SOLDIERS from Catterick Garrison have swapped North Yorkshire for Warcop as they prepare for an Eastern European operation.

The Royal Lancers are preparing for Operation CABRIT which will see around 120 soldiers deployed for six months this summer, as the reconnaissance element of American forces stationed in Poland.

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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.

The Northern Echo: Catterick troops are training in Cumbria on the Jackal 2 vehicle and the weapons that can be mounted on it Picture: Matt Allen / MOD Catterick troops are training in Cumbria on the Jackal 2 vehicle and the weapons that can be mounted on it Picture: Matt Allen / MOD

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.

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.

The Northern Echo: Catterick troops are training in Cumbria on the Jackal 2 vehicle and the weapons that can be mounted on it Picture: Matt Allen / MOD Catterick troops are training in Cumbria on the Jackal 2 vehicle and the weapons that can be mounted on it Picture: Matt Allen / MOD

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 allies and deter adversaries.

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Aside from the Royal Lancers contribution, a Battlegroup of around 900 service personnel is 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.

The Northern Echo: Catterick troops are training in Cumbria on the Jackal 2 vehicle and the weapons that can be mounted on it Picture: Matt Allen / MOD Catterick troops are training in Cumbria on the Jackal 2 vehicle and the weapons that can be mounted on it Picture: Matt Allen / MOD

 

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