The soldiers were among members of the second battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment stationed at Tern Hill near Market Drayton.

All 14 underwent random urine tests last month.

They now face being discharged from the army.

'Not widespread'

An army spokesman said disciplinary action may not be completed for several weeks, but dismissal was the usual punishment for people who have tested positive.

He said the misuse of drugs could not be tolerated in the Army.

The spokesman stressed that drug abuse was "not widespread" in the Army and was "far less prevalent" among armed forces employees than among civilians.

The battalion, named after Princess Diana, only moved to Shropshire this summer.

Its 600 troops are training as a fast-response unit to the world's trouble spots.