Lieutenant Michael Barrett, from Weybridge, has been training his men in sub-zero temperatures in Germany this month, in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan.

He has been in command of the 20th Armoured Brigade for three months, helping them develop the right skills to clear explosive devices.

The 23-year-old ex-St George’s College pupil, who is based at 35 Engineer Regiment in Paderborn, Germany, said: “Afghanistan can also get really cold and realistic training involves training outside of our comfort zone, which tests physical endurance and field administration.”

Later in the year, the troops will head to Canada on a much larger exercise involving training in a more expansive and realistic environment - including purpose built Afghan villages - before going out to Afghanistan next year.

You can follow the 20th Armoured Brigade online at twitter.com/theironfist.

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