Over 800 soldiers from the British Army’s 19th Light Brigade have deployed to Germany for Exercise Rhino Heart – the largest Army Reserve deployment overseas since the mid-1980s.
Soldiers of 19th Light Brigade operating a drone during an urban training scenario.
Soldiers of 3rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment during a dismounted assault on buildings.
Vehicle and Recovery Mechanics of 19th Light Brigade changing an engine of a Land Rover Field Ambulance. The crane lifting the engine is operated by a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Canadian Army.
Soldiers of 19th Light Brigade infantry units during a dismounted assault on buildings.
Soldiers of 19th Light Brigade infantry units during a dismounted assault on buildings.
Soldiers of 3rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment during a dismounted assault on buildings.
The two-week multinational exercise, held at Sennelager Training Area, brought together UK reservists alongside Canadian and Estonian troops to test their ability to operate together under realistic, demanding conditions.
NATO commitment and deterrence
Exercise Rhino Heart forms part of the UK’s ongoing contribution to NATO reassurance and deterrence, reinforcing the Alliance’s collective strength in the face of renewed Russian aggression.
The deployment tested the brigade’s ability to project combat power rapidly onto the European continent – a key element of Britain’s readiness to reinforce its Allies and deter future threats.
Speaking to her troops, Brigadier Lisa Brooks, Commander 19th Light Brigade, said:
“If you want to go faster, go alone – but if you want to go further, go together. And that’s exactly what we’ve done here. You’ve gone further than any Reserve formation has in decades, and you’ve done it together.”
“If you want to go faster, go alone – but if you want to go further, go together. And that’s exactly what we’ve done here. You’ve gone further than any Reserve formation has in decades, and you’ve done it together.”
“Rhino Heart shows that 19th Light Brigade can deploy at speed and operate effectively on the European continent – a clear demonstration of our readiness to support NATO and deter aggression.”
Reservists at the heart of the mission
Led by Brigadier Brooks, 19th Light Brigade is the British Army’s only fully reservist brigade. The exercise showcased the skill, dedication, and readiness of today’s Army Reserve – soldiers who balance civilian careers with professional military service.
“You’ve made history – the largest deployment of an Army Reserve brigade and formation since 1985,” Brigadier Brooks told her troops. “That’s an incredible achievement and something every one of you should be proud of.”
Among those taking part was Lance Corporal Craig Mason, a joiner in civilian life and a reservist with 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (4 LANCS).
“It’s a real break from normal civilian life. I love getting out here with the lads, with the battalion, and getting stuck into a proper exercise. It’s what we train for.”
“We’re out in Sennelager in Germany on Exercise Rhino Heart – and I’ve loved it,” he said. “It’s a real break from normal civilian life. I love getting out here with the lads, with the battalion, and getting stuck into a proper exercise. It’s what we train for.”
“This one’s definitely different to anything else I’ve done with the Reserves. Working at battle group level gives you a whole new perspective – seeing how everything fits together and how the bigger picture comes to life.”
Complex training for modern operations
Exercise Rhino Heart was deliberately designed for complexity, testing command agility, leadership, and sustainment across logistics, communications, reconnaissance, and urban operations.
Scenarios mirrored the speed and unpredictability of modern warfare, requiring troops to adapt, innovate, and operate under pressure.
“It’s been a great feeling of pride watching you work together,” Brigadier Brooks said. “You’ve shown exactly what this brigade and the Army Reserve can do – bringing together people who’ve never trained side by side before and performing brilliantly under pressure.”
Allied cooperation and shared learning
The collaboration with military personnel from Canada and Estonia, who trained alongside British troops throughout, strengthened interoperability, trust, and understanding among NATO reserve forces.
“We’ve been proud to train with our Canadian and Estonian partners,” said Brigadier Brooks. “What we’ve achieved together has absolutely put us on the map within NATO.”
The exercise also hosted senior UK employers, who visited Sennelager to see how the skills and experience gained through Reserve service translate directly to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in civilian workplaces.
The deployment reaffirmed the Army Reserve’s role at the forefront of NATO readiness and deterrence, proving that Britain’s reservists can deploy fast, integrate seamlessly, and deliver operational excellence when it matters most.
