The Company has spent its time in Kenya wisely. If its soldiers are to be expected to be ready for combat in Afghanistan then they need to know what to expect.

Nanyuki stands at 7000ft above sea level and temperatures soar into the 90s.

Being in a tough environment allows the company to be tested.

"In exercises back home we can say, right, your vehicle is stuck," said Major Dominic Wilford, who led the exercise.

"But here it really happens.

"Even if we trained for six months in the UK it would never be this intense."

The company arrived last month and first spent a week acclimatising to the altitude and heat. They then moved to Kamwaki Farm where they carried out fitness training and learnt to live in the field.

"The air is very thin," said Major Mike Rees.

"It's difficult to breath. Some take longer than others to get used to it.

"We moved on to Dol Dol where we had to be more self-sufficient and water-disciplined. The company was a credit to themselves."

The company used live ammunition at Dol Dol and then at Mpala Farm where they built an enemy village. After a week at Mpala Farm - a privately-owned game reserve - the company was sent on a six-day adventure-training package.

"I came here beforehand and it was hard work," said Maj Rees.

"I can see why they bring you over a year prior because of all the planning."

Each soldier paid £70 for a basic package, which included activities such as gliding, safari drives and white-water rafting.

One group scaled nearby Mount Kenya.

For £125 they could travel to Kalifi on the Kenyan coast where they could go sailing, water skiing and mountain biking.

"At a low cost they've all had great activities and good accommodation, staying in luxury hotels for a couple of nights," said Mjr Rees.

"On the training side it's been a very worthwhile trip.

"Being here has taught me about logistics, everything you do you expect problems.It's going to happen all the time."