Private Emmanuel Bradford, 20, and a chef by trade from Welshpool, is taking part in the exercise in northeast Europe which is testing the rapid deployment of troops and equipment, held at constant high readiness to deliver forces anywhere in the world.
The main exercise scenario is to secure and maintain a disused airbase, improve the runway, and land an aircraft as part of 8 (UK) Engineer Brigade 8X’s role as a Theatre Enablement Brigade.
Exercising across three locations and activities began in early September and run until the end of October.
Private Bradford, whose job it is to keep the troops fed, anywhere and anyhow, said: “This is my first overseas exercise, it has been a steep learning curve as I’m still relatively new to the trade.
“I will have worked a minimum of 12 hours a day for 43 days, and the team of six will have prepared and cooked over 15,200 meals during Austere Shield. With the relentless exposure there is no other option but to progress – improvement is inevitable.”
Private Bradford, who was home schooled with his seven siblings until he was aged 14, attended Welshpool High School for his GCSEs. He worked as a chef in South Queensferry before he enlisted in 2024.
“I was that little boy who wanted to join the Army,” he said.
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The Welshpool soldier is currently enrolled on the Chef NVQ 2 course, part of the Army Apprenticeship Scheme. A programme that combines military service with career development, and a regular wage while learning a trade and gain nationally recognised qualifications.
“As a chef it has taught me knife skills, food combinations that complement each other, timing and how to master the unpredictable field ovens, Private Bradford laughed.
“My military skills have been about building confidence, how to communicate and cope when you are pushed out of your comfort zone in environments you don’t normally find yourself.”
When asked about his career, he said: “Basic training was a challenge”.
