British Paratroopers have carried out demanding training in the mountains of Slovenia.
Some 120 paratroopers from C (Bruneval) Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2PARA) are being introduced to the challenges of operating in a mountainous environment on Exercise Triglav Star.
The British Army say in a news release here, working alongside specialist mountain infantry from Slovenia and the United States, troops learnt climbing and rope work techniques ahead of a tactical exercise on the rugged peaks of the Julian Alps.
“The training is preparing paratroopers to be able to operate in any environment for their role in the British Army’s global response force, as well as sharing skills and building relationships with NATO allies. The exercise presents a unique set of tactical and physical challenges, offering a different environment for the British Army with high-altitude climbs, steep cliff faces and densely wooded slopes.”
Lieutenant Giddings, Officer Commanding 8 Platoon, was quoted as saying:
“Exercise Triglav Star has exposed us to a unique environment where we have learned different skills and have had to adapt our tactics, techniques and procedures to the mountain environment.”
The British Army also added:
“With mountains covering 25 per cent of the Earth’s land surface and many areas where disputed borders are placed, they are an important terrain to train in, particularly for high-readiness forces. It’s not only the enemy that troops must contend with. In addition to the difficult landscape, the mountains also offer climatic challenges of high winds, extreme cold and unpredictable weather.
Those who can master these two factors will have the advantage. During the exercise, the first phase focussed on a range of basic skills required to successfully operate in the mountains, such as navigation, climbing on fixed ropes, rappelling, abseiling and rope bridges.”
Interesting. I think mountain warfare is not something the Army never mind the Paras have looked to add to their skill set. I’m know i’m probably building mountains out of molehills but a new defence review has been promised. I think by the end of the year to incorporate the lessons learned from Ukraine. I just hope Wallace is given the freedom to be radical. It’s definitely needed.
Actually consider it to be both proactive and intelligent to train in varied environments. Could easily believe conflict may occur in rhe Balkans, Finland, etc., in the foreseeable future.
22 SAS of course have Mountain Troops. I thought there was a propsal for the former Specialised Infantry Group to gain mountain expertise, but I can’t find a reference to that now.
Where did you hear we are having a new Defence Review? We had an IR and Defence Command Paper only last year – and it was radical. Arguably there could be a ‘New Chapter’ written to take into account the Russian invasion as happened after 9/11.
Good to see the broad spread of British forces at this time. The next month is going to be very tricky for the conflict in Ukraine, as its forces ignore the new Russian Red Lines and make ground. If Putin is going to step up the use of WOMD it will most likely be in the coming weeks?
IF he did use them you have to ask where? On the front lines the Orcs would have to pull back to escape the effects of such weapons,Ukr troops have proven that they are more than capable of not letting such gaps occur. A population centre would only enrage the Ukrainians even more than they are at the moment!
It would provoke an international outcry as well.
Good points, however, we are talking about Putin and his Russianisation of captured Ukraine is a provocation and designed to make people think hard about strategy. World weapon supply could be slowed due to the new Red Lines as some countries might question Ukrainian intentions in regards to dealing with them.
It is too early to write off Putin’s latest move. Nato could simply ignore the new red lines however, some will give thought to what a direct attack on these lines could lead to. One fact is clear the Russian ground forces won’t do much other than pull back, so what options does Putin have other than use WOMD? However, these red lines could allow Putin to reach out to Ukraine and offer proper peace talks knowing he has achieved his objective of claiming the Eastern regions. This might save him face at home whilst bringing this ghastly war to… Read more »
As Luhansk and the Kherson region’s are already being reclaimed by Ukraine you might well say the red line has been crossed already!
What you seem to be saying is that Ukraine should admit defeat and cede these ‘annexed’ regions to Russia! Not going to happen is it?
I thought UK has the Marine Commando Mountain & Artic warfare carder?. good to see the Army getting to get training in all types of terrain.
Certainly does. Not many bods from the Army go on that course though as its a RM course. Very specialist, very tough. Would easily class a special forces type stuff amongst other worlds forces.
Correct. The RM M&AW Cadre has Instructors within CTCRM and within S&RS
( old BPT ) of 30 Cdo.
I’d guess they find their way into SFSG and SBS too.
As the Gurka regiment is formed from a people who live at extreme altitude and are very used to mountains, Why doesn’t the British army form a dedicated mountain warfare regiment with them? They would be the best in the world, without any training!! Or is that too obvious for the MOD.