AIRMEN who provided airfield protection in Afghanistan have been in action again – putting their skills to the test in preparation for future operational commitments.

Number 34 Squadron RAF Regiment, based at RAF Leeming, was one of the last squadrons on the ground in Afghanistan, overseeing the safe withdrawal of British troops in 2014.

Now the squadron has begun preparations for its role in the Joint Expeditionary Force where it will take up a position of “very high readiness” from April next year.

And as part of their preparations, it conducted a two week “offensive operations” training exercise at the Otterburn training area in Northumberland.

The live fire training exercise started at an individual level and progressed through to a full squadron attack which included mortars, fire support and snipers. Training took place during day and night in some of the harshest and most demanding conditions in the UK.

Joint organiser Flight Lieutenant Nathan Foster said: “The exercise was planned to ensure that the training was not only demanding and realistic, but also progressive. It was an exceptionally busy and demanding two weeks and the weather threatened to derail the plans, but the dedication and commitment of the squadron got us to where we wanted to be.”

The commanding officer, Squadron Leader Sam Wiseman, said: “There is little more challenging and rewarding than conducting collective training as a whole squadron formation.

“This training has brought increased cohesion and confidence to the men of the squadron and I feel confident we will be able to meet any of the challenges that contingency operations may bring.”