One of the British Army’s oldest regiments has conducted urban warfare training in Wiltshire, England.
The event was organized to prepare warfighters under the 2nd Battalion – Royal Anglian Regiment for future operations and validate their performance over “extended periods of time.”
Among the drills the unit undertook involved maneuvers through drain pipes and house-to-house combat in a specialized training village at Copehill Down, Salisbury Plain.
The soldiers also tested their skills on challenging assault courses including high-level walkways, alleyways, and external access points, while practicing decision-making during changing tasks.
“The urban environment is the most complex terrain a soldier can deploy into,” Company Second-in-Command Capt. Cameron Johnstone stated.
“There are many challenges to overcome including people – both friendly and hostile. This is why such training is essential and it means we are ready to fight and win in this environment.”
‘Very Different’ Training
Throughout the practice, personnel were divided into teams that focused on separate strategies to conquer “enemies” in the area.
The teams incorporated on-foot raiders to storm facilities, weapon support crews, and other students who would eventually join anti-tank, mortar, and machine gun platoons.
Private Gareth Rees, one of the trainees who had their first experience in urban-based training, highlighted the benefits of the activity.
“We’ve been developing skills that are very different from fighting in the field,” Rees explained.
“These have included going into dark buildings that the enemy can easily defend and fortify with a small number of people. The key is being methodical but with speed and aggression. It’s important to train for all different types of scenarios – you can never do too much or over prepare.”
About The Royal Anglian Regiment
The Royal Anglian Regiment traces its roots in 1685, with its formal establishment recorded in 1964.
It comprises the 1st Battalion “Vikings” for light infantry roles, the 2nd Battalion “Poachers” for light mechanized infantry roles, and the 3rd Battalion “Steelbacks,” a reserve infantry component.
