SOLDIERS from a regiment with strong ties to Worcestershire are training in tactical warfare in the Brecon Beacons.
Mercian soldiers are deploying to Brecon on a two-week tactical warfare exercise. The training is part of efforts to meet government plans to increase regular and reserve troops engagement, under Army 2020 and to increase co-operation between regular and reserve forces as part of Operation Fortify.
The exercise is part of wider Regimental efforts to increase reserve engagement and increase its capabilities. Almost 180 soldiers from 2 Mercian (Regular) and 4 Mercian (Reserve) will take part during the next fortnight.
Soldiers will spend a week deployed in the field, conducting a variety of offensive and defensive operations 24 hours a day. This will lead into a four day live firing exercise.
Lieutenant Jamie Russell, 1 Platoon Commander, A (Grenadier) Company, 2 Mercian said: “This is the main effort not just for us in the Mercian Regiment, but is a sign post for the future of the British Army.”
The exercise in the Brecon Beacons is just one of a number being undertaken by the Mercians
to improve regular and reserve engagement.
Troops from 4 Mercian are supporting elements of 2 Mercian who are preparing to deploy to Cyprus as part of Operation TOSCA, a UN peacekeeping tour.
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