IN a setting far removed from his civilian job as an office administrator, Mark Nolan from Birkenhead has been in Poland helping construct the world's longest amphibious bridge during a multi-national exercise.
Mark, 31, a reservist serving with 75 Engineer Regiment, is one of 30,000 soldiers taking part in Exercise Anakonda 2016.
Sapper Mark Nolan from Birkenhead
It involves 24 different countries and is one of the biggest exercises held in Europe since the end of the Cold War.
"This it is my first major exercise” said Mark, a Sapper in uniform.
”And I didn’t really expect it to be as big or as dynamic as it is has been.
"It has been a fantastic learning opportunity for me and I have gained so much from just being here.
"Prior to this being I had not really spent much time on the water with the rigs so while it has been a steep learning curve at times everyone has been really helpful passing on tips and their knowledge."
He added: "Working with our German counterparts has been fantastic and today was a great sense of accomplishment when the whole bridge came together.
"I am looking forward to seeing the American regiment cross over it tomorrow it should be great sight."
Come the day of the crossing in front of the world’s media, the rigs entered the Vistula River and began to ferry the reconnaissance element of the US Army 2 Cavalry Regiment across the river.
With the Polish army on the ground and American Apache helicopters in the air providing security, it had a truly multi-national element.
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