Grenadier Guards

A Grenadier of 1 Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment stands guard at Camp Coyote in one of the camp sangers.

The Grenadier Guards are a modern and forward thinking infantry regiment.  The variety and challenging nature of dismounted infantry soldiering has seen the regiment at the forefront of some of the most intense combat in recent years. Within the last two years, the regiment has seen service in both Iraq and Afghanistan and will be deploying back to Afghanistan in October 2009.

1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

The 1st Battalion is currently based at Wellington Barracks, London.  The Battalion is presently training for deployment to Afghanistan in October 2009.

The Battalion consists of three Rifle companies, Support Company which consists of an anti tank platoon, a mortar platoon, a recognisance platoon and a sniper platoon.  The final company is Headquarter Company, which holds everyone else in the Battalion including any attachments such as clerks, chefs and mechanics.

Battalion life is varied and challenging with a wide range of careers and opportunities open to soldiers who join.

Nijmegen Company

Nijmegen Company is an independent company which was created when the 2nd Battalion was placed into suspended animation after defence cuts in 1993.  Nijmegen Company represents the 2nd Battalion and carries its Colours and continues its traditions to this day.  Nijmegen Company is also based in London, and is largely focused on public duties and state ceremonial events.  A soldier passing out of basic training will be posted to Nijmegen Company for six to nine months. In this time the Guardsman's training is built upon so he is well prepared to take up his life in the 1st Battalion.

Nijmegen Company also undertakes regular training exercises in England and overseas.  Within the last 18 months, the Company deployed to Jamaica on a month-long jungle training exercise and the Falkland Islands as the reinforcement company. Recent adventurous training expeditions have gone to the Red Sea on scuba diving expeditions as well as skiing in Italy.  The Company has also conducted Battlefield tours in Holland and Belgium and France.