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SMARDAN, Romania - At the heart of NATO’s operational effectiveness lies not just strategic directives and sophisticated weaponry, but the dedicated service personnel who bring these elements to life. Among these are the members of the 32 Engineers Regiment (32 ER) of the British Armed Forces, who are participating in exercise Steadfast Dart 25, NATO’s biggest exercise of 2025, displaying NATOs readiness and collaborative prowess.

Mechanical workhorses: Ash, a plant operator with the regiment, explains his role with contagious enthusiasm. Operating heavy machinery like excavators, soldiers of the 32 ER are tasked with preparing the ground, a foundational yet critical aspect of any military or construction effort. “It’s like being a little kid,” Ash shares. “You can mess around in the mud and move soil about.” This lighthearted view almost negates the serious nature of their work, ensuring that exercise Steadfast Dart runs smoothly and efficiently, even in challenging environments like the freezing conditions of Romania where the largest part of the exercise is taking place.

It’s like being a little kid, you can mess around in the mud and move soil about.

Steadfast Dart involves not only military tactics but also logistics and infrastructure development. These soldiers primarily use civilian vehicles to accomplish their tasks. Steven, a plant sergeant of the regiment, oversees the operations of his team. “We’ve got excavators, dozers, and wheel rollers,” he explains, detailing the equipment that transforms rugged terrains into operational hubs. These mechanical workhorses are crucial in constructing hard standings where vehicles are parked and maintained, facilitating the smooth progression of Steadfast Dart. 

Members of the 32 Engineers Regiment (32 ER) of the British Armed Forces, who are participating in exercise Steadfast Dart 25

A lifelong dream: Collaboration is at the core of NATO exercises, and for many of the soldiers, it’s their first experience working in such an international environment. Keyne, another plant operator, points out the differences and similarities between military and civilian equipment, emphasising the versatility required in their roles. “Even though they’re civilian vehicles that we’re using here, we are trained on the exact same platforms,” he notes, underscoring the seamless integration of skills across different types of machinery.

The satisfaction derived from their work is unmistakable. Keyne, who dreamt of operating heavy machinery since childhood, describes his job as fulfilling a lifelong passion. “It’s like big boys with big toys,” he says, reflecting the joy and pride these soldiers take in their work.