A strong mindset and the will to win: Remembering a fallen comrade The Rifles way
Soldiers from 3 Rifles have been taking part in their annual march and shoot patrol competition – the Chesterman Trophy.
The event is held to remember Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.
Teams marched over the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh, taking part in section attack drills and a pistol shoot along the way.
Lieutenant Ross Vides said: "I think it's appropriate because, from all the people who knew him, they only say very impressive things about him.
"It's a great opportunity for us to look back at those who have contributed so much to 3 Rifles and particularly Lieutenant Chesterman.
"What this does is it gives us an opportunity to remember him by doing something meaningful, something that he loved and something that he was very good at."
Heart rate v rate of fire
Lt Vides added: "We're testing mental resilience moving up and down over the hills.
"We climbed over 1,000 metres today and then go into the range and you're doing some pretty good shoots.
"So it is challenging you whilst under fatigue."
Mindset matters
While many of those taking part joined the unit after Lt Chesterman was killed, there is still a deep respect for him among the infanteers of the battalion.
Rifleman Callum Field said: "I didn't serve with Lt Chesterman, but to do this every year to remember him – it's a great way to test your fitness."
He also offered some tips about how to tackle the competition, explaining: "I think you have to have the right mindset.
"If you go in saying 'I don't care about winning, I don't care about this', you're going to fail.
"If you go in with a strong mindset saying 'I want to win, I want everything' you'll face it and then you'll win."
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