The Light Infantry went to War in Iraq in 2003.  It was the first time that the modern Regiment had been to war since it was formed in 1968.

During the war with the Regime of Saddam Hussain (in the Spring of 2003) 1 LI deployed two Armoured Infantry Companies to Iraq, as part of the Desert Rats and fought with the 2 RTR Battle Group.  Between October 2003 and April 2004, 1 LI returned to Iraq on Operation TELIC 3. 

Throughout the War, 2 LI was deployed in Cyprus, protecting the vital forward operating base for British Forces in the region.  When in September 2003 the situation on the ground, in the aftermath of the war became tense, the Battalion was deployed (from Cyprus) into Iraq to support exisiting operations and in offering additional protection to the Coalition Provisional Authority. The Battalion returned to Cyprus in early November 2003.  Since then, soldiers from our TA Companies have also deployed into the country.

1LI are now back in Iraq as part of the 20 Brigade deployment to the region.

Both Battalions and those who now join the Light Infantry family from the DD LI and RGBW LI, will continue to play a role in the deployment cycle as work in Iraq continues.