British Army demonstrates ability to wage war in Germany

Thousands of British troops and hundreds of military vehicles have deployed to Germany for Exercise Cerberus 2024, a large-scale training event aimed at enhancing the combat readiness of the British Army’s 3rd (UK) Division, according to a news release.

The bi-annual exercise saw 3,200 soldiers and officers participate in intensive warfighting drills at the UK’s NATO Forward Holding Base in Sennelager, alongside German forces.

Major General Olly Brown, General Officer Commanding 3rd (UK) Division, praised the exercise as a vital opportunity to sharpen the British Army’s warfighting skills, saying, “We have had 3,200 soldiers and officers out here in Germany to optimize warfighting skills, which is what the British Army is all about. We are learning every day, becoming better and more lethal.”

He added, “We put people under pressure to make them even better in terms of their ability to execute complex missions against a hard-charging enemy. The output has been good, and the people have really enjoyed their training.”

The exercise marked the first time a German Headquarters, Panzerlehrbrigade 9, participated in Exercise Cerberus. Brigadier-General Lutz Kuhn, Commander of Panzerlehrbrigade 9, highlighted the positive experience of working with British forces, stating, “Working with our British colleagues has been just fine. We have really enjoyed their comradeship and their friendship. But more importantly, it is good to see their professionalism, and it is a pleasure to cooperate with them.”

Brigadier-General Kuhn noted that while the German forces were not being validated in this exercise, the opportunity to fine-tune procedures in a realistic environment was invaluable.

He explained, “Sennelager is perfect for this and allows us to train as we should fight. This is a serious topic for us as we look to draw conclusions and lessons learnt from the various conflicts in the world today.”

British units that took part in the exercise included six Brigade Headquarters from:

• 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team
• 12 Armoured Brigade Combat Team
• 7 Mechanised Brigade Combat Team
• 20 Armoured Brigade Combat Team
• 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade
• 1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team

Major General Brown highlighted the collaboration between British and German forces, noting, “We are learning from each other, and we are getting better together on the battlefield.”

The exercise was nearly a year in the making, designed by specialists from the UK’s Land Warfare Centre. Major Tony Meagor, who helped design the exercise, spoke of its importance, saying, “The whole point of this exercise is to prove to our friends and allies that the British Army is ready for whatever comes its way. We are here to reassure our NATO allies and the German Army that we are ready to help and support them, whatever the mission or whatever the situation.”