Around 120 Reservists from 4th Battalion, the Mercian Regiment (4 Mercian) have deployed to Croatia to take part in a vital NATO exercise.
Private Baroy-Jones practices urban skills with soldiers from the Croatian Armed Forces taking part in Exercise Sava Star.
Colour Sergeant Leverton talks to Croatian Armed Forces soldiers whilst on a break from teaching during Exercise Sava Star.
Soldiers from the Croatian Armed Forces take part in urban lessons on Exercise Sava Star.
Soldiers from 4th Battalion, the Mercian Regiment take part in urban lessons with soldiers from the Croatian Armed Forces.
Soldiers from 4th Battalion, the Mercian Regiment take part in urban lessons with soldiers from the Croatian Armed Forces.
Colour Sergeant Leverton talks to Croatian Armed Forces soldiers after practicing their drills in the skills house on Exercise Sava Star
The Mercian Regiment, a key infantry unit within the heart of the British Army, plays a vital role in providing combat power during armed conflicts and peacetime operations.
The 4th Battalion (4 Mercian) troops, part of the British Army Reserve, is a light role infantry company, trained to operate with agility and adaptability.
Exercise Sava Star is an annual training event hosted by the Croatian Armed Forces (CAF). The exercise is designed to strengthen cooperation between the CAF and the UK Armed Forces, building closer ties and improving joint operational capabilities.
“Exercise Sava Star has been ongoing for 13 years and is well established. We are working with and learning from Regular Croatian Armed Forces and it has been beneficial for us both.”
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Lawson, Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion Mercian Regiment said: “Exercise Sava Star has been ongoing for 13 years and is well established.
“We are working with and learning from Regular Croatian Armed Forces and it has been beneficial for us both.
“It is key we are interoperable with our NATO allies, and this enhances our cooperation and understanding whilst strengthening our relationships.”
Captain Matej Takalic, Company Commander, Croatian Armed Forces said: “I am working with the British Company Commander.
“It’s good to get a chance to work with allied forces, it enhances our interoperability, which is more important than ever.”
The main aim of the exercise is to demonstrate and improve how the CAF and UK Armed Forces work together.
It also provides an opportunity to assess the ability of 4 Mercian to deploy, operate and return home over great distance, making sure they remain ready for future exercises and operations.
2nd Lieutenant Alistair Budden, Platoon Commander said: “We have been working with the Croatian forces, working out how our training and tactics are similar.
“We’re working out the differences between both our countries and aligning so we can improve on both sides, I have cherished the opportunity for this collaborative training.”
Over the two-week exercise, troops will take part in a range of challenging scenarios, including day and night attacks, urban warfare training, and trench warfare.
The schedule also includes opportunities for Croatian and British soldiers to share knowledge, learn from one another, and build personal connections, further strengthening the alliance between the two nations.
“I’ve loved working with the Croatians, seeing their capabilities and what their strengths are so I can learn from them, and so can the Mercians. I’ve also enjoyed showing them our skills and helping them learn as part of the training exercise.”
Private James Baroy-Jones said: “I’ve loved working with the Croatians, seeing their capabilities and what their strengths are so I can learn from them, and so can the Mercians.
“I’ve also enjoyed showing them our skills and helping them learn as part of the training exercise.”
The variety in the training is designed to improve individuals’ experience in a different territory and challenging landscape, boosting their skillset, and making sure they are fit for their role and able to deploy at a moment’s notice.
“This has been a fantastic opportunity, when my family and friends ask what I’ve been up to, it feels amazing to say this is what I get up to in my spare time, it’s not something most people have experienced.”
Private Laura Hollomon, HQ Company, 4 Mercian said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity, when my family and friends ask what I’ve been up to, it feels amazing to say this is what I get up to in my spare time, it’s not something most people have experienced.”
By participating in Exercise Sava Star, 4 Mercian continues to demonstrate the readiness of the British Army Reserve to contribute to the UK’s commitment to international defence.