BRIT SOLDIERS GO ON BIO WAR ALERT

BRITAIN'S elite vanguard troops - the Pathfinders - are being given urgent chemical warfare training after being put on standby to parachute into the Iraqi desert.

The order comes as senior military commanders draw up plans to deploy up to 30,000 troops as part of a massive allied invasion against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Officers are now giving urgent lessons on chemical warfare to all soldiers earmarked for a possible attack - most likely in December.

In an exercise in Scotland 500 paratroopers, including Pathfinders, have undergone a chemical attack sprung on them to test their reaction times.

And elements of the German-based 1st Armoured Division - destined for Iraq - are also receiving emergency chemical warfare instruction. The 6,000 troops currently involved in a massive logistical exercise in Woodbridge, Suffolk, are also being given vital briefings on using protective suits.

The Army's NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) Defence Regiment are playing a vital role in operation Log Viper - the last exercise before logistics elements are committed to operations.

The training is vital for the Pathfinders - the Army's most secretive unit - who will fly into enemy territory at least a week before a main force is deployed. The 25-strong platoon, based in Wattisham, Suffolk, have just under two and a half weeks to prepare for action. Then they will be required to move at a moment's notice to begin their mission.

Their orders will be to obtain vital intelligence which will guide senior officers deploying a main force. It will almost certainly involve being parachuted at high altitude deep into enemy territory.

By parachuting from thousands of feet, an aircraft avoids detection by hostile forces. The soldiers then hurtle towards the ground, only opening their chutes at the last minute to remain hidden.

The crack platoon specialise in covert reconnaissance and are trained to survive behind enemy lines up for up to a week before the arrival of a main force.

The Pathfinder Platoon is effectively 16 Air Assault Brigade's advance force. The newly-formed brigade has been earmarked for Iraq if an attack is ordered. It incorporates all three Parachute Regiment battalions and Apache attack helicopters.

Last night it emerged that a full SAS squadron is already in Oman, which is similar in terrain to Iraq, brushing up on desert warfare skills. Its presence is a strong indication that the UK is ready to go to war.

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