3 YORKS is an armoured infantry battalion, equipped with WARRIOR and BULLDOG armoured fighting vehicles (AFV). The high levels of protection, firepower, ground mobility and sustainability enjoyed by armoured infantry make them well suited to providing both shock action and the endurance element of any operational force. WARRIOR is armed with a 30mm Rarden Cannon, capable of engaging vehicle and dismounted targets out to 2000m. It carries a crew of ten - driver, commander, gunner and seven infantry soldiers.

3 YORKS is based at Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster in Wiltshire as part of 12 Mechanized Brigade.

3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's)

Battalion Update - June 2011

The headline news for the Battalion is that we are likely to deploy on operations in the summer of 2012. This is exactly what the Battalion needs as the last Battle Group (BG) deployment was to Iraq in 2005.

Training

It has been a significant challenge to rebuild the Battalion's capability after HERRICK 10 and 11's battle casualty replacement role. The Battalion deployed on Exercise PRAIRIE THUNDER 2 15 May - 25 Jun 11. This exercise provided the opportunity to cement our drills and understanding whilst operating amongst a dynamic and complex environment. The 3 YORKS BG consists of A Squadron Light Dragoons, B Squadron Kings Royal Hussars, Alma, Burma and Somme Companies 3 YORKS and Queens Company 1 Grenadier Guards. Corunna and much of Burma Company will deploy on EX PRAIRIE THUNDER 3.

Manning

The Battalion is forecasted to be at full strength by November 2011.

Changes of Appointments

The following changes in appointments have occurred:

• Lieutenant Colonel Z STENNING appointed Commanding Officer (23 Jul 11)
• Major R DRIVER appointed Battalion Second in Command
• Warrant Officer Class 1 D SYZMANSKI appointed Regimental Sergeant Major

Sport and Adventurous Training

The Battalion continues to participate in a full programme of competitive team sports:

• Army Football Cup finalists
• Infantry Football Champions
• Infantry Sailing Champions
• 4th Army Offshore Regatta
• Army U21 Cross Country Champions
• Army Steeplechase Champions
• Army Rugby League Champions
• Army Rugby Cup Quarter Finalists
• Competed in the Army Nordic and Snowboarding Ski Championships

Future

The next 6 months will be busy with 3 YORKS BG deploying on Ex PRAIRIE THUNDER 2 and Corunna Company on EX PRAIRIE THUNDER 3.  Following in the change in Commanding Officer we focus on Mission Specific Training for 2012.