Scotland

Paratroopers in action in Exercise Joint Warrior

Members of 16 Air Assault Brigade have taken to the skies again as part of a large multinational land, sea and air exercise.

The soldiers and officers of the B Company, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment are some of many participating in Exercise Joint Warrior in southern Scotland to hone their skills.

The two-week long exercise began in earnest with a series of Rapid Air Landings as they spearheaded the advance into the unknown.

Sleepy West Freugh airfield was woken up to the sound of mighty Hercules transport aircraft. The scores of soldiers who spilled from the rear loading ramps quickly adopted defensive positions before progressing with the challenges that the unravelling scenario threw at them.

The exercise is designed to be as realistic as possible with actors playing the local population and an enemy involved too. Whilst many of the Paras have been deployed in Afghanistan this year it is essential that training continues.

The Rapid Air Landing, where a plane is on the ground for as little time as possible, is the fastest way to deploy troops onto the ground in what could be hostile territory. The technique is one of the hallmarks of the Airborne Task Force (ABTF).

Some 800 members of the ABTF are participating in one of largest exercises in recent years. Besides paratroopers there are many areas of the Armed Forces represented. Many have returned from operational tours of duty in Afghanistan this year.

The exercise is being directed by the Field Training Unit which ensures that the ABTF is fully tested in its role. It is the UK’s quick reaction force that can deploy anywhere in the world at short notice to deal with a wide range of missions.

PICTURE: Ministry of Defence