The troops on high alert to fight alongside Nato

Troops from the North West are on high alert to deploy to Nato countries in Eastern Europe if conflict in the region escalates.

The 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is serving as Nato's Forward Land Forces Strategic Reserve (FLF), meaning that should the call come in, the battalion would be ready to fight in as little as 10 days alongside Nato forces from around the world.

Lt Rhuari Stewart, in command of an anti-tank unit, said the troops were not nervous.

"You take it in your stride, it's part of being in the Army. There's always a potential that something might happen," he said.

Some of the troops from the regiment are already on the ground in Estonia, where British troops have command of Nato defences.

Meanwhile, at Weeton Barracks, Lancashire, troops from the Burma Brigade were getting hands-on experience with drones.

Their unmanned aerial technology varies in size from approximately a meter in length to being small enough to be fired out of a gun barrel.

2nd Lt Connor Flinter said: "It's really useful because it enables us to use them in whatever environment we are in, whether urban or rural."

Some of regiment are heading to France in February for Exercise Gaulish - an integration with French forces on a training exercise at CENZUB, a purpose built small town used for military training.

Stewart said exercises with different countries were vital to ensure troops can work together on the battlefield: "We're learning how they fight, learning their weapon systems, their kit and their technology."

Flinter said it had been interesting to see how the French approached difficult scenarios: "They most predominantly use vehicles, whereas we are light infantry on our feet, and try and be a bit more sneaky," he said.

If successful, some troops from the regiment may be deployed into French units in Romania.

The battalion was given the role of FLF during the summer when it was first introduced, and will remain on high alert for at least three years.

Stewart said: "Whilst we might not speak the same language, we all share that same ethos, there's a lot of things in common between us, and I think that's what's so special about Nato."

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