The Brits Are Back

Indiana National Guard
News release

July 6, 1997 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE BRITS ARE BACK

Edinburgh - - 221 years after declaring our independence from King George III, British troops are once again quartered on American soil. However, this time it is by invitation. 139 soldiers representing the Territorial Army of Britain are training at Camp Atterbury through Wednesday, July 9th. They have been training with members of the Indiana National Guard�s 2nd Mechanized Battalion, 152 Infantry out of New Castle, Indiana. The exercise dubbed �Exercise Rattlesnake,� is designed to promote the exchange of expertise, goodwill, and cultural understanding. Soldiers from C, Company, 3rd Staffords under the command of Major Stuart Halsey, have been exposed to American military training and weapons since their arrival on June 29th. Familiarity with American weapons and tactics will enhance future joint operations between the two nations.

A reciprocal exercise, known as �Glow-worm,� is currently taking place in Castlemartin, Wales.  Guardsmen from B Company, 2 (M) - 152 Infantry are participating in amphibious landings and other tactical training operations with their British hosts. I4ke the National Guard, the Territorial Army is comprised of part-time soldiers. The Staffordshire rifle company now deployed in Indiana includes soldiers that are autoworkers, Ph.D�s. lawyers, businessmen, teachers, and students. The British troops will be visiting Indianapolis later this week.

The Brits will depart from Grissom Air Force Base on Friday. July 11th.