Exercise Rhino Heart 25 Marked the Largest Deployment of British Army Reserve Soldiers since the Cold War

One of the highlights of the first phase was the integration of the Battalion’s fledgling Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) capability. Drawing on lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the UAS teams supported the Brigade’s efforts to develop an integral Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability. These systems were integrated into the training of infantry companies and allocated to the light reconnaissance troops of the Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry (SNIY), providing a genuine advantage in the field.

While the majority of troops were engaged in field training, the headquarters elements of SNIY and 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (4 LANCS) participated in a command and staff training package this training prepared them to form and operate as Battle Group Headquarters (BGHQs). The newly formed BGHQs then issued orders to the exercising companies, setting the stage for the second phase of the exercise.

Phase two of Ex Rhino Heart 25 brought together the newly formed BGs, complete with their attached CS and CSS elements, for a large-scale field training exercise. This phase focused on executing a series of offensive and defensive actions in both urban and rural environments. The scenarios were designed to test the BGs ability to operate as cohesive teams, adapt to changing circumstances, and achieve their objectives under challenging conditions with a freethinking opposition.

This phase also provided an opportunity for units to work alongside supporting arms, such as Royal Engineers and Fire Support Teams (FSTs) from the Royal Artillery. The Engineers demonstrated their expertise in explosive methods of entry, enabling freedom of manoeuvre through heavily defended urban areas. The FSTs provided critical firepower, enhancing the effectiveness of the BGs. For many soldiers, this was their first experience working with these attached assets, offering valuable insights into the capabilities and contributions of different arms of the Army.

A key feature of Ex Rhino Heart 25 was the use of Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES), a training tool that replicates the effects of weapons and battlefield conditions using laser-based equipment, sensors, and computer systems. TES is not commonly used in Reserve training, making its inclusion in this exercise particularly noteworthy.

TES allowed soldiers to practise their skills without the risks and costs associated with live fire. The system provided a safe and controlled environment for training, enabling troops to experience realistic combat scenarios while minimising the potential for injury. TES also introduced an additional layer of complexity to the exercise, as the UAS were used to simulate attacks that could affect individual soldiers’ TES equipment, creating “casualties” in areas that might not typically be targeted. TES also provided immediate feedback and enabling after-action reviews. These reviews allowed soldiers and commanders to analyse their performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine their tactics for future operations.

From an individual perspective, I would consider myself lucky to have been involved in Ex Rhino Heart 25. I am now one of only four OCs within the whole of the Army Reserve to have been in role in an exercise of this scale and significance. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn both from the mentoring delivered and from my peers; it’s an opportunity that I am unlikely to get again. Away from the green skills of the exercise there were opportunities to come together and socialise; the Battalion Padre had opportunities to bring us together in moments of reflection; there was a rare chance for the Brigade Commander to address and reward Steelbacks all helping to build the moral component of fighting power within the Battalion.

The benefits of Ex Rhino Heart 25 extend far beyond the individual units involved. For the British Army, the exercise reinforced the critical role of the Army Reserve in modern Defence considerations. It demonstrated the Reserve’s ability to mobilise quickly, integrate with other forces, and contribute to large-scale multinational exercises. This is particularly important as the British Army continues to adapt to the evolving demands of modern warfare, which increasingly require flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration.

Ex Rhino Heart 25 was a landmark event for the British Army Reserve and the wider British Army. By providing realistic, large-scale training opportunities, the exercise enhanced operational readiness, fostered interoperability, and reinforced collective Defence commitments. It also showcased the professionalism and dedication of military personnel from a multitude of capbadges and highlighted the role the Army Reserve plays today.