The setting up of an forward operating base FOB and a forward air refuelling point FARP at Carlisle happened to coincide with the RNLAF exercise TAC Blaze. The exercises although similar in some respect were nothing to do with each other.

          Joint Warrior 13-1 is the culmination of more than a year of work to develop the Intermediate Combined Joint Expeditionary Force for contingency operations. Headquarters staff have worked together to integrate command and control procedures and units have carried out joint field training in both countries. JW13-1 involves nearly 13,000 military personnel from 12 countries – including 5,250 from the UK, more than 30 warships and over 65 aircraft and helicopters.

         A joint force from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) and the French 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment and members of the 16 Air Assault Brigade arrived overnight with the necessary equipment to set up the site for the arrival of the rotary and fixed wing transports that would take the ground troops to their designated areas.

        However on the morning that the air assault was to have taken place the weather caused such a delay that the French 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment had to be taken by bus and the rotary section of the assault was delayed. The French were to take Castle Kennedy Airfield and 2 PARA was to take West Freugh followed by a rapid landing of a C130 delivering more troops and equipment.

       The 2 brigades provide their respective armies’ rapid reaction forces and Joint Warrior exercises help to seal a closer military co-operation between Britain and France.