TWO North-west soldiers serving with a Territorial Army (TA) medical unit are sharing their skills and experiences with American counterparts, after being chosen to join a British-USA military exchange programme.

Sergeant Brian Southworth and Sergeant Ian Whiteside, both from Chorley Detachment 5 General Support Medical Regiment, are spending two weeks with the United States National Guard, at a camp in Wyoming, from June 4 to 18.

Both have experience of the realities of conflict, having each served six-month operational deployments in Iraq, and are well aware of the importance of learning how allied forces approach and work in combat situations.

Sgt Southworth, aged 42, a father-of-two, is originally from Golborne where he attended Golborne Comprehensive School. He lives in Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Wigan, and has been a TA soldier for 20 years.

Sgt Whiteside, aged 49, who has two children, was born in Fulwood, Preston. He lives in Farrington, Leyland, and has been a TA soldier for 32 years.

Like all TA soldiers they work in civilian occupations and carry out their military responsibilities in their spare time. Sgt Southworth is employed as a driver for urban regeneration organisation Bolton at Home, and Sgt Whiteside is a qualified psychologist.

Sgt Southworth said: "I worked with the Americans in the Gulf . I want to learn from them so that I am prepared for potential future operations.

Sgt Whiteside said: "It is always good to meet foreign troops and build links. I still maintain contacts with guys from many countries I have worked in."