Armed police and soldiers based near Market Drayton joined the search for a Loggerheads man who has been missing for two days.
Gordon Beard, 79, of Kestrel Drive, left his home on Tuesday morning at 10am and was last seen by his wife who believed he had gone out for a walk.
Around 40 soldiers from the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, based at Tern Hill, joined police and volunteers in the search for Mr Beard who suffers from dementia.
A Staffordshire Police spokeswoman described him as “vulnerable missing person” and said they had followed up a possible sighting at the Chetwode Arms pub in Pipe Gate at about 12.45pm on Tuesday.
The spokeswoman said: “We’ve got an extensive police presence in the Loggerheads area at the moment because we have a vulnerable missing person.
“We are becoming increasingly concerned for Mr Beard’s welfare and because of this, the operation includes soldiers from Clive Barracks in Tern Hill.”
Mr Beard is described as white, 5ft 9in tall and well built, with grey hair.
He was wearing a cream shirt, black trousers, walking boots and was carrying a walking stick.
Leaflets with Mr Beard’s description have been given out to Loggerheads residents, with specialist police search teams joining in the operation which is based at the Loggerheads pub.
Chief Inspector Adrian Roberts, who is leading the search, said: “Our efforts continue to locate Mr Beard and this is a three-force inquiry being led by Staffordshire Police.
“We welcome the assistance of staff based at Clive Barracks, as well as West Mercia and Cheshire Police, and have scaled down our operation in a proportionate manner based on information being received.
“Staffordshire Police remain extremely concerned for Mr Beard’s welfare and we want him found safe and well. We would ask people to keep an eye out for him, checking gardens and outbuildings, and report any information to the police.”
Anyone with information should contact Staffordshire Police immediately on 0300 123 4455 or dial 999.