Troops make final preparations for Chad

Over 300 Defence Force troops are beginning their final preparations today for their deployment to Chad later this month.

Commanders and soldiers will be put through an intense series of scenarios based on the current situation in Chad during the exercise in the Glen of Imaal in Co Wicklow.

The troops will replace the 97th Infantry Battalion that has been in Goz Beida in Chad for the past four months.

They will be presented with their unit colours by the Defence Minister Willie O'Dea in Co Kilkenny next week.