440 Defence Forces troops from the 105th Battalion have been undergoing the final phase of intense training in preparation for their deployment to Lebanon next month.
Drawn primarily from the Munster area, they will replace Irish troops who have been serving with UNIFIL since June.
The mission readiness exercise puts commanders and soldiers through a demanding series of scenarios based on the current situation in Lebanon and potential threats that may be encountered in the mission area.
Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Philip Brennan, the 105th Battalion has been in training for the past three months, culminating in the current exercise, which has been taking place in the Glen of Imaal over the past two weeks.
It will be the first tour of duty abroad for 116 personnel and it will be the first tour to Lebanon for 268 of the soldiers.
