It operates with minimal transport and sometimes almost entirely on foot. It is equipped with the full range of small arms, mortars, anti tank weaponry and surveillance equipment, and is a versatile organisation that can work in support of Armoured and Mechanised brigades to dominate urban areas or control mountainous terrain, deserts, forests and jungles.

Currently based at Salamanca Barracks, Episkopi, Cyprus as Theatre Reserve Battalion for Operation HERRICK 15.  The Battalion is part of 19 (Light) Brigade.

2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)

Battalion Update - June 2011

Training

The tempo of training has increased significantly with the move to mission specific training (MST) and tasks that may arise as theatre reserve.  A number of training events have taken place:

• Exercise WESSEX THUNDER - demanding battle exercises, testing the full spectrum of warfare from counter-insurgency to fighting in built-up areas.
• Combined Arms Staff and Tactical Training at Sennelager, Germany.  Tested Battalion and Company headquarters' in planning and execution using simulated battlefield events.
• Confirmatory Field Exercise conducted on Salisbury Plain fully tested the Companies on typical Afghanistan scenarios.
• Lydd and Hythe Ranges - live firing from close quarter battle serials to firing vehicle mounted weapon systems.
• Live Firing culminating in a combined arms live firing exercise at Otterburn pulling together all MST.

The final exercise before the Battalion moves to Cyprus will be conducted on Salisbury Plain in late July.  This will test all levels of command in planning, execution and reaction to various scenarios.

King Harald Competition

After twelve months of competitions, the final King Harald event took place near Lythym-St Annes. Companies dragged tractor tires, ammo boxes and Land Rovers along the beach and in the sea in a thoroughly demanding event.  This year's proud winners were Support Company.

Sports and Adventurous Training

After a 4 year absence, the Battalion's Nordic ski team reformed.  Austria was the setting for a warm-up competition where 13th place ensured the teams entry in the Divisional Championships in France.  Although lacking experience and technique, the team's determination saw them placed 11th, win the best novice prize and qualify for the Army Championships as Infantry champions.

Our boxers performed exceptionally well in the 19 (Light) Brigade competition which they won.  Private Berry went on to the represent the Army and subsequently won the welterweight division at the individuals' level.

B Company conducted Exercise BULLDOG WIPEOUT adventurous training including surfing and coasteering in Cornwall.  This was an excellent chance to bond and forget about the rigours of MST.  The trip also included a visit to Dunster Castle, in Somerset, birthplace of the Green Howards.

Changes of Appointment

The following changes in appointments have occurred:

• Lieutenant Colonel AM ROE appointed Commanding Officer
• Major B RICHARDS appointed Officer Commanding A Company
• Major R GRIEVE appointed Officer Commanding C Company
• Major RG BULLOCK appointed Officer Commanding Support Company
• Major KM PRICE appointed Officer Commanding Headquarter Company
• Warrant Officer Class 1 P THOMPSON appointed Regimental Sergeant Major

Future

In August, the Battalion will move to Cyprus for two years.  The first year will be in the role as theatre reserve Battalion with the second year in the role of guards and duties, supporting the various military bases and facilities on the Island.