Royal Gibraltar Regiment soldiers compete in demanding Exercise Rock Warrior

Members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment have been taking part in a demanding exercise to identify soldiers suitable for advanced training and promotion.

Exercise Rock Warrior saw the troops take part in a challenging series of tests and trials over 48 hours – covering 60 kilometres across the British Overseas Territory.

The training is seen as a key assessment opportunity for the unit and those who perform well can be earmarked for further development and promotion up the ranks.

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The soldiers undertook a variety of serials – including tunnel clearance, section battle drills at the Buffadero Training Area and casualty extraction to test their leadership, endurance and core military skills.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel John Pitto said: "For me it's been outstanding to see how the troops have taken to Rock Warrior.

"Rock Warrior has always been one of the key exercises we deliver as a regiment and it properly puts the soldiers through their basics in soldiering but it also exposes them to what the defence of Gibraltar could look like.

"So, seeing what they have accomplished on this Rock Warrior is simply outstanding."

4 Section, led by Private McGrail took first place in the competition while Pte McGrail also claimed the prize for best individual effort.

He said: "You can't get through it by yourself – this job is about being in a team.

"So, I think if the teams comes together anything is possible."

Before the weekend, locals were told that military training exercises were taking place across the British Overseas Territory and that patrolling exercises would be carried out in public areas.

Lt Col Pitto added: "They've done every possible scenario that one can probably think of within the infantry space, from testing their casualty extraction drills under fire from tunnel clearances, which is unique to Gibraltar, and it's something we pride ourselves as being the subject matter experts on.

"Seeing the junior soldiers step up into a command appointment has been really really, for me, reassuring that we are developing and training a very efficient, effective soldier.

"We are probably a small regiment but with a massive heart and I always say it – I've got great people doing outstanding things."