The British Army’s rapid reaction force has jumped into Kenya to begin six-weeks of training in an operation known as Exercise ASKARI STORM.

Troops from the 2 PARA Battlegroup parachuted from an RAF C130J Hercules onto the dusty plains of the Archers Post training area.

The 1,200-strong battlegroup that has deployed to Kenya is built around the airborne infantry of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment bolstered by artillery, engineers, medics, military police, signallers, intelligence specialists and logisticians from 16 Air Assault Brigade.

The arduous environment and terrain of Kenya, with temperatures over 35 degrees, torrential rain and wildlife roaming the vast range, provide as much of a challenge as the missions the soldiers are asked to achieve.

Warrant Officer Class 1 Adam Proud, Regimental Sergeant Major of 2 PARA said, “The troops have really been put through their paces on this exercise. In tough conditions like these, looking after the soldiers around you becomes vital. You can’t be expected to parachute into the middle of the Kenyan bush with full kit, march for 20kms and then conduct a live fire attack if you don’t work as a team.�?

The six-week long exercise is preparing them to take on the Air Assault Task Force role, held at high readiness to deploy on operations anywhere in the world.

Source:  MoD news

Photos: Sgt Paul Randall, MoD Crown Copyright.