British paratroopers and NATO allies train in challenging Slovenian mountains
British Army paratroopers have been tested in high altitude on a demanding exercise with NATO allies in the Slovenian mountains.
One hundred and twenty personnel from C (Bruneval) Company 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment took on the hostile environment on Exercise Triglav Star.
The Colchester-based troops worked alongside specialist mountain infantry from Slovenia and the US in the Julian Alps.
The soldiers learned climbing and rope work techniques before a tactical exercise in an area known for high winds, extreme cold and unpredictable weather.
Paratroopers were given training in navigation, climbing on fixed ropes, rappelling, abseiling and rope bridges.
The Army says the training prepares troops to operate anywhere as part of the global response force, while sharing skills and forging relationships with NATO allies.
Major Steve White, Officer Commanding C (Bruneval) Company, said: "The exercise gives us the ability to develop basic mountain skills and adapt our standard operating procedures in an under-trained environment.
"The fitness, initiative and adaptability expected of airborne soldiers is combined with the experience of mountain specialist troops and experts from our allies, allowing us to gain a foundational understanding of operating in this important environment.
"It will make us more rounded soldiers able to deploy at high readiness into challenging terrain."