2 YORKS Use Police Facility To Train For Afghanistan

At the Northumbria Police Training Centre, which is used by police across the country, 2nd Batallion, the Yorkshire Regiment, have been preparing for their deployment to Afghanistan.

After 2 YORKS put a strong case to the MoD about the value of the facility in their training for Kabul they were able to use it for two days.

It is simple details that many military urban training setups lack, such as having doors on buildings, which allows the soldiers a much more realistic experience. 

Captain John Borley, 2 YORKS, says training at the facility is incredibly useful:

"This is a new environment for the lads. They have never been here before so it makes them sharper."

One of 2 YORKS main roles in Kabul is what's referred to as 'guardian angel' - protecting those working as mentors in the Afghan Officer Academy.

It is a job that was introduced after a spate of green on blue attacks and will allow the Afghan officers to focus on their job without worrying about security. A green on blue incident is where enemy personnel pose as allies to infiltrate their ranks before launching an attack This contrasts with a blue on blue attack which is otherwise known as a friendly fire incident (i.e. accidentally targeting one's own side).

Much of 2 YORKS training involves learning how to de-escalate situations and using force as an absolute last resort.

After their two days in Northumberland, the two platoons from 2 YORKS will return to Catterick where training will continue for their deployment in a few months time.