PICTURE of the day: Armistice Parade at Camp Bastion, Helmand

Pictures - Maj Paul Smyth

Afghanistan: Our soldiers' sacrifice will be worth it

A British commander says the progress he has seen in Afghanistan proves that we can win the war and help create a better society.

By Lt Col Gus Fair DSO, CO Light Dragoons battle group

The Light Dragoons have just finished deploying for the second time as a battle group on operations in Afghanistan. On the previous occasion, in 2007, we were fighting for control of the southern town of Garmsir, at the very edge of the Afghan government's sphere of influence. The main administrative centre was derelict, destroyed by months of fighting as we battled to assert control of the ground only a few hundred metres outside our front gate.

In April this year, once again with the outstanding soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, we returned to the same ground, with justifiable trepidation. On our first tour, a Mercian captain under my command had won a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross trying to recover the bodies of two soldiers less than a kilometre south of our main base.

The progress that had been made in little over 18 months was beyond all of our expectations. The area was transformed; the formerly shattered and deserted administrative centre was rebuilt and the market thriving. The school and hospitals were rebuilt and functioning well, staffed and resourced by the Afghan state. Where poppies had been commonplace there were now fields of wheat.

The result was that some 15,000 Afghans lived in a relative safety, free to go about their daily business, within an area protected by a joint coalition and Afghan team and, most importantly, led by an Afghan district governor who exercised control in a fair, representative and transparent fashion.

After handing the area over to the United State Marine Corps in June, the 1,000-strong battle group was at the centre of the clearance of the wider Babaji area, as part of Operation Panther's Claw. We defeated the enemy wherever we found him, and pushed him outside the centres of population in Malgir and Spin Masjid.

Despite the heavy fighting, there were only three reports of civilian casualties in the clearance of Babaji and as a result, within days of the fighting finishing, we saw the people beginning to engage with us: locals pointed out dug-in IEDs for us to clear, and safe routes for our vehicles to use.

I am convinced that true achievement in a campaign such as Afghanistan cannot be measured in weeks or months but must instead be gauged over years. The soldiers in the battle group are fortunate in that they have seen in Garmsir what progress in Afghanistan can look like. It is my and their firm belief that we will see similar if not more rapid progress in Babaji by the time the regiment next returns to Helmand.

As we left, the seasonal decline in fighting had begun, the maize that provided cover for insurgent ambushes was coming down and, as a result, the insurgents' ability to intimidate and attack locals was reduced significantly.

Probably the most significant demonstration of progress was the distribution of wheat seed to farmers. In the face of Taliban attacks on the distribution sites and on locals queuing for seed, some 2,000 farmers received wheat, with more to follow.

In the week that we left, a farmer said to me: "You can see by the number of people queuing for wheat that the people are stronger than the insurgents".

The population are beginning to witness considerable community level engagement and investment, as well as meaningful direct assistance from both ISAF (the International Security Assistance Force) and the government. At the same time, they can see that the Taliban is not fighting for their interests.

While the Taliban fights on, support for them is waning fast and their freedom of manoeuvre is increasingly sustained through threats and violence. As a sense of security improves, communities are gaining the confidence to begin to resist Taliban infiltration and, for the first time in 30 years of fighting, exercise some control over their own destiny.

This consolidation of Babaji came at a significant price. The battle group suffered nine Afghan and 12 British soldiers killed, and some 94 British wounded by the enemy during the six-month tour. And the cost of the progress we are seeing was not just borne within Babaji. We were given the resources – the numbers of men, bomb disposal teams and surveillance equipment – to do our job, resources that were not available to others. Some of the losses of the 2 Rifles, Welsh Guards, 2nd Fusiliers and Danish Battle groups outside Babaji must therefore be included in the overall cost.

Many question whether these deaths are a price worth paying, and wonder whether they will be justified in the long term or whether we will continue to shed our soldiers' blood for years for no return. Based on our experience in Garmsir and the progress achieved so far in Babaji, both I and my soldiers believe that the sacrifice will be worth it.

For the full article click here for the Telegraph website

PICTURE of the day: Range day with the ANA

An British officer from the Operational, Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) oversees Afghan National Army Warriors* zeroing their M16 weapon systems.

*The rank of Private soldier in the Afgnan National Army is called “Warrior”
Pictures: Maj Paul Smyth

VIDEO: Life on the frontline with the Afghan Army

Filmed on the 1 November 09. Moving along one of the many canals in the Nad-e-Ali Valley in Helmand Province, Corporal Phillip Hodgson from Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) Four 2 YORKS, noticed something odd about the troops surroundings.

The locals we just passed all took off, said Cpl. Phillip Hodgson. So keep a look out for any enemy activity. It usually means we are going to be under attack soon.
After being here for five weeks, Hodgson and the rest of the OMLT have started to notice the subtle clues that help keep them on their toes while on patrol.

Its like a sixth sense you pick up when you are out on the ground, said Lieutenant Tom Dawson, the team commander. After being out here for a month you start to notice everything going on.

Minutes later, the OMLT come under attack from small arms fire. As soon as the team hears the shots, they quickly jump into the nearby canal. The ditch is filled with waste deep water and mud that swallows their feet as they take cover from the incoming rounds.

After 40 minutes of back and forth firing, the shots from the enemy slow down and the enemy retreats after being ineffective. After the fire fight ends, the team decides to return to their compound to plan for their next mission. For these troops, these events are a near everyday occurrence.

We come in to contact with the enemy about 80 percent of the time we go out, said Hodgson.

When the OMLT goes on patrol, their primary mission is to mentor the Afghan National Army. The patrols are lead by the ANA with the OMLT supervising. The OMLT gives guidance and helps the ANA to be better Soldiers. The OMLT does not limit the training for patrols only.

When we find time, we try to give them medical lessons and practice finding IEDs and other tactical training, said Dawson.

Although the troops are mentoring the ANA, they have been learning from them as well.
They have taught us how to pick up on improvised explosive devices better and to pick up on the atmospherics of the area we are patrolling. Sometimes you even pick up on a bit of the language, said Dawson.

Protecting the “bullet magnet” and improving life in southern Afghanistan

Katrina Manson is a Reuters reporter based in East Africa. She recently accompanied the British government’s development agency, DFID, on a visit to Helmand province in south Afghanistan.

The new head of Helmand’s Provisional Reconstruction Team (PRT), tasked with helping to develop one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous and conservative provinces, says that the 300-strong group’s greatest achievement to date is the fact that the governor has managed to visit all 13 districts.

It might sound a strangely slight claim to success for a body that will this year spend £190 million on efforts to rebuild the province and help provide basic services such as justice and education, but for PRT head Lindy Cameron, success is about somebody else doing the work. The PRTs are joint foreign military and civilian teams trying to rebuild the war-torn nation.

“My job is making the government good,” said Cameron. “The point of us being here is to get district government and services up and running and to support the government to be effective enough that people will see it as credible. We have a particularly active and energetic governor who sees it as his job to get out to the people rather than to twiddle his thumbs in an office in Lashkar Gah.”

A favourite of the British military and development officials, Helmand’s provincial governor Gulab Mangal, has been credited for championing opium poppy replacement programmes and helping to steer parts of Helmand’s population away from the Taliban.

Governor Mangal, is known by British helicopter pilots as a “bullet magnet” for just such feistiness (the helicopter he was travelling in was hit by rocket fire last year). Mangal’s successes against the insurgency and his close cooperation with British and U.S. forces in Helmand have brought him many Taliban-shaped enemies who would be happy to see the back of him.

Since taking up the post in March 2008, he has wasted no time in getting out and visiting the districts - opening schools, recruiting police officers, and attempting to convince farmers to grow wheat instead of poppy - recording a 33 percent drop in poppy cultivation this year and hoping for a further 50 percent drop next year.

Nato’s new commander General Stanley McChrystal has said of the military strategy in Afghanistan that “the objective is the will of the Afghan people”. As Nato soldiers attempt to make safe more areas in the province — in which 86 British troops have been killed this year — the PRT is trying to show life under the government is better than life under the Taliban.

For the full article click here for the Reuters Blog Page

Rifleman Samuel John Bassett killed in Afghanistan

It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Rifleman Samuel John Bassett was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 8 November 2009.

Rifleman Bassett, from 1 Platoon, A Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles, died in hospital following an Improvised Explosive Device explosion in the area of Sangin, Northern Helmand.

He was serving as part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group. At the time, his Platoon were conducting routine patrolling in order to provide reassurance and security to the local population.

Rifleman Samuel John Bassett

Rifleman Samuel Bassett was born in Plymouth, Devon, on 27 September 1989. He completed military training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick before joining 4th Battalion The Rifles in Bulford in May this year.

He deployed as a Rifleman with A Company, 4 RIFLES, as part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, in October to the area around Northern Sangin.

Rifleman Bassett was a capable, bright and fun loving individual who was regarded as a real character by those with whom he worked. Young, fit and motivated, he undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him and much to offer his Company and his Regiment.

Rifleman Bassett leaves his mother Coline, father Simon (who lives in Canada) and 18-year-old brother Jack.

Rifleman Bassett's mother, Coline Bassett, paid the following tribute:

"Samuel was not only my son, but Samuel and his brother Jack are my best friends. Samuel was a real character, always the joker, he will be so, so missed and loved forever - our proud little soldier. XXX

"During Samuel's last conversation with the Family he said he was 'having the time of his life' and even joked when he spoke to his Granddad whilst sitting on the roof watching the sun go down in Afghanistan, that he was also 'keeping his head down from the snipers.'"

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said:

"The loss of a Rifleman brimming with so much joie de vivre and potential is a painful blow to the Battle Group. Sam Bassett was indeed such a Rifleman. A man who steps up time and again to clear such dangerous ground for his friends to pass safely is truly one to be honoured.

"Those of us left here to continue in the work that he was doing will be strengthened by his example and shall revere his sacrifice and memory. The thoughts of the Battle Group are firmly with his Battalion, his friends and above all his family and loved ones."

Rifleman Philip Allen killed in Afghanistan

It is with great regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Rifleman Philip Allen from 2nd Battalion The Rifles was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday, 7 November 2009.

Rifleman Allen was killed following the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Sangin in central Helmand province.

Serving with 4th Battalion The Rifles in the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, Rifleman Allen had remained behind as continuity from a 2 RIFLES tour and was working with the Fire Support Group that was operating out of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Inkerman.

His platoon was conducting a routine reassurance and ground clearance patrol providing security for local Afghans.

Rifleman Philip Allen, 2 RIFLES

Rifleman Allen, aged 20, was born in Dorset. He attended school in Dorchester and joined the Army in spring 2009. He attended his Phase One and Two training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick and joined 2 RIFLES Battle Group in Sangin shortly after passing out from training. He has since been involved in numerous patrols in northern Sangin as a Rifleman within a Fire Support Group.

Rifleman Allen, known as Phil to family and friends, was a fit, robust and motivated young Rifleman, who had already impressed those who he worked with and for with his ability and enthusiasm. Although only at the start of his career, it was evident that he had a bright future ahead of him.

Rifleman Allen's mother, Karen Charman-Allen, said:

"I would like to thank all of the soldiers who have served with and knew Phil. He was proud to have been a soldier in 2 RIFLES and to have served on tour with them in Afghanistan."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES, said:

"Rifleman Philip Allen had been with the Battle Group for only a few short weeks but had already made a lasting impression. His youthful exuberance made him immediately likeable to those who he worked with and his ability made him a valued member of a tight knit team. A loyal friend, a committed Rifleman and a strong and capable soldier all made him a shining prospect for the future.

"His loss will reverberate throughout the RIFLES family but our loss cannot be measured against that of the family and loved ones from whom he has been so tragically taken. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times."

Public 'must back Afghan cause'

An Army officer has said it is not enough for the public to support UK troops in Afghanistan - they must also back the "cause" they are fighting for.

Capt Andrew Tiernan told the BBC that "the soldiers support the cause" and discussion in Britain of abandoning the mission did not help them.

He said he had chosen to speak out because he was "frustrated with the negative reporting" of the conflict.

Capt Tiernan also said Afghan policemen had saved the lives of his men.

Last week, five British soldiers were shot dead by a police recruit, but despite this Capt Tiernan said it would be "foolish" not to work closely with local forces.

"If we were just there on our own we would be far less effective," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"For instance, the Afghan national policemen who I work with have saved the lives of my men by finding improvised explosive devices in the ground.

"The Afghan desert to me looks pretty similar, but to the policemen that are from those areas a little bit of disturbed earth is telling to them."

'Ink spot approach'

The officer, from the Grenadier Guards, is about to embark on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan.

He said that while "the tragic events of last week need to be reported... lots of the talk subsequently about a wholesale pullout from Afghanistan does not support the soldiers who are out there risking their lives".

"Often we hear people say, 'Yes, we support the soldiers, but we don't support the cause,'" he said.

"Well, the soldiers support the cause, so if you really want to support the soldiers then we too as a public should support the cause in Afghanistan."

A BBC poll on Sunday found that 64% of Britons believe the war is "unwinnable", up from 58% in July.

The head of the armed forces Sir Jock Stirrup also told the BBC that public was not convinced that victory was "doable".

But Capt Tiernan said British troops were making progress, and in his case, his company was creating a "gated community" in one part of Helmand province to protect local people from insurgents.

"A classic counter-insurgency campaign will talk about the 'ink spot approach'. That means that you secure an area.. and because you then demonstrate to the population how life is better... that attracts people into that area and the ink spot can spread.

"So in my area we opened up a school two weeks ago which is a huge thing for local people."

Capt Tiernan said his company was implementing the strategy of "embedded partnering" with Afghan forces as proposed in a directive by US commander Gen Stanley McChrystal.

As a result, British soldiers were "completely working hand-in-hand" with local troops and police, "living with them, planning with them, operating with them".

"His directive is one of those rare documents that is so strikingly correct that everyone who reads it from the lowest ground commander to the most senior military commander understands it worth," Capt Tiernan added.

Soldiers will not pull back to avoid casualties, head of British forces in Afghanistan says

Troops will not pull back from outlying bases in Helmand to avoid casualties, the head of British forces in Afghanistan has said.

Brigadier James Cowan denied reports that forces would withdraw from remote posts such as Musa Qala because they were overstretched.

Military officials also denied there were plans to scale back operations in advance of a British election to prevent deaths further swinging public opinion against the war.

Brig Cowan, commander of 11 Light Brigade, said: "We are here to protect Helmand, we are in those areas, we have no plans whatsoever to withdraw.

"We are here in those areas and there are no plans to withdraw from those locations."

Gen Stanley McChrystal, senior commander of Nato-led forces in Afghanistan, has said the 110,000-strong coalition should concentrate on securing cities and population centres to defeat the Taliban.

However British commanders have said they will continue to hold the densely populated Helmand river valley and outlying outposts.

Brig Cowan said "What I would like to see is the centre of Helmand, where we currently are putting our main effort, our hold of it deepened and the assurance that we give to the local population strengthened.

"Because this is about the confidence of the people of Afghanistan and of Helmand so my aim is to improve that confidence in the government of Afghanistan."

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, head of the Armed Forces, admitted that progress in Afghanistan was "painful, slow and halting".

He said: "What we see is the downside and it is a very, very painful downside, tragic losses bereaved families back home that are having to cope with that loss, people who are injured and having to deal with a complete change in their life.

"But, out there on the ground, talk to the people who are doing it on the ground and they will tell you that they are making real progress.

We have got to do much better at describing their progress.

"It is painful, it is slow, it is halting, but it is in the right direction."