AS soldiers from the First Battalion 1 Rifles prepare for deployment on their second tour of duty to Afghanistan, the Free Press was invited to their training camp in Caerwent to see first hand the training and preparation undertaken by these brave men and women.

Members of the media along with Chepstow town mayor, Cllr Marian Lewis, Deputy mayor, Cllr Henry Hodges, town clerk, Sandra Bushell, and town councillors, Martin Brady and Tony Redhead, met soldiers from Beachley Barracks last week for a tour of the sprawling training camp.

During the day, the visitors were taken through some of the intricate measures of combat training, as well as being shown some of the highly sensitive high-tech equipment the British military now possess and utilise alongside their on-the-ground operations.

Soldiers demonstrated how various weapons were used, including an 81-millimeter mortar with a firing range of over 5,000 metres, and a £70,000 Javelin weapon system that can lock on to a moving target 2,500 kilometres away.

The visitors were also presented with their own 24-hour ration pack Ð a small box of various food items that become the soldiers' staple diet for much of the tour. The items included energy bars, biscuits, and sealed bags of various meals and puddings, including chicken and dumplings, tuna ritoni, and even all-day-breakfast Ð all of which are nutritionally calculated to meet their daily dietary requirements. Although a number of soldiers joked that living on them for six months could become rather monotonous.

Following the visit, Cllr Lewis said: "We spoke to a number of young Riflemen about the weapons they might be using in Afghanistan later this month, and were vastly impressed by their knowledge and dedication."

She added: "It was a most interesting day and we were delighted to be invited. It gave us an insight into some of the incredible difficulties and dangers facing our soldiers when they're posted to Afghanistan.

"The Rifles Regiment is clearly proud of them. Our country is proud of them, and Chepstow is honoured to be associated with them. We wish them well on tour, and look forward to welcoming them back in November."

Lieutenant Colonel James de Labilliere said that although the situation in Afghanistan had changed since their first tour of duty, the focus remained the same.

He said: "The main aim of the operation is to stabilise Afghanistan so that it cannot become a safe haven for terrorists."

He added: "The emphasis on working with the police authority and the local people remains very high. Working to get the right leadership in place and developing the judicial system."

He also told the Free Press about the 1 Rifles Wristband Appeal - a charity set up to raise funds for the bereaved families and children of soldiers who lose their lives fighting for their country.

He said: "We would like people to visit our website www.swiftandbold.org, to learn more about the charity, and by wearing your wristband, showing your support to the troops."

To learn more about 1 Rifles mission in Afghanistan and their preparation for it, watch a short video by Lt Col James de Labilliere at http://www.swiftandbold.org/co1rifles.html