A LARGE military presence has been spotted in a field in Basingstoke.
Various military vehicles, including Land Rovers and troop transports, have been stationed in Basingstoke Common since Saturday, July 6.
Several military vehicles arrived throughout the day, and soldiers set up camp in the evening.
Prior to this, a number of Portaloos appeared in the same area the weekend before.
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The images were taken by Black Dam residents Tracey Bond and her son Josh, while they were walking their Labrador, Zak, in the area.
Josh said: "It's not what you expect to see when you go on a dog walk in the morning, I'm curious to know what they are actually doing in a park in Basingstoke."
Tracey said: "It was unexpected, I felt like I was in Dad's Army when you come over the top and see these vehicles come towards you."
A spokesperson from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: ""The MoD are currently running a training exercise which stretches through Salisbury Plain and onto Bramley.
"There are a number of logistical and medical soldiers currently at the Old Common which will run until Sunday, July 14.
"The British Army is making its training much more realistic, with the use of public places providing more for their soldiers to consider when practising their roles.
"The use of council land provides a more realistic environment for this training scenario."
The Gazette has contacted the MoD for a comment.
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