Army reserves 'ready to stand by' Nato allies

The commander of a regiment of army reservists said training with Nato allies had taken on "slightly more significance" following reported Russian airspace violations.

Speaking during a two-week training exercise with armed forces in Croatia, Lt Col Andrew Lawson of 4 Mercian said he was "cognisant of the threat" posed.

Russia has denied incursions into the airspace of several European countries in recent weeks, including Poland and Estonia.

Col Lawson said: "There are Nato countries that are closer to that threat, therefore it makes perfect sense that where we have the opportunity we work with them, to reassure them that we will stand by them."

The annual training exercise, Sava Star, has been running between the Croatian armed forces and various British army regiments for 13 years.

It is designed to build closer ties and improve joint operational capabilities between Nato allies.

Lt Col Andrew Lawson said the British Army would "stand by" Nato allies

HGV driver Cpl Jack Harley, from Kidderminster, was one of 120 personnel to take part from 4 Mercian, a reservist light infantry company that trains on a part-time basis.

A reservist for 11 years, he has served with the army in Estonia and Cyprus, and trained Ukrainian troops following the Russian invasion.

He said: "A lot of people seem to think it's like Dad's Army, but we get integrated a lot with the regular Army. As a battalion, we are equally as prepared as everyone else."

Environmental consultant Alistair Budden, 23, has just over one year's experience, but said he was prepared to serve on the front line if required.

"I'd like to mobilise and go out, because it would be a good experience for me and to support the Army as a whole," he added.

Alistair Budden said a lot of preparation went into reservist training

The 4 Mercian regiment has reserve centres in Burton-upon-Trent, Kidderminster, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton and Worcester, as well as the East Midlands and North West.

Electrician Kyle Bedson, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he hoped to be called up for active service after his brother and sister both served in Afghanistan.

"If something was to arise, I'd definitely volunteer to go straight out there, and do my bit for my country."

Capt Matej Takalic said there is plenty to learn from between the two armies

Capt Matej Takalic from the Croatian Armed Forces said sharing tactics and techniques with the British army was "very important" in the current climate.

"The changing security environment in the world, especially on the eastern borders of the Nato lands, is rapidly changing from counter-insurgency to large-scale combat operation," he said.

"We're probably going to have to work together in the future."