The Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) today completed Exercise JEBEL SAHARA, a major UK military training exercise held in Morocco. This year marks 25 years of cooperation between the RG and the Deuxième Brigade d'Infanterie Parachutiste, Morocco’s 2nd Parachute Infantry Brigade (2BIP). 

The exercise was led by A Company from the 3rd Battalion The Rifles (‘3 Rifles’), commanded by Major Hemsley, with support from the RG. Both full-time and reserve soldiers from Gibraltar joined the deployment, led on the ground by Lieutenants Joseph Pfang and Kristian Diani. Another twelve RG members helped train and advise the Moroccan troops, while 3 Rifles focused on their main training goals. 

To mark the long-standing partnership between the RG and Moroccan Parachute Brigade, General Sir Patrick Sanders visited the exercise in his capacity as the Honorary Colonel of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. The occasion was particularly fitting, as General Sanders is also a former Rifleman, strengthening the link between the RG, 3 Rifles, and their Moroccan counterparts. He was joined on the visit by the Commanding Officer of the RG, Lieutenant Colonel John Pitto, Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Karon Fortunato, and Second-in-Command Major Dayan Pozo. 

For Lt Col Pitto and Maj Pozo, the deployment carried a particular resonance, as they are among the last serving members of the Regiment who were present at the inception of the exercise 25 years ago. "This exercise represents not just a milestone of 25 years of cooperation, but also the enduring friendships and operational trust built between the RG and 2BIP. The Regiment has been proud to serve as the constant link in this partnership, and we are delighted to see the exercise flourish and expand to include other British Army units" said Lt Col John Pitto. 

Lt Joseph Pfang, RG Regular Officer, said "It has been an honour to lead part of the Regiment on this deployment. Working alongside 3 Rifles and 2BIP has been a professional and personal highlight, and it is rewarding to see the RG continuing to play such a key role in this enduring relationship." 

Lt Kristian Diani, RG Reserve Officer, added: "This exercise shows the unique strength of the Regiment’s Regular and Reserve components working together on operations overseas. Our soldiers’ ability to mentor and support 2BIP has been a privilege, and we leave Morocco confident that these bonds will continue to grow." 

Maj Dayan Pozo reflected: "I remember the early days of Exercise JEBEL SAHARA, when this was a new and ambitious project. To see it now, 25 years on, with the RG still at the heart of it, is truly special. Our soldiers continue to embody the professionalism and adaptability that makes this partnership such a success." 

The Regiment’s enduring presence on Exercise JEBEL SAHARA highlights its unique role in the UK’s Armed Forces, fostering defence engagement, delivering operational excellence, and strengthening international military cooperation.