Operations
Over the past 9 years the First Battalion has deployed on Operations to Macedonia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Northern Ireland., Iraq (x2) and Afghanistan (x2)
The Battalion returned from Op TELIC 7 in January 2006, and an account of this highly successful tour can be seen on this site. A hand picked Platoon of Rangers deployed with 3 PARA to Afghanistan in 2006, as part of Op HERRICK 4. We most recently deployed on Operation HERRICK 8 in Helmand, Afghanistan in 2008.
To prepare for High Intensity Operations we have conducted exercises in the USA, Norway, Belize, France, Botswana, Italy, Canada, Brunei, Spain and Kenya. In 2007 we deployed on Exercise GRAND PRIX, a Battalion live-firing exercise in Kenya, to ensure we were at peak performance for the deployment on Op HERRICK 8.
Future plans also include the formation of a Para Trained Company which will be able to wear the coveted "Green Wings". This move to 16 Air Assault Brigade has put the First Battalion firmly at the forefront of future Operations around the World.