Soldier from Rutland and military dog deployed for overseas exercise in Latvia

A soldier from Rutland and her four-legged companion have been deployed on a military exercise to northwest Europe.

Private Jennifer Frost, serves with the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, based at St George’s Barracks, in North Luffenham, is taking part in Exercise Austere Shield in Latvia.

The 30-year-old military dog handler and her two-year-old black labrador–cocker spaniel cross have been working alongside the Royal Engineers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Danish Army.

Together, they are helping to detect the presence of weapons, explosives and ammunition in vehicles, personal effects and routes across a disused airfield.

“This is Poppy’s first exercise,” said Jennifer. “We’ve not been a team for long but she’s very loyal, head strong, extrovert and cheeky.

“She’s fully trained, but everything is still new. I’m not sure what she made of the Canadian F-15 jet fighters as they roared overhead during low-level tactical flying.

“She’s a great dog, the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet. I’ve nicknamed her Poppy seed - I just love her.”

The exercise is testing the rapid deployment of troops and equipment under 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade, which is held at constant high readiness to deliver forces anywhere in the world.

It is operating alongside 8 Engineer Brigade, whose three specialist groups provide support to deployed forces, infrastructure maintenance and explosive ordnance disposal and search.

The main exercise scenario involves securing and maintaining a disused airbase, improving the runway and landing an aircraft.

As the only arms and explosives dog handler on location, Jennifer has played a vital role in the exercise scenarios.

Jennifer, who dreamt of becoming a soldier from an early age, enlisted three years ago in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

She is currently enrolled on an animal care and welfare assistant course, part of the army apprenticeship scheme, which allows her to learn while she earns.

Earlier this year, she won the intermediate award for her NVQ Level 2 — equivalent to five good GCSE passes.

Jennifer, who has recently been promoted to lance corporal, said that anyone debating whether to join the army should go for it.

She added: “I joined at 27 and wish I had done it sooner. Not every day is a good day, but every day is better than wondering ‘what if’ for the rest of your life.”

Training across the three locations began in early September.