New vehicle role for Shropshire-based soldiers
An Army regiment based in Shropshire will take delivery of five new types of armoured vehicles after officially changing from an air to a ground assault-focused organisation.
The 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, based near Market Drayton, has mainly roped or dropped into action from helicopters, but is changing to a light-armoured vehicle based group. The changes are a part of the ongoing UK-wide restructuring plan known as Army 2020.
Formerly classed as an air assault infantry battalion, the regiment will now be known as a light protected mobility battalion operating from a range of new vehicles, including Foxhound, Wolfhound, Husky and Ridgeback.
The first of the new Foxhounds has arrived at the battalion's base at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill and a training programme for soldiers is already under way.
The vehicles underwent final testing in the Helmand desert before being deployed on operations.
Lt Col Ivor Gardiner, commanding officer or the regiment, said: "These vehicles will make us faster and more agile."
Sgt Liam Reynolds, motor transport fleet manager, added: "These new platforms are more modern and complex than anything we have had since being based in Shropshire."
The regiment will also take on RWMIK – or Revised Weapons Mounted Installation Kit – a highly-mobile fire support and force protection Land Rover that is manned by a commander, driver and gunner.
