ALMOST 400 Territorial Army soldiers from all over the south-west of England gathered on Salisbury Plain for the biggest conventional war TA exercise held in the region for five years.

And they were joined in action by 150 soldiers from the US National Guard from Texas.

Exercise Galloping Wyvern was geared to train and practice units from 43 (Wessex) Brigade in combined arms conventional war manoeuvres to better prepare for operations overseas.

The main units involved were the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, The Rifle Volunteers, and 39 Signal Regiment (Volunteers). They were supported by 7 Regiment Army Air Corps (Volunteers), 100 Regiment Royal Artillery, 1 Assault Group Royal Marines, Bristol and Exeter University Officer Training Corps, and 4 Military Intelligence Battalion.

"The TA is being asked to take on roles abroad so it is important that they be well trained," said Brigadier Jolyon Jackson, the commander of 43 (Wessex), which has its headquarters at Bulford.

"The difference between the TA and the Regular Army is becoming imperceptible, the TA is now regarded as part of the Army.

"The training and equipment is the same for both TA and Regular soldiers. Indeed the commitment from TA soldiers is amazing. Not only do they undertake ordinary civilian jobs, but they then give their valuable spare time to train as soldiers and many volunteer for a six month tour to Iraq or Afghanistan. They really are remarkable people."

Brigadier Jackson was delighted with the quality of the exercise. "It was enhanced by the soldiers from the Texas National Guard, the American equivalent of the TA, who brought their own brand of enthusiasm and battle techniques to the exercise," he said.

"Soldiers from the Royal Wessex Yeomanry will undertake a reciprocal visit to Texas later this year."

During the weekend, soldiers spent almost 48 hours with virtually no sleep carrying out reconnaissance and taking part in realistic battles using blank ammunition. It was all under the watchful eyes of observer controllers who were keeping tabs on the battle tactics. To make things more difficult, the weather played a part too. The soldiers endured the searing heat of the July sun, and a soaking from the torrential thunderstorms that raked the Salisbury Plain Training Area.

"All in all the exercise was a great success," said Brigadier Jackson. "Quite apart from sharpening up the skills of soldiers and battlefield commanders, it was fun too."