British Army undergo training in Warcop ahead of European deployment

The Royal Lancers swapped Catterick for Warcop this month as they prepare for Operation CABRIT in Eastern Europe later this year.

Around 120 soldiers will deploy for six months this summer, as the reconnaissance element of American forces stationed in Poland.

The task falls under NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), a series of deployments which also factors in the Baltic States, for which Operation CABRIT is the British contribution.

On patrol. Matt Allen / MOD Crown Copyright 2022

To get themselves ready for the upcoming job, troops have been making sure they are up to speed on the Jackal 2 vehicle and the weapons that can be mounted on it.

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The large Defence Estate in Cumbria allows the Army to conduct arduous training with minimal chance of disturbing local residents or wildlife.

There was no time to admire the scenery, however, as personnel had to pass a range of tough tests to ensure proficiency using the issued equipment.

They will be deploying on Exercise LUCKNOW LANCER in July, to take place across England and Scotland, which will be used as the final proving ground before setting off for the overseas tour.

The UK’s Armed Forces have a leading role in NATO’s eFP, in order to enhance Euro-Atlantic security, reassure our allies, and deter our adversaries.

Matt Allen / MOD Crown Copyright 2022

Aside from the Royal Lancers contribution, a Battlegroup of around 900 service personnel are being deployed in Estonia.

The Sky Sabre anti-aircraft missile system is also operated by 16 Regiment Royal Artillery in Poland, while major Army exercises have recently taken place in Finland and North Macedonia.

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