer a swab test, which is then processed at a Regional Testing Centre in Oxford. 7 RIFLES personnel underwent training from 4PWRR in operating the units, reassuring the public, and correct use of PPE at Edward Brooks Barracks near Oxford. This will ensure that the process is safe and efficient for 7 RIFLES personnel, and for those being tested. The Units will be at a different location in the Thames Valley each day, including Bracknell, Reading, Aylesbury, Bicester, Amersham, Slough and Windsor.

Major Connor Maxwell, Officer Commanding of Alma Company, 7 RIFLES said, “We have nearly 100 Reservists who put their hand up and volunteered for this task. What makes this all the more impressive is that we have nearly 200 Reservists currently deployed in Cyprus, supporting UN peace-keeping operations there."

Rifleman Paul Capon, 27, from London, said, “I jumped at the opportunity to mobilise for this task. This matters to me, and the rest of the Riflemen, because it is a nationwide issue, and we want to do what we can to help resolve it.”