The first overseas exercise for 4th Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment sees the Reserve unit training alongside their Danish counterparts in Oksboel, say the British Army.
Since their formation in September 2017 it has been a busy year for 4th Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (4 PWRR) widely known as ‘The Tigers’, say the British Army in a release.
“With Companies situated in Farnham, Edgeware, Redhill, Portsmouth, newly opened Southampton and the main Headquarters in Crawley, 4 PWRR is growing bigger and stronger all the time so it is key the individuals’ soldiering skills and drills are kept current. What better way to do that than to take their training to Oksboel on the east coast of Denmark and train alongside their Danish counterparts?
Exercise Viking Star is the Battalion’s first overseas exercise; it is their biggest test to date, they have conducted many training weekends in the UK, including on Salisbury Plain, but Denmark is something new and unique and for some of the soldiers their first larger scale exercise and deployment abroad. Approximately 120 troops have deployed on the two week bi-national training exercise, which is designed to demonstrate the combat effectiveness and readiness of the British Army Reserve Battalion and their ability to train, exercise, and ultimately deploy as part of a multinational force.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ben Baker, Commanding Officer 4 PWRR said,
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us as our first overseas activity, we are only one of two new Infantry Battalions created in recent years and the fact that in one year we’re able to deploy on an overseas exercise is hugely significant. It’s been wonderful to see such a huge the level of engagement between the two forces. Defence engagement is one of our key objectives, it’s important to maintain relationships through joint training and to develop a deeper understanding of each other’s training and operational procedures.
The Royal Danish Army (DNK) is an important ally and a member of the Joint Expeditionary Forces (JEF) agreement with the UK and other nations. The training just reinforces our commitment to the JEF, improves interoperability and promotes our defence engagement priorities. This is a great opportunity for the Battalion and one we are certainly keen to sustain.”
120 troops?
What’s the units establishment and current strength?
So a company and a bits worth not the whole battalion.
Seeing as the Regiment was only stood up late last year its probably not at full strength yet and its members are also reservists so do have civilian jobs as well and perhaps could not find the time to deploy overseas for an extended period. That’s probably why only a company or so was deployed.
Agree. When I read the headline I initially thought the whole Battalion.
Still 120 reservists conducting excellent overseas training which they will then be able to pass on is better that no reservists going. My guess is these guys will go back to their platoons, companies etc and pass on what they have learnt meaning the whole battalion gains the knowledge.
TA Infantry battalions never use to deploy at full strength. In my day with 2 WESSEX back in the ’90s, a platoon would muster 2 sections, a company would muster 2 platoons and a battalion would muster 4 under-strength companies. It’s just one of those things in an economy with almost full employment. Granted, over the last 5 years, the TA has become far more important to the British Army and the level of commitment (hopefully) far higher of the soldiers. I would categorize your average TA soldier as such: 1. ex-regular, serious and professional 2. aspiring and committed –… Read more »
Julian1. Interesting post thank you. I would like to see our reserve become usable formations, which is why I was excited thinking the Battalion had deployed complete. Most of the support elements of the reserve form complete units in theory in support of 101 102 and 104 Logistics Brigades, 2 Medical Brigade, 1 Intelligence Brigade, and so on. With Army 2920 refine the 14 Reseve Infantry Battalions have also been added to the strength of 1 UK Division so I’d hope to see them used an masse like the US National Guard. As you say unlikely given the society we… Read more »
This type of exercise will I suppose be ending come no deal BREXIT, which by the way the EU needs to be politely reminded will be the end of NATO. Then Germany’s wet dream of European domination without firing a single bullet will of been acheived.
I would advise the brave lads and passes of 4th Welsh to enjoy their time abroad. It is likely to be their last to Denmark or any EU country. No deal BREXIT will mean the end of that.
A. Why does everything have to be made about Brexit.
B. A no deal Brexit would not mean the end to bi-lateral training opportunities with other European militaries.
C. Brexit will not mean the end of NATO. The EU and NATO are two very different, unconnected organisations.
D. Its 4PWRR the article is referring too, not 4 R Welsh (which dosen’t actually exist).
E. Why does everything have to be made about Brexit.
Hope that cleared a few things up. Cheers.
You forgot to mention Brexit.
Hi Guys.. I think the British army often trains in company size formations, reg or reserve.. So this is not unusual. When it comes to NATO, totally agree with Chris.. NATO will be here for a very long time into the future Brexit makes no difference.
* Often trains overseas in company size formations i should of said.
…on to Brussels. This is “Plan B”!
120 – 140 Bods. A good effort. I wonder which twat Rupert will insist on deploying with CharlieG and no training rounds… Or maybe times have changed…