To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many members of 4 Rifles have completed the EU Battlegroup certification process; and (a) on what date and (b) at what location the certification exercise took place; (234754)

607 members of 4 Battalion The Rifles (4 Rifles) have recently completed the EU Battlegroup certification process. The process comprises a Unit/Battlegroup combined arms formation exercise (Druid's Dance) which was completed between 1 September and 21 September on Salisbury Plain Training Area and a Unit/Battlegroup validation exercise (FIRST FLIGHT) which was conducted between 30 September and 1 October at the Joint Air Mounting Centre, South Cerney.

No members of 4 Rifles participated in exercise Druid's Dance between 28 April and 18 May 2008.