16 AUGUST 2019 http://www.soldiermagazine.co.ukYorkshire soldiers step up with Puma
T
ROOPS from 2nd Battalion, The
Yorkshire Regiment stepped up
preparations for their upcoming
Op Toral tour with a week-long exercise
at Otterburn ranges.
The focus was on live-fire tactical
training but those involved also had
the chance to operate alongside two
Puma helicopters as Royal Air Force
crews conducted their own drills ahead
of a deployment to Afghanistan.
The platform provides lifesaving
transport to Nato soldiers and visiting
dignitaries around Kabul and will be
used by 2 Yorks personnel during their
time in theatre.
Further training was being carriedout in Germany as this issue went to
press and a mission rehearsal exercise
is planned for next month ahead of the
unit's departure in October.
“This will be 2 Yorks' second
deployment on Op Toral and everyone
is looking forward to going again,“
said adjutant Capt Nick Harrison.
“We see it as the most tactical tour
available to soldiers at the moment
and strategically it is important.“
The Catterick-based troops will form
a joint battlegroup alongside members
of 2nd Battalion, The Parachute
Regiment and will carry out a force
protection role in Kabul as well as
serving as a quick reaction force.■ SOLDIERS joined their
military colleagues at
more than 350 events
across the country as
the UK marked Armed
Forces Day. Salisbury
played host to the
national celebration,
where Princess Anne
took the salute during
a parade of more than
1,300 Servicemen
and women, cadets
and veterans. Troops
from the Household
Mounted Division led
the procession through
the city and various
Army units joined them,
including 1st Military
Working Dog Regiment.
The day also featured
a flypast from the Red
Arrows and an aerial
display by the Red Devils. Pictures: Owen Cooban and Cpl Ben Beckett, RLCUNITED FRONT
DOWN WITH THE YOOF
■ MORE than 400 teenagers from across
the UK descended on the Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst to get their teeth
into some tricky leadership, physical and
problem-solving tasks with the help of
serving soldiers.
The event was held to mark World Youth
Skills Day, a UN event to highlight the
strengths of young people around the world
and show them future opportunities.
Organiser Lt Col Debs Taylor (RLC) said:
“It’s a great way for the Army to engage
with young people.”ANOTHER FEMALE FIRST
■ THE Army has appointed its first
female provost marshal.
Brig Vivienne Buck assumed the
role last month and will be the head
of provost services including the Royal
Military Police and Military Provost
Staff – the Army's custodial experts.
“It is a great privilege to be the first
female to assume the appointment,“
the senior officer said. “It is
encouraging that the RMP is a shining
example of equality across all ranks.“DONATION STATIONS
■ MILITARY charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers
has invested in new technology to make it
easier for people to give money.
The King’s Lynn-based organisation
is trialling contactless donation stations
at two locations in the town, meaning
supporters can simply tap their debit cards
or Apple phones on the screen.Picture: SAC Ryan Murray, RAFWe see it
as the most
tactical tour
available
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