The 5th (Volunteer) Battalion The Royal Irish Rangers, commanded by Lt Col A P Trimble TD, attended Annual Camp at Westdown Camp, Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA), Wiltshire from 31 May-14 Jun 1986.

During the first week the companies undertook tactics training and preparations for week two’s live field firing. During the middle weekend twenty-five officers, accompanied by two pipers, conducted a battlefield tour of The Somme and laid wreaths at The Ulster Tower, Thiepval. The second week consisted of a three-day live firing package for individuals on Close Quarter Battle and grenade ranges and section live firing. The final (dry training) exercise was a two-day battalion advance to contact supported by main battle tanks from the 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.