Soldiers from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Search Regiment have been honing their urban warfare skills during a demanding training exercise in Catterick Garrison.
Personnel from 521 EOD Squadron took part in a series of realistic urban operations scenarios, including blank-firing exercises and building clearance drills, designed to prepare them for the challenges of modern conflict.
The exercise formed part of the Regiment’s Squadron-level Individual Training Requirement programme, bringing together soldiers from across the unit to test operational readiness, teamwork and leadership in high-pressure situations.
While the Regiment is best known for its expertise in explosive ordnance disposal and search operations, the training focused on core infantry skills that remain essential for soldiers deploying on operations around the world.
Major Matthew Coleman, Officer Commanding 521 EOD Squadron, said the exercise was about reinforcing fundamental military skills.
“Today is bringing us back to basics from our normal day job,” he said.
“Today is hugely important. The junior and senior members of the team are all working together and preparing themselves for what they would need to do in a real-life urban warfare situation.”
The Regiment, based at Catterick Garrison, comprises around 650 personnel from a range of Army specialisms, including Ammunition Technicians, Royal Signals experts, Royal Engineers search teams and intelligence operators.
For Lance Corporal James Tunstall, an EWSI systems operator, the exercise also provided valuable experience in his new role as an instructor.
“Today is about training the troop in urban tactics, making sure we’re all fully trained and everyone has an awareness of what urban training is,” he said.
Having recently qualified as an instructor, he found teaching the skills more challenging than learning them.
“Learning it is very different to teaching it. Personally instructing is a lot more difficult,” he said.
The training also offered an important introduction for new members of the Regiment.
Lance Corporal Caitlin Donohue, an Ammunition Technician who joined the unit just two weeks ago, said the exercise had helped build both confidence and friendships.
“It’s very daunting, but there’s been a lot of team building this week so I’ve gotten to know everyone really well,” she said.
Thrown into the role of section commander during the exercise, she was required to lead soldiers in unfamiliar and challenging situations.
“I would definitely feel 100 per cent more comfortable going into a real-life situation because of this exercise and training,” she said.
