Task Force Helmand

The Week in Afghanistan

20 Oct - 27 Oct 13

Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 Manoeuvre Battlegroup, Armoured Infantry Company – PB LKD

Armoured Infantry (AI) Company disruption in

Kakaran: 20 October 13.

The AI Company deployed from Patrol Base Lashkar Gah

Durai (PB LKD) on the 20th October with the intention of

disrupting insurgent activities.

The Company deployed north west, using Highway 1 as

their main route. After only a short time, however, the

Warriors halted as a result of discovering a Pillow Charge

Improvised Explosive Device (PCIED) that had been

hastily laid in their path. Immediately emplacing a secure

cordon around the location, the AI Coy requested the

Royal Engineers’ Counter IED team to assist.

The Royal Engineer team conducted a controlled

explosion of the device, neutralising the threat and

allowing the AI Coy to continue.

The area into which the AI Coy were going was known to

be kinetic and so, safely battened down, the warriors

entered Kakaran to begin the disruption. As expected it

was not long before the insurgents began to engage the

Warriors with small arms fire and Rocket Propelled

Grenades (RPGs). The Warriors extracted without further

incident

The operation was, a great success and proved the AI

Coy’s ability to effectively cordon and resolve complex

situations while deployed.

BRIMSTONE conduct a controlled explosion of an IED found en

route to Kakaran.

The AI Company deployed in Warriors in Kakaran, Helmand

Province.

How to find and understand with a 120 mm

smoothbore.

The VIKING troop have been given a variety of tasks

during their deployment in Afghanistan, but this week’s

operation was a new concept in which they were to Find

and Understand in a specified area. Deploying on a

three day operation to the area of the Spin Majid Wadi.

Previous experience shows that the insurgents stay well

clear whenever the tanks enter an area and this

operation was no different.

The second task was a recce of Route Red and this

again had moments of interest when information was

recieved that insurgents were planning an ambush on

the Viking callsign. The tanks manoeuvered into battle

position in close proximity of the compound cluster, but

the insurgents made the wise choice to just lay low.

On the visits front the Danish contingent have received

the Regimental Colonels of the Royal Hussars and the

Dragoon Guards this week.

Two culvert explosions were detected on Highway 1.

Aerial assets delivered accurate HD pictures as part of

the route recce on ROUTE RED.

Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 Manoeuvre Battlegroup, Danish Tank Platoon, VIKING Troop

Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 Manoeuvre Battlegroup, Estonian Protected Mobility Company.

Continued Disruption in the Bowri Dashte.

The Estonian Company has maintained its

operational tempo with another deployment into

the Bowri Dashte this week.

The operation saw the Estonian Coy deploy into

the Haji Tahir Estate (HTE), within the Bowri

Dashte, for a two day period. The aim of was to

continue to disrupt insurgent activities in the area.

The Estonians have visited the HTE on numerous

occasions, to great effect, and this time was no

different. The highly successful mission saw the

Estonian Coy stop a number of insurgent activities

as well as uncovering several weapons caches.

Amongst the finds were a number of AK-47

weapons, AK variant magazines, ammunition,

grenades, and other components found in .

This is the final deliberate operation to be

conducted by Estonian Company 16, who are now

in a period of vehicle maintenance before handing

over to the incoming Company for the remainder of

Op Herrick 19.

Taliban propaganda.

AK-47s found in the Bowri Dashte.

Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 2 R ANGLIAN, FSU LKG

DEVELOPING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AT MOB LKG

Having completed the Transfer of Authority for MOB LKG Force

Protection on 17 Oct 13, 2 R ANGLIAN have focused on quickly

familiarising themselves with their new environment.

A number of patrols have been conducted familiarising soldiers

with the ground they will be operating on, and carrying out

essential tasks such as; resupplying out-stations, escorting

VIPs, and moving personnel around.

The soldiers are beginning to establish the baseline for normal

behaviour and atmospherics outside of the MOB and are

working to increase their understanding of the AO.

The Poachers have also been meeting the various multinational

organisations who also work from MOB LKG.

MOB LKG protection and search dogs with their handlers Dismounted patrol to the OCCP

Each sentry is briefed by the Guard Commander on the latest J2

picture prior to taking up their position

Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 STERGA 2

ISTAR GROUP

Recce Platoon, 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland

A week which has continued at an unrelenting pace. All

hands have been to the pump with visits from 3 COs

and supporting several operations. Every member of

the team have had their part to play with Base ISTAR,

working solidly for 36hrs to get the Livingstone tower

fixed. 5 GDA patrols have been completed as well as

mandatory Judgemental Training, Zeroing, Flu jabs,

CITADEL RHLX, Winterisation and the usual routine of

SANGER STAGS and other camp routine.

The Ops Room is now releasing some excellent

product as the surrounding area is becoming more

familiar, supported by the rest of the team providing

force protection via integral ISTAR and force protection.

A big foot print has been put on the ground and it has

not gone unnoticed from the Locals and also the

insurgents. A good week of progress which will

continue to be built upon.

Overlooking the Green Zone to the North.

Captain Anderson with his team for one of the

Mounted GDA Patrols.

Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

Gun Groups

SO10 – J Battery’s Gun Group had a busy week involved in Force Protection, and has contributed to J2 with sound

observations from their sanger. Our trauma reaction team assisted the Medical centre with many ANSF casualties, displaying

strong team medic skills in high pressured situations. Though not engaging, we have been called on two missions. We have

received numerous visits, as well as hosting the MOB PRICE Darts Championships and Quiz Night.

C/S Witchcraft 14 - Capt Rae (Att to 3Mercians, FP Coy PCE) - The men of

Witchcraft 14 have had a busy week of targeting and conducting detailed area

searches from the air, the end of which sees us reach the one month point on this

protracted edition of Op Herrick. After a month of spectacular desert sunrises and

sunsets - no two weeks are the same in Helmand.

The incoming Force Protection Company at MOB PRICE, C Coy, 3 Mercian have

completed the RiP and are going through the initial bedding in period. Meaning

there has been some frenetic activity around us. The Mercian’s initial activity has

been focussed on stamping their mark on the FOB, building new relationships and

ensuring that no trace of their predecessors insignia remain .

Fire Support Teams

C/S Witchcraft 23 - Capt West (Att to TFBW) - This week has seen the Task Force Belleau Wood (TFBW) FST up the

tempo with their deployments into the AO. After an initial settling period the team have deployed with the outgoing 3 Force

Protection Wing and incoming 5 Force Protection Wing to provide and co-ordinate all surface to surface fires.

As well as providing support to the UK elements of TFBW Witchcraft 23 also help provide UK fires to the US Marine Corps as

well as the plethora other nations that make up TFBW. As part of the on-going defence of the Bastion Leatherneck (BL)

complex Captain West RHA and Bdr Ward joined a USMC combat logistics patrol and headed South to PB Boldak to help

support and train the USMC PB with the use of UK fire assets.

Gun maintenance is conducted daily.

Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

Gun Groups

Salvo 20 (BSN) - C Battery’s Guns once again were able to aid an Estonian call sign on 18 Oct by providing a

smoke screen in order to enable a successful friendly force extraction. Their Gun Position continues to be a point of

interest within BSN, as visits come thick and fast. This week hosting the Brigade Commander and more recently, their

American artillery counterparts from the HIMARS Battery.

C/S Witchcraft 34 (Att to WHG) - Forward-mounted to FOB PRICE

with the Warthog Group on 14 Oct, and conducted an operation

alongside the BRF on 15 Oct in Kakaran. The morning began well

with locals appearing benign and happily celebrating Eid Ul Adha.

The BRF detained a significant insurgent IED facilitator and seemed

poised to begin their extraction when they started to incur SA and

UGL fire.

Forward Air Controllers from the regiment did an excellent job of

controlling a large stack of aircraft and conducting multiple shows of

force/warning shots whilst personally under heavy contact. After

extracting the BRF from contact the WHG began the long return

journey to BSN, with excellent cover provided by US F18 and UK

AH64.

Fire Support Teams

C/S Witchcraft 33 (Att to BRF) - Deployed on 3 Ops in the last 3 weeks twice into the Argahandab River Valley and

one in the vicinity of Kakaran. The operations were focused on force protection for both ISAF and the ANSF. A

number of future Ops have also been planned across the TFH AO.

Salvo 20 engaging with smoke to support

the Estonians successful withdrawel from

contact.

Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20 - 27 October 7X Brigade Reconnaissance Force

7X BRIGADE RECONNAISSANCE FORCE (BRF) DISRUPT

INSURGENCY IN CENTRAL HELMAND

Having now fully taken over the reigns from 1X the 7X BRF have

sought to seamlessly continue the disruption of the insurgency

throughout TFH.

On their second operation of HERRICK 19 elements of the BRF,

supported by the ANSF, conducted a pre first light move, via CH-

47, into the Northern Arghandab River Valley. Concurrently a

second BRF manoeuvre unit, mounted in the Warthogs of the

RTR, were delivered on target from MOB Price.

There followed a successful clearance of the outlying Kalays and

of a complex irrigation system to the South. The operation also

provided an opportunity to iron out the issues associated with

the integration of ANSF units into our own ORBAT.

Having seen no harassment from the local insurgency the BRF

were able to exfil back to Bastion during daylight hours, again

via CH-47, with the WHG units conducting a road move back to

MOB Price.

A soldier from 7x BRF observes his arcs during a successful

disruption of the insurgency in Central Helmand

BRF c/s interact with LNs

Joint Force Support(A)

The Week in

Afghanistan

19 - 25 Oct 13

Joint Force Support Key Activity 19 - 25 Oct 13 2 Close Support Logistic Regiment

CSLR in the media!

The media were in town this week, with 45 Close Support Squadron

playing host to the ITV production team on Thursday. LCpl Fowler,

attached from 158 Transport Regiment (Reserve) has been the star

of the show, soaking up the majority of the media limelight. However,

Squadron Sergeant Major Sinar, never to be outdone, did manage a

interview to camera when he thought that no one else was watching!

Meanwhile the logistic effort continues with a Combat Logistic Patrol

visiting Main Operating Base (MOB) Price, Patrol Base Lashkar Gah

Durai, and MOB Lashkar Gah.

Joint Force Support Key Activity 19 – 25 Oct 13 Theatre Logistic Group

Transfer Of Authority Complete

The General Support Squadron are now complete in theatre, the

Transfer of Authority was completed 20 Oct 13. The Vehicle

Replenishment Section has conducted various Rehearsal of Concept

drills to ensure all personnel are conversant with their processes and

procedures. All Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) operators

have received an MHE safety brief and all vehicle operators have been

inducted at the Bastion servicing bay. The Close Support Ammunition

Detachment has now ceased small scale demolitions, focusing on

large scale Logistic Demolitions which are due to start

imminently. This week has been focused on clearing a significant

number of Issue Vouchers within the Medical Detachment, where a

dedicated team has made impressive inroads into this lengthy task.

Forward Troop deployed a section to Lashkar Gah in support of the

Logistic Support Teams that are currently engaged in assessing the

redeployment of materiel. Whilst in Bastion the Theatre Container

Manager is conducting a reconciliation of accounts in order to establish

the HERRICK 19 start state. Meanwhile the biological wash-down

infrastructure rebuild has commenced. Additionally it has also seen an

uplift of four ‘Rhino’ washer systems and is awaiting additional washing

and cleaning equipment. This will greatly increase the flexibility and

capacity of the biological wash-down.

.

Medical Detachment selecting items for issue.

Maj Lucy Anderson takes over from Maj Stuart

Ferguson

United Kingdom Medical Group Key Activity 19 – 25 Oct 13

Transfer of Authority of The UK Medical Group

On 17 Oct 13 the Commanding Officer of 5 Medical Regiment

handed over command of the Close Support Medical Regiment

(CSMR) to the Commanding Officer of 2 Medical Regiment.

Lt Col Carter ended his tour and retuned to Catterick while Maj

Pickering started his tour after a gruelling 12 months of Mission

Specific Training (MST). The CSMR consists of the Regimental

Headquarters, Role 1 Squadron - under the Command of Maj

Morris, and the Support Squadron - Commanded by Maj Moger.

The Role 1 Squadron are responsible for the provision of

Primary Health Care, Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and Force

Health protection of the force within Task Force Helmand,

Kandahar Air Field and Kabul. The Support Squadron are

concentrating their efforts on redeployment and the supply of

medical logistics to outstations. The CSMR is also making great

progress in supporting the development of the ANSF Med

capability in preparation for ISAF’s impending departure.

We have also seen Lt Col Archer hand over Command of the

Role 3 Hospital to Col Donnelly on 22 Oct 13. 33 Field Hospital

ended their successful tour with a wealth of knowledge and

experience they can take back with them to their UK based

roles. 203 Field Hospital bring with them a vast array of medical

specialists and support staff from their civilian employment. 203

Field Hospital are joined by a US contingent who have

conducted prior training with their British partners in the UK

before deploying.

The combination of the Role 1 CSMR and Role 3 hospital make

up the Joint United Kingdom Medical Group

Lt Col Carter hands over the role of CO UK Med

Gp to Maj D Pickering on 17 Oct 13

Lt Col Archer hands over the role of CO Role 3

Hospital to Col Donnelly on 22 Oct 13

Joint Force Support Key Activity 19 - 25 Oct 13 The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Kabul Support Unit (KSU)

Afghanistan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA)

Media Day

The main event this week was the (ANAOA) Media Day at which

both Afghan and western journalists were present. They were

introduced to the concept of ANAOA and shown the Officer

Cadets at work during their physical training, English language

lessons and drill instruction. Kabul Support Unit (KSU)

supported the day by providing all of the transport and Force

Protection for the UK and coalition personnel involved.

A Piper in the form of Maj Bryon Brotherton was invited to play at

the 208th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in HQ ISAF,

providing entertainment for the Naval personnel of Kabul. And on

the subject of anniversaries – the SCOTS DG celebrate the

Battle of Balaclava, fought on 25th October 1854.

AMOC Key Activity 19 - 25 Oct 13 Afghan Media Operations Cell (AMOC)

THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL ARMY OFFICERS ACADEMY (ANAOA) MEDIA DAY CAPTURED BY THE COMBAT CAMERA

TEAM, ‘ITV FOR TROOPS’ PREPARATIONS IN FULL SWING AND THERE IS A NEW RAF PADRE IN THEATRE.

The Combat Camera Team have been capturing footage of the ANAOA media day in Kabul this week. The ANA ran a successful

media day, which was observed by Major Tim James SO2 Media Ops based in Kabul. The ITV are in Camp Bastion recording

interviews and video clips, and of course building a stage, in preparation for the upcoming ‘ITV For The Troops’ TV show. Chaplain

Martin Sheldon appeared in The Star (Sheffield regional newspaper) this week discussing his role during HERRICK 19.