SOLDIERS from across Kent are in Canada experiencing some of the toughest training the British Army can provide.

Under the Government's Spearhead initiative, physically and mentally-draining exercises are preparing them for a possible deployment anywhere in the world - including Iraq.

It has been a big learning experience for Folkestone soldier Alex Mainwaring. The exercises in Canada have given him an opportunity to put his initial training to more practical uses.

In the run up to an attack on the enemy, it is his responsibility as a section commander to receive the orders and make sure everyone knows what is happening, before actually leading soldiers into battle.

The 24-year-old Lance Corporal, of Grimstone Avenue, Folkestone, said: "It's gone well so far. The last week was good, as there was a lot of live firing.

"There was a big attack and a lot of ammunition used such as anti-tank weapons and machine guns. That was quite exciting.

"It was the first time I've actually been doing it properly apart from when I was being trained.

"There's so much live ammunition being used in these exercises and it's been a big learning curve for me."

FOR the first time in six years, several soldiers from the Maidstone-based Royal Engineers have seen powerful explosives capable of blowing huge holes in roads being used.

They too are spending time in Canada alongside the PWRR receiving training on how to use what are known as rapid cratering kits (RCKs). These explosives can blow holes in roads some eight metres wide and two metres.

"Some of the guys won't see RCKs in six years, let alone let one off," revealed Sergeant John Lewis from Allington, near Maidstone. "We have six RCKs and four bar mines and back in the UK we very rarely get that amount of kit."

The variety of different explosive devices is impressive. One is known the dragon's tooth. Two charges are placed at either side of some concrete to blow away various layers in the hope of exposing any reinforcements underneath.

During a deployment, it might be used on a bridge to restrict the movement of an enemy force. Once the layers have been removed, soldiers will then look to target any reinforcing materials underneath.

Bar mines are equally destructive. During a training demonstration, one of these explosives was placed underneath a car, blowing it apart.

But the soldiers' training will not be ending when it is time to leave Canada. Because of the sheer power of the explosives, that training will continue throughout their army careers.

Before the troops can get anywhere near them, they must have completed an intensive ten-week training package in Surrey with an entire week and a half being devoted to explosives.

KM-fm's Ed Cook has been filing special reports for the radio station...