British Troops Ready For First Appearance At NATO Tank Competition

British soldiers in Germany have started preparations ahead of their first-ever appearance at a NATO competition next month.

Eight alliance nations will use the Strong Europe Tank Challenge (SETC) in Grafenwoehr to share offensive and defensive tactics, with one country being crowned winner.

The five-day contest hosted jointly by the US Army Europe and the German Army will put soldiers through 13 different events, including the Tanker Olympics, precision driving and live-firing.

Austria, Germany and the United States took the podium places in last year's competition.

It is the first year the UK has taken part, with the team being led by the Queen’s Royal Hussars.

The British entry is formed of 37 soldiers, and training has been based around planning out each serial in a rehearsal of concept (ROC) drill, before practical rehearsal at Athlone Barracks.

During one practice session, full chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) equipment is used.

Troop Leader Captain Barnaby Spinks says:

"When the chemical attack happens the driver of the tank that's just been hit will signify to all the other tanks in the troop that a chemical attack is in process, by putting his horn on for one second, taking it off, putting it on, and taking it off.

"That will indicate that we are under a chemical attack."

"At that stage all the operators and commanders of all the tanks in the troop will close down, turn on their chemical fans, and all crew members wll put on their general service respirators.

"The operator and commander of the tank that was hit will do the same, they'll put on their respirators, they'll jump off, close the hatches to prevent any chemicals getting inside the tank and then start to hook up the broken tank to the towing tank with the tow ropes that are on the sides of the wagon."

When the day's training is complete, personnel analyse what they have been doing and the areas to improve.

The 2018 edition of the SETC begins in June.