1600 UK personnel take part in high-readiness exercise

1600 UK personnel took part in Exercise Joint Venture at RAF St Mawgan, in Cornwall, to test that the force headquarters are able to deploy under the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

The exercise involves a dynamic and demanding fictional scenario which allowed knowledge and skills to be shared and developed between JEF partner nations, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway.

Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning said: “Working more closely with our partners is a key part of our plan for defence and security. That plan, backed by a rising defence budget, means more troops at readiness, operating hand in glove with our allies to deal with the threats we face.”

JEF could mean the mobilisation of 10,000 troops and future training exercises will enable forces to ready themselves and respond rapidly to meet gobal challenges which may require military response.

Major General Stuart Skeates said: “Exercise Joint Venture has been a significant milestone in the delivery of the Joint Expeditionary Force. The Standing Joint Force Headquarters is proving new ground, in the way the UK and coalition partners are able to deliver real and concerted military effect in a complex and ever-changing world.

“I look forward to the Standing Joint Force Headquarters playing its part in bringing the Joint Expeditionary Force to full operating capability by the end of 2018.”