Lion strikes on Salisbury Plain
Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) is hosting over 600 soldiers this week as they take part in Exercise Lion Strike, one of the largest exercises to take place on the Plain.
The exercise, which takes place three times a year, is the final element of the Combat and Combat Support Arms sub-unit commanders’ course. It consists of a full Armoured Battle Group and involves all the principal phases of war.
Exercise Lion Strike includes a Squadron of Challenger 2 tanks from A Squadron 2 Royal Tank Regiment (14 tanks) including Close Recce mounted in Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked (8 recce vehicles) and 2 WARRIOR Companies (more than 30 vehicles) provided by 2 Royal Welsh.
The exercise is an essential element of the tactical training of Majors before they take over command of their Companies and Squadrons.
SPTA is maintained by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which delivers the Training Service, enabling Defence training users to live, work, training and deploy at home and overseas.
Commenting on the exercise Lt Col Mark Hiskett, Principal Training Safety Officer DIO Ops Training South West, said:
“DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations. Salisbury Plain is the only training area in the UK where such large scale armoured manoeuvre training can take place.
“The DIO safety staff at Salisbury Plain have a key role to play this week. They are keeping a very close eye on training to ensure that it is safe and not detrimental to the environment. Staff also have to make sure that the exercise does not come into contact with the many other military units using the Plain at the same time.”
At over 38,000 hectares (94,000 acres) the Plain is the UK’s largest training area and offers first-class and diverse training facilities to enable the British Army to meet its training requirements to prepare for operations worldwide.
Ends
Notes to Editors
1.The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is part of the MOD. We are responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties, as well as providing related support services, to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.
2.Our work includes providing, supporting and improving: operational units; single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these and supporting services, such as soft facilities management and guarding, to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, heritage protected and environmental goals achieved.
3.Picture caption – please credit ‘Crown copyright/MOD 2013’
- Armoured vehicles in action on Salisbury Plain Training area as part of Exercise Lion Strike
Further information:
Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Communications Manager on 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk
DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio
