Helmand Blog - Afghanistan

Helmand Blog has moved!

2010-08-20T13:19:00.002+04:30

Helmand Blog - Afghanistan has moved to a new location!

The new look Helmand Blog has now officially replaced this site. All the posts on here have been migrated and, as always, new posts are going up daily.

The reason for this is our rebranding to UKForcesAfghanistan, in line with our YouTube, Flickr, Facebook and Audioboo accounts.

Thank you very much for your support and we look forward to seeing you in our new home at www.ukforcesafghanistan.wordpress.com

British and Afghan troops keep Helmand highway open

2010-08-18T18:58:00.004+04:30

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards (1 SG) and The Royal Dragoon Guards (RDG) have been working jointly with Afghan National Security Forces to keep traffic moving along a key road in central Helmand.

The key access road Route 601 is an important communications route that connects Lashkar Gah in Helmand with the city of Kandahar to the east. The metalled road is a key transport and commercial link for both local nationals and ISAF and Afghan forces.

A snap vehicle check point manned by members of the Scots guards and the Royal Dragoon Guards on route 601.

Based in a patrol base (PB) halfway along the road the British soldiers regularly patrol both on foot and in Mastiff and Jackal armoured vehicles to ensure that no improvised explosive devices or blockages are present on the road or in the surrounding area.

Daily checks include inspecting culverts along the route, setting up vehicle checkpoints to ensure that insurgents are not using the road as a supply route, and working with the Afghan National Police (ANP) to deal with breakdowns or the occasional road traffic accident.

A soldier keeping watch on route 601 with his General Purpose Machine Gun.

The PB commander, Captain Neil Gow, 1 SG, explained:

“We do two things – foot patrols are for the immediate security of the vicinity of where we are around the PB and for the local population.

“It also allows us to build up as much information as we can from the ground about what is going on… When we first moved here we had a lot of information about where the problems were, where the hot spots were.

“By going out on the ground firstly you can see what is going on, and secondly it gives you a chance to see if things are improving, or if things have changed for the better.

“We also do deliberate patrols up the road where we take our wagons, do culvert checks and speak to the ANP who are at different checkpoints along the road.

“By being here and having to do administration runs and just being around the area makes a difference… it acts as a deterrent.”

To read the full article, click here

To hear interviews with soldiers from 1st Battalion The Scots Guards then why not subscribe to the new UKForcesAfghanistan podcast at www.audioboo.fm/ukforcesafghanistan

Photos: Cpl Barry Lloyd RLC/MOD 2010

David Cameron Comments on Afghanistan

2010-08-18T18:51:00.003+04:30

By Tom Newton Dunn, Political Editor, The Sun

DAVID Cameron today reveals he is on a lightning mission to reform Britain – while his Coalition is still riding the crest of its popularity. The PM – in an exclusive interview with The Sun to mark a hundred days at No10 – declares he wants to sort out the country quicker than Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair did. He candidly admits the honeymoon period will end as tough decisions are made. But he vowed not to shy away from doing what is needed – and FAST.

He also told of the greatest burden for a modern British PM – “getting Afghanistan right”.

Mr Cameron told how the war against the Taliban – and the sacrifices of our brave troops – preyed on his mind.

He said: “Afghanistan is what keeps me up at night – making sure that we succeed.

“Obviously the most difficult and the biggest responsibility is the fact that we have troops in Afghanistan risking their lives on a daily basis.

“Tragically we have lost quite a number since I have become Prime Minister.

“All the time I am asking, ‘Are we doing the right thing, are we protecting our forces in the right way, have they got the right equipment, are we helping their families?’

“That is a really huge weight and a burden that you have got to discharge in the right way.” He admitted that being Prime Minister was a job he found “very daunting”.

But it was also “incredibly fulfilling and challenging”.

To read the full article click HERE

Jersey reservists swap island life for Helmand

2010-08-18T18:40:00.005+04:30

Two Territorial Army volunteers from Jersey Field Squadron have swapped civilian life on the channel island for the heat and dust of Helmand province, and are now working with the regular Army unit 21 Engineer Regiment.

As Royal Engineers, the soldiers are involved in a variety of tasks, such as building and improving forward operating bases and patrol bases, which includes constructing watchtowers, known as ‘sangars’, for security.

They support the infantry out on patrols by engineering ways to move safely through compounds, whether it is through walls or over them, and also by building bridges to create new routes.

All of these tasks ultimately support the main aim which is to provide stability and security for the local nationals.

21 Engineer Regiment are also working alongside the Provincial Reconstruction Team and Military Stabilisation Support Team to provide longer term assets for the country. This has involved building main roads, creating and repairing culverts and building bridges in order to allow the Afghan nationals to move around their country more quickly and safely.

One of the Jersey-based soldiers is Sapper James Shales, based with 1 Armoured Engineer Squadron.

Sapper James Shales on operations in Afghanistan with 1 Armoured Engineer Squadron
Photo: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

In 2 Troop, Sapper Shales has been based in Nad ‘Ali, a district in southern Helmand which was the main focal point for Operations PANTHER’S CLAW and MOSHTARAK. Nad ‘Ali has been one of the success stories in terms of engagement with the local nationals through the District Governor.

Meanwhile, Captain Leanne Christmas, who is based out of Camp Bastion in Helmand province, is working as the Regimental Media Operations Officer and a Joint Forces Media Officer, which means that she goes where needed to in order to cover a story with her trusty camera.

Captain Leanne Christmas meeting Afghan children during an operation designed to improve engagement with the local population
Photo: Sergeant Ian Forsyth RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

Primarily covering the engineers, Captain Christmas also looks after external press and VIPs. In civvy street, Captain Christmas is a chartered accountant for Barclays.

Despite enjoying their experiences on deployment both Sapper Shales and Captain Christmas are looking forward to returning to their civilian lives in Jersey:

“I am really looking forward to a pint, and going out with my friends too,” said Sapper Shales.

While for Captain Christmas it is the natural environment of her homeland that she misses most:

“I am really looking forward to getting home now for a rest and to walk barefoot on the grass and beaches again,” she said, adding: “I long for rain!”

To read the full story click here

From war zone to boomtown for Helmand capital

2010-08-17T20:11:00.006+04:30

BBC News South Asia Website

Lashkar Gah, the capital of Afghanistan's Helmand province, was a war zone when the BBC's Bilal Sarwary visited four years ago. Upon his return he discovers it completely transformed.

In 2006, Lashkar Gah resembled a ghost town. Deserted streets littered with shell casings, ruins in the name of buildings and dust-filled roads lined with burnt vehicles. The silence was occasionally broken by bursts of artillery and gun fire. There was the feel of death all around.

Well-connected by air and road with Kabul, Lashkar Gah's economy is thriving

Daily flights

But that was then.

Lashkar Gah today is teeming with life.

Fast-rising buildings, markets filled with shoppers and restaurants blaring loud music.

It seems the city wants to make up for lost time.

Its mud trails which once passed for roads have been replaced by two-lane asphalt streets. And instead of armoured vehicles, there are cars.

In fact, the number of motor vehicles has grown so much in the past few years that wardens have been deployed on all main intersections to ensure smooth traffic movement.

Although small, the city now has a proper airport - built by the United State's development agency USAID.

There are now daily flights connecting Lashkar Gah with the capital Kabul.

Earlier, there was only an air strip that was open only for Western forces and aid agencies.

Lashkar Gah city has grown rapidly as more people are attracted from less stable areas

Peace dividend

Residents, traders, Afghan government officials and others had to use the Lashkar Gah-Kabul road, which runs through the Taliban strongholds of Kandahar, Zabul, Ghazni and Wardak.

The people now have the option to fly to Kabul.

But what has brought about this change?

The answer is peace, established by the Afghan National Army with the help of Western forces, particularly the British Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs).

The PRTs are military and civilian groups which have played a key role in Nato's mission to stabilise Afghanistan.

Lashkar Gah city has grown rapidly as more people are attracted from less stable areas

For the transformation of the city, residents also credit provincial Governor Gulab Mangal, who has a reputation for probity and competent administration.

"Security is good in Lashkar Gah. Peace has helped business," says fruit-seller Haji Mohammad Khan.

"Also, heavy fighting in other districts of Helmand has forced people to flee to the safety of Lashkar Gah. The arrival of these people is providing the city a steady stream of cheap labour," he says.

Mohammad Pasoon, who runs the Bost radio station in Lashkar Gah, agrees.

''A year ago, people were afraid to step out of their homes. They wouldn't dare to even go to the park. There was nothing in the name of security. The presence of Western forces has dispelled that fear."

Construction boom

Mr Pasoon's radio station is also a beneficiary of peace.

Until a few years ago, Bost was struggling to stay on air. There was no money to even meet the daily expenses. But now there is a long queue of advertisers.

''Shopkeepers, construction companies, non-governmental organisations and government all send us advertisements. You do business when there is security," he says.

Lashkar Gah is also witnessing a boom in property prices.

"The news that business is good here has reached other districts of Helmand. People in those areas are willing to sell everything off in their native places for a piece of land in Lashkar Gah," a property dealer said.

Lashkar Gah's landscape is also changing, with banks cropping up on its main street

Lashkar Gah's landscape is also changing.

One can see branches of several Afghan banks along the main street.

There are also private clinics and hospitals.

''It is the result of good governance. If traders do not feel safe they won't open their business. Same for people, they will not leave their homes if they do not feel safe,'' an aide to the governor said.

Fertiliser used to make roadside bombs seized in Afghanistan

2010-08-17T10:00:00.005+04:30

Afghan police have seized enough explosive chemicals to make hundreds of homemade bombs after finding it hidden in paint and pickle boxes in the back of a lorry in southern Kandahar.

Ammonium nitrate fertilizer was banned by Hamid Karzai earlier this year at the request of Nato troops because of its use in homemade explosives.
Photo: ALAMY

The 17 tonnes of banned fertiliser, which is the main ingredient in Taliban bombs, was being smuggled in 10lb boxes in a lorry from Quetta in Pakistan according to officers.
Gen Mohammad Shafiq Fazli said the lorry had been tracked before being seized south of the city. Four people were arrested including two Pakistan nationals he said.

Hidden homemade bombs targeting patrols and convoys account for nearly two thirds of Nato casualties and also indiscriminately kill hundreds of Afghans.
The bombs hidden in tracks and walls which maim and kill British soldiers in Helmand often contain less than 50lbs of explosive, meaning the haul could have made hundreds of devices.

To read the full article click here

VIDEO: Sayedabad Flag Raising

2010-08-17T09:20:00.002+04:30

Following on from the post last week, BFBS Reports utilised Combat Camera Team imagery to support their latest report.

Sapper Ishwor Gurung killed in Afghanistan

2010-08-16T19:53:00.002+04:30

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sapper Ishwor Gurung from 69 Gurkha Field Squadron, 21 Engineer Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Friday 13 August 2010.

On 13 August 2010, whilst constructing a new sangar to increase the protection and security of the soldiers in the camp, his Troop came under insurgent attack and Sapper Ishwor was caught in insurgent fire. Despite the best efforts of his Troop to save his life, Sapper Ishwor was killed in action.

Sapper Ishwor Gurung

Sapper Ishwor Gurung was born in Pokhara, Nepal on 15 October 1988. Having passed selection for the Brigade of Gurkhas in Pokhara on 14 December 2007, he went on to complete initial infantry training in Catterick, North Yorkshire and Combat Engineer training at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Minley. He was subsequently posted to 69 Gurkha Field Squadron, part of 36 Engineer Regiment in Maidstone Kent and trained as a Bricklayer and Concreter.

Sapper Ishwor spent the last year preparing for this, his first operational tour. This included a large scale construction exercise in Devon and mission specific training in Ripon North Yorkshire. He excelled throughout these activities, proving not only his burgeoning professional knowledge but his keen desire to deploy on operations in Afghanistan. He was an outstanding sportsman and had represented 36 Engineer Regiment in Divisional cross country competitions and boxed for his Squadron.

Sapper Ishwor had been working with his Troop in support of 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Battle Group, Combined Force Nad-e-Ali (North), improving the defences at Forward Operating Base SHAHZAD. On 13 August 2010, whilst constructing a new sangar to increase the protection and security to the soldiers in the camp, his Troop came under insurgent attack and Sapper Ishwor was shot by insurgent fire. Despite the best efforts of his Troop to save his life, Sapper Ishwor was killed in action.

The family of Sapper Ishwor Gurung have made the following statement:

"Our family is devastated with the news of Ishwor's death in Afghanistan on 13 Aug 10. Ishwor was 14 years old when his father died and he fully supported the family as a young man. He was a very caring and a very bright boy. He followed his father's footsteps, his father was a soldier in the Indian Army. He loved the Army and was very proud to be a Gurkha. I am proud that my son served in the British Army and that he died doing a job that he loved."

Lieutenant Colonel Bobby Walton-Knight Royal Engineers, Commanding Officer 21 Engineer Regiment Group said:

"Sapper Ishwor Gurung was an exceptionally good soldier. He was enormously proud to be a Queen's Gurkha Engineer, he loved his Squadron and, like every Gurkha Engineer, he loved soldiering. Sapper Ishwor had bags of energy and his motivation never faulted. Even after the longest of days, on the most demanding tasks in the toughest of conditions, he would have a huge smile on his face and be ready for more.

"His enthusiasm was infectious and his friends loved him for it. He was modest to a fault, polite and, even when covered in dust and mud, still managed to be immaculately turned out. He was exceptionally fit, almost unbeatable at cross country and unstoppable in the boxing ring. Although he was still young, his potential had already been spotted and it would not have been long before he made it as a non-commissioned officer.

"Sapper Ishwor died putting his own life in danger to provide protection for others. He was doing a job he loved and was surrounded by friends. It was an honour to have him with the Regiment; his death is an enormous loss to us all and in particular to The Queen's Gurkha Engineers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Sunkumari, brother Ramprasad and sister Richa in Nepal, his wider family and his many friends."

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Hulme MBE Royal Engineers, Commanding Officer 36 Engineer Regiment said:

"The loss of Sapper Ishwor Gurung has dealt a heavy blow to all ranks of the Queen's Gurkha Engineers. He was immensely talented as a soldier, a sportsman and an individual. Sapper Ishwor set the example for his comrades to follow.

"Sapper Ishwor had a bright future ahead of him, his dedication and his ability to focus and apply his efforts in even the most difficult circumstances marked him out above his peers. His bright and enigmatic smile brought cheer to even the most difficult of situations.

"He was active in all that he did, thoughtful for those around him and incredibly loyal. His service within the Queen's Gurkha Engineers, although short, will never be forgotten; he has left his mark on all that he did and on all those that he met. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his mother and family at this difficult time."

VIDEO: Dr Liam Fox in Afghanistan

2010-08-16T19:44:00.001+04:30

BFBS Forces News interviewed Dr Liam Fox during his recent visit to Afghanistan.

Petraeus Opposes a Rapid Pullout in Afghanistan

2010-08-16T19:38:00.001+04:30

By Dexter Filkins, New York Times

Gen. David H. Petraeus, the commander of American and NATO forces, began a campaign on Sunday to convince an increasingly skeptical public that the American-led coalition can still succeed here despite months of setbacks, saying he had not come to Afghanistan to preside over a “graceful exit.”

In an hourlong interview with The New York Times, the general argued against any precipitous withdrawal of forces in July 2011, the date set by President Obama to begin at least a gradual reduction of the 100,000 troops on the ground. General Petraeus said that it was only in the last few weeks that the war plan had been fine-tuned and given the resources that it required. “For the first time,” he said, “we will have what we have been working to put in place for the last year and a half.”

In another in a series of interviews, on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” General Petraeus even appeared to leave open the possibility that he would recommend against any withdrawal of American forces next summer.

“Certainly, yes,” he said when the show’s host, David Gregory, asked him if, depending on how the war was proceeding, he might tell the president that a drawdown should be delayed. “The president and I sat down in the Oval Office, and he expressed very clearly that what he wants from me is my best professional military advice.”

The statement offered a preview of what promised to be an intense political battle over the future of the American-led war in Afghanistan, which has deteriorated on the ground and turned unpopular at home. Already, some Democrats in Congress are pushing for steep withdrawals early on, while supporters of the war say that a rapid draw-down could endanger the Afghan mission altogether.

General Petraeus, in his interview with The Times, said American and NATO troops were making progress on a number of fronts, including routing Taliban insurgents from their sanctuaries, reforming the Afghan government and preparing Afghan soldiers to fight on their own.

Rifleman Remand Kulung killed in Afghanistan

2010-08-15T22:08:00.001+04:30

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Rifleman Remand Kulung, from G (Tobruk) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), attached to the Danish Battlegroup, was killed in Afghanistan on 12 August 2010.

Rifleman Remand Kulung
Picture: via MOD

In the early hours of 10 August 2010, a Chinook helicopter was conducting a resupply at Patrol Base Bahadur. Part of the helicopter came into contact with the sangar from which Rfn Remand was carrying out sentry duty.

The sangar collapsed and Rfn Remand sustained serious injuries. He was evacuated to Bastion Role 3 hospital before subsequently being moved to the United Kingdom for further treatment.

At 1258hrs on 12 August 2010, Rfn Remand Kulung died of his injuries in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, with his family present.

fn Remand’s wife, Sophy, paid this tribute to her husband. She said:

“My husband, Rifleman Remand Kulung, was a kind, brave and very honest soldier. He has always been sincere and devoted towards his responsibilities as a soldier, which Gurkha soldiers are renowned for.

“He sacrificed his great life while he was doing his duty. Though it was a great loss that can not be replaced, his passing has left me the reason to be proud of being a wife of a brave soldier like him.

“He’ll be missed by me and my family forever.”

To read the full story click here

Sapper Darren Foster killed in Afghanistan

2010-08-14T22:46:00.003+04:30

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sapper Darren Foster of 21 Engineer Regiment was killed on Friday 13 August 2010.

At 0653hrs on 13 August 2010 whilst manning a sangar in order to provide security to his colleagues in Patrol Base SANGIN FULOD, he was engaged by small arms fire and suffered a gunshot wound.

He received medical treatment on site and was evacuated by helicopter to the Bastion Role 3 Hospital where he died of his wounds.

Sapper Darren Foster
Picture via MOD

In a joint statement, the family of Sapper Foster said:

“He was a loving son, grandson and brother who will be sorely missed for his crazy flamboyant lifestyle. His only aim was to serve in the army, for which he made us all proud.”

Lieutenant Colonel Bobby Walton-Knight Royal Engineers, Commanding Officer, 21 Engineer Regiment Group said:

“Sapper Darren Foster was a young soldier with a great deal of promise. From the moment he arrived in the Regiment he was pushing to get out to Afghanistan as soon as he could. He arrived full of energy, itching to join his fellow Sappers and was quickly in the thick of it in Sangin.

“He loved soldiering and was fiercely proud of being a Sapper. He was never one to shy away from work or to leave a task half done; his section knew it and they loved him for it. He was a soldier you could rely on and one we could all trust. He was with the Regiment for just 3 months and in Afghanistan for just 3 weeks, but in that time he made his mark.

“His motivation, professionalism and his pride marked him out. He died doing a job he loved and whilst defending his friends. We have lost a good man and as a Regiment our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, girlfriend and his many friends.”

For the full story click here

Operation Omid Sey – clearing the road to Gereshk

2010-08-14T22:35:00.004+04:30

Following the success of Operation Tor Shezada in southern Nad-e Ali, where ISAF forces cleared numerous IEDs from key routes and installed new checkpoints, the Afghan National Security Forces have led an almost identical operation in central Helmand Province.

The Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, working together on a major operation for the first time ever, at one point found IEDs at the rate of one an hour in Helmand’s second largest town, Gereskh.

ANA and ANP plan together for Op Omid Sey

The aim of the operation was also to drive insurgents out of the densely populated area with the support of ISAF troops and to build two new permanent police checkpoints to enhance security for local people.

Afghan counter-IED teams were brought from as far afield as Sangin and Nad-e Ali to search for roadside bombs which have been threatening the lives of civilians, soldiers and police alike in Helmand’s second largest town, Gereskh. One day they found eight in eight hours. The next day they found seventeen between dawn and dusk.

Most had been laid on a road alongside the canal, leading to an existing police checkpoint which had been attacked repeatedly in recent months. The road was also the direct route to market for the locals.

They hadn’t used it for months but were keen to see it reopened.

One Gereskh resident, Ali Mohammed, said: “The road is completely blocked by IEDs and we have to carry goods to market through the fields. I now have a really bad back as a result. We can’t wait to be able to use it again.”

ANP officer searches for roadside bombs as his commander watches on, with the support of ISAF troops

ISAF troops have attempted to use it but at their peril.

Warrant Officer John Waring, of 1 Mercian Regiment, said: “My vehicle had an IED strike here. A sizeable device, buried underneath the road. This device was believed to be a remote controlled device specifically designed to disable or destroy vehicles.”

The ANA Brigade Commander for 3/215 Brigade, Colonel Sheerin Shah, said: “Our mission is to open this route, clear all the IEDs and help keep it secure so that local people can use it.” But this was the first time the ANA and ANP had collaborated on an operation of this size. Both the ANP and ANA provided counter-IED search teams, trained by ISAF forces, and committed men and resources to protecting the counter-IED mission and the building of the two new checkpoints along the canal.

The ANA built them for the ANP, with British Army Engineers offering advice and support.

ANA Lieutenant Colonel Jangbaz said: “The ANA has equipment and this is the reason that we are building checkpoints for the ANP with the support of ISAF forces, for the local nationals.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Herbert, the Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots), who also heads the Task Force Helmand Brigade Advisory Group, said the operation had been a huge success.

“The ANA and ANP proved they can do anything that ISAF can do,” he said. “The numbers say it all. They had 600 troops on the ground and we had just 100 offering support and advice. They seized the task with both hands and fulfilled it well. It is a great model for the future.”

Photos: Sarah Yuen/MOD 2010

Lieutenant John Charles Sanderson dies of wounds sustained in Afghanistan

2010-08-13T21:30:00.003+04:30

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lieutenant John Charles Sanderson of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) [1 MERCIAN], attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group, died on Wednesday 11 August 2010 of wounds sustained in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant John Sanderson
Picture: via MOD

Lt Sanderson was wounded in an explosion whilst on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on 13 July 2010.

He was treated at the scene before being flown to the UK for further treatment. On Wednesday 11 August 2010, surrounded by his family, he finally succumbed to his injuries.

Lt Sanderson leaves behind his mother, father and sister, all of whom live in Windelsham, Surrey.

His family have paid the following tribute:

“We have lost a brilliant and loving son and brother. John loved his Army career and was enthusiastically committed to his men and particularly his and their role in Afghanistan.

“He believed he was contributing to a better life for the Afghan people. We will miss him tremendously but we will never forget him and what he gave to us.”

Lieutenant Colonel Andy Hadfield, Commanding Officer, 1 MERCIAN, said:

“Lieutenant John Sanderson joined the Battalion in April of 2009, and after completing his Platoon Commander’s Battle Course arrived just in time to take his Platoon to Kenya. It was here that I really started to get to know him.

“Big-hearted, strong and imaginative, he quickly caught my eye as one to watch for the future. Whilst acting as ‘enemy’ he managed to evade us all and infiltrate the battlegroup headquarters, much to our dismay and his mens’ amusement.

To read the full story click here

Inside Afghanistan: Lance Corporal Sophie Wright’s frontline home

2010-08-13T18:47:00.001+04:30

In the last of an intimate set of portraits, Lance Corporal Sophie Wright tells how she she recreates home comforts on the frontline and about the small pleasures she misses while serving in the Helmand Province.

To visit the Telegraph TV Website direct and watch the video click HERE

On Monday The Telegraph joined Captain Abi Bradley on patrol with the men of the Gurkha Rifles and on Tuesday talked to Sergeant Carly Lambert about how she copes being away from her daughter in the UK.

On Wednesday Lance Corporal Ashton Mulligan, who joined up at 16, explained why she now has ambivalent feelings towards ‘home’.

Yesterday Lance Corporal Laura Roberts described what life is like for a single girl surrounded by hundreds of young men.

Each one of these remarkable women casts a different perspective on a long Afghan war.

Even our Afghan Base is called Nightingale

2010-08-13T18:37:00.003+04:30

By Caroline Crowe and Mark Mason, The Sun

CELEBRATED as the Lady With The Lamp for her tireless work helping injured soldiers in the Crimean War, she remains the most famous nurse in history.
And while today marks the 100th anniversary of her death, Florence Nightingale’s incredible legacy lives on.

The inspirational figure helped to transform nursing into a highly respected profession. And the school she founded in 1860 – now Florence Nightingale School Of Nursing And Midwifery at King’s College London – is today regarded as a centre of excellence for nursing education.

The Sun today meets modern day nurses who have followed in Florence Nightingales footsteps.

FLIGHT Lieutenant Vanessa, 41, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, is on her second tour in Afghanistan with Princess Mary’s RAF Nursing Service. She has also served in Iraq.

“Every day I witness something memorable – the bravery of the injured soldier, the life-saving work done by medics or the monumental effort the troops put into stretcher-bearing their injured to safety.

‘Being a nurse in the military is great’ … Vanessa Miles
Photo: Capt Leanne Christmas RE/MOD 2010

My mother and sister were nurses and I always wanted to be an emergency nurse.
I worked as a civilian nurse in the Field Hospital in Iraq and that inspired me to join the RAF in 2007.Being a nurse in the military is great. I feel really valued. We have lots of good kit and are highly respected.

I am the Officer Commanding of the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT).

The MERT flies on a Chinook helicopter from Camp Bastion, retrieves casualties from the ground and assesses and treats them during the flight back to the military hospital.

Targeted by the Taliban when flying out to casualties, we are protected by armour and the skill of the Chinook aircrew. Apache helicopters also escort and protect us.

In essence we take the emergency room to the casualty and that can make a real difference.
The influence of Florence Nightingale lives on.

Even the helicopter landing site at the hospital is known as “Nightingale”.”

To read the full story click here

Inside Afghanistan: Lance Corporal Laura Roberts, single woman

2010-08-12T21:48:00.001+04:30

In the fourth of an intimate set of portraits, Lance Corporal Laura Roberts describes how it feels to be one of the only single women on a base of hundreds of men.

To visit the Telegraph TV Website direct and watch the video click HERE

On Monday The Telegraph joined Captain Abi Bradley on patrol with the men of the Gurkha Rifles, on Tuesday Sergeant Carly Lambert talked about how she copes being away from her daughter in the UK and yesterday Lance Corporal Ashton Mulligan, who joined up at 16, explains why she now has ambivalent feelings towards ‘home’.

Tomorrow Lance Corporal Sophie Wright recounts how she recreates her home comforts.

Each one of these remarkable women casts a different perspective on a long Afghan war.

Extra RAF jets announced as Defence Secretary visits Afghanistan

2010-08-11T22:21:00.004+04:30

The UK is to send two additional Royal Air Force Tornado jets to Afghanistan, the Defence Secretary has announced on a visit to British forces serving there.

Dr Liam Fox, on his second visit to Afghanistan since being appointed Secretary of State, confirmed that the two Tornado GR4 aircraft have been sent from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, arriving at Kandahar Airfield tomorrow (Thursday 12 August).

The deployment follows a request by the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), General David Petraeus, for an increase in air support to provide greater protection to ground forces. The aircraft will join the eight RAF Tornado GR4s already provided to support the multinational pool and will boost flying hours by 25 per cent, or an extra 130 flying hours per month.

Tornado GR4 with Raptor Reconnaissance Pod

Dr Fox, currently on his way back to the UK, said before leaving Afghanistan:

“The deployment of these two extra aircraft is another illustration of the UK Government’s commitment to achieving success in operations in Afghanistan. Tornado GR4s provide essential air cover to our service personnel on the ground and leading the fight against deadly IEDs from the air.

“The intelligence these assets provide to coalition forces will enable commanders to have the eyes in the sky that they need to protect their troops and help increase security for local people.”

Following discussions, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and the Defence Secretary, have agreed that the extra Tornados will deploy for three months.

Joined on the visit by the Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, the Defence Secretary also visited Forward Operating Bases as well as units based at Camp Bastion and Kandahar Airfield.

Dr Liam Fox is shown around a Tornado GR4

They saw first hand today the training of Afghan National Security Forces, which is ahead of schedule and represents the key to enabling British forces to eventually leave Afghanistan.

The latest encouraging figures show that the training of Afghan forces is making excellent progress. Already, 134,000 Afghan soldiers and 106,000 Afghan policemen have been trained, putting ISAF ahead of schedule for achieving its target of 171,000 fully-trained soldiers and 134,000 police by the end of 2011.

‘Flying Robot’ pilot helps find IEDs in Helmand

2010-08-11T19:54:00.003+04:30

Lance Corporal Rob McInerney is currently working at the forefront of counter-IED operations in Afghanistan piloting the ‘Flying Robot’, which is part of the Talisman counter-IED system.

Talisman has been designed to provide an increased level of assurance along routes throughout the region. It consists of a suite of cutting-edge equipment, including armoured vehicles, optical cameras and remote-controlled vehicles.

This life-saving equipment is being used to support combat logistic patrols, which can comprise several hundred vehicles and trek through the country delivering vital supplies to bases for the troops on the front line.

Lance Corporal Rob McInerney, aged 26, serves with 15 Field Support Squadron, part of 38 Engineer Regiment – the first troops to use the new system on the ground in Afghanistan.

LCpl Rob McInerney in front of a Buffalo, part of the Talisman suite
Photo: Captain Leanne Christmas RE
Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

His role is to pilot the MAV (Micro Air Vehicle), otherwise known as the ‘Flying Robot’ or ‘T-Hawk’:

“The MAV is a great piece of kit and complements the rest of the equipment,” he said. “The MAV has two cameras which feed information back to a laptop so that the commander is then better placed to make decisions.”

“We have been involved in a few contacts on a couple of the operations that we have been on, which made the day interesting! The most satisfying part of the tour for me is when we get the guys to their destination safely; after all, that is the aim of our job!”

To read the full story click here

Inside Afghanistan: Lance Corporal Ashton Mulligan on going home

2010-08-11T15:35:00.002+04:30

In the third of an intimate set of portraits, Lance Corporal Ashton Mulligan describes how she has mixed feelings about going home while she works in one of the world’s most dangerous environments, the Helmand Province.

To visit the Telegraph TV Website direct and watch the video click HERE

On Monday The Telegraph joined Captain Abi Bradley on patrol with the men of the Gurkha Rifles and yesterday talked to Sergeant Carly Lambert about how she copes being away from her daughter in the UK.

Lance Corporal Laura Roberts describes what life is like for a single girl surrounded by hundreds of young men while Lance Corporal Sophie Wright recounts how she recreates her home comforts.
And Lance Corporal Ashton Mulligan, who joined up at 16, explains why she now has ambivalent feelings towards ‘home’.

Each one of these remarkable women casts a different perspective on a long Afghan war.

Tornado squadron welcomed home from Afghanistan

2010-08-11T15:14:00.004+04:30

Over 2,000 well-wishers welcomed RAF Tornado crews and engineers home from Afghanistan on Friday when they paraded through the streets of their local town of Swaffham, Norfolk.

The parade, led by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, formed up at the Market Place where personnel from II (Army Cooperation) Squadron received their Operational Service Medals for Afghanistan from Richard Jewson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk.

Members of II (Army Cooperation) Squadron on parade in the town of Swaffham, Norfolk
Photo: Senior Aircraftman Si Armstrong, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

The squadron returned from operations in Afghanistan two weeks previously when they flew into RAF Marham to an emotional welcome by family and friends.

They have had an extremely busy deployment in support of UK and coalition troops on the ground.

During that period over 500 sorties were flown, amounting to nearly 1,700 flying hours, all in direct support of ground-based forces.

Of those 500 sorties, approximately 100 were ground close air support requests where the Tornado GR4s were scrambled within 30 minutes of the request coming in for assistance.

The Tornado detachment’s contribution to Op HERRICK is very well understood and appreciated by those on the ground, who ultimately benefit from the presence in the air. The Tornados provide both close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Officer Commanding II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, Wing Commander John Turner, said: “”My team have done a superb job during their very busy deployment in Afghanistan, and they should be justifiably proud of their achievements.”

To read the full story click here

Inside Afghanistan: Sergeant Carly Lambert. Soldier, mother.

2010-08-10T23:14:00.001+04:30

By Jane Mingay (camera) and Roland Hancock (edit)
Telegraph.co.uk TV

In the second of an intimate set of portraits, Sergeant Carly Lambert describes the difficulty of leaving her three-year-old daughter at home while she works in one of the world’s most dangerous environments, the Helmand Province.

To visit the Telegrapgh TV Website direct and watch the video click HERE

Further videos will be released by Telegraph TV through the week. Yesterday Captain Abi Bradley of the Gurkha Rifles described the particular challenges facing female soldiers operating in one of the world’s deadliest environments, the Helmand Province. Lance Corporal Laura Roberts describes what life is like for a single girl surrounded by hundreds of young men while Lance Corporal Sophie Wright recounts how she recreates her home comforts. And Lance Corporal Ashton Mulligan, who joined up at 16, explains why she now has ambivalent feelings towards ‘home’. Each one of these remarkable women casts a different perspective on a long Afghan war.

Afghan forces raise the country’s flag above Sayedebad, Helmand as the Decisive Phase of Op TOR SHEZADA comes to a close

2010-08-10T22:58:00.004+04:30

Members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) have raised the country’s flag above the town of Sayedebad, which is now under ISAF and ANA control.

Sergeant Sheraga from the Afghan National Army said, “We are proud, as we have now taken control of this area. Before this area was under the control of the Taliban. They disturbed all the people. Now we are very happy. We appreciate the International Security Assistance Force in helping us with this mission.”

Sergeant Sheraga of the Afghan National Army standing in front of a recently raised Afghan flag in Sayedebad.

At the same time, forces from Corunna Company, the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment completed their clearance of the road from Nad-e-Ali to Sayedebad and met up with their sister company, Somme, who had held the town since Monday 2 August.

Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence OBE, Commanding Officer of 1LANCS on his arrival in the town to see troops and the progress made said, “The operation has been a huge success. There really hasn’t been much fighting at all. There has been a tiny bit of harassing fire from the insurgents, but effectively we have stolen the town of Sayedebad.”

Soldiers from Somme Company were treated to a cooked meal of fresh rations, before Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence patrolled through the town with his troops. On the way he spoke to locals, asking them about the arrival of ISAF and the ANA.

He commented, “It is a huge step forward for [the population]. The trick is now to secure the town with our Afghan partners and that will set the conditions for reconstruction and development to take place but importantly, for the District Governor to get down here, meet his people, confirm their needs, and then start to improve their quality of life.”

The Officer Commanding Somme Company, Major Darren Newman briefing the Commanding officer of the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Lt Col Frazer Lawrence OBE on the current situation on Sayedebad.

Working with the District Council and the District Governor over the coming weeks, ISAF will look to conduct development projects in the region. “The aim is to improve the school, get the school working again. To clean out irrigation ditches and to meet the other needs that [the population] are bound to have.” said Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence.

Somme Company extracted by Chinook helicopter as daylight broke on the 6th day of the operation after handing the security of the town over to Corunna Company and the Afghan National Army.

A community shura took place on 09 August 2010 involving more than 60 key leaders, tribal elders and members of the Security Council and Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Lt Col Frazer Lawrence, District Governor Habibullah and a senior representative from the Ministry of Education were in attendance to discuss the progress and how the area will move forward now that the security has improved. Numerous stabilisation and reconstruction projects were discussed and will begin in earnest in the next few days whilst the Check Points are being fortified. There will remain a continuous ANSF presence in the region to continue to provide the security to allow freedom of movement and to permit economic development.

Photos: Cpl Barry Lloyd RLC/MOD 2010

Afghan security forces conduct joint operation to clear areas of threat around Lashkar Gah, Helmand

2010-08-10T22:36:00.004+04:30

Afghan security forces from the Afghan National Army (ANA), Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan Border Police (ANBP), Afghan Civil Order Police (ANCOP) and ISAF soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Scots Guards acting as part of the Brigade Advisory Group, the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh and the Counter IED Taskforce have completed a clearance operation around Lashkar Gah in southern Helmand. The operation was jointly planned by Afghan security forces with guidance from ISAF advisors.

Afghan National Army and ISAF Commanders discussing plans before the operation.

Lieutenant Peter Foster, 1st Battalion The Scots Guards and commander of the Brigade Advisory Group attached to the detached Kolay of the 4th Kandak, Afghan National Army said, “This morning’s operation was basically planned and conducted by Afghan security forces. There was a small ISAF contingent there to help with the planning and execution of the operation…..The operation was good. It pretty much fulfilled what it was meant to do. It got Afghan security forces working together, which is extremely good.”

The operation was part of an initiative by the Provincial Governor, Governor Mangal, to clear key areas close to the provincial capital of Lashkar Gar which he considered to be a threat. It involved 300 Afghan security forces and 40 ISAF troops who amassed on the start line to the west of the city in the early hours before stepping off at first light. ISAF forces attached to the troops provided mentoring and guidance to the advancing Afghan forces and their commanders. The aim was to enhance the effectiveness of the overall operation and develop the skills of Afghan forces.

Soldiers from the Afghan National Army lined up with their impressive arsenal of weaponry before the operation starts.

“We plan operations jointly. We give them as much as advice as possible as to how to make it an effective operation and how we can interact our assets with their numbers and their face. Essentially we’re looking to give an Afghan face as much as possible, because the Afghan people want to see Afghan soldiers,” said Lieutenant Foster.

He continues, “Out on the ground my job is to specifically mentor the commander. I’ll give him advice and direct him where he needs directing to further develop his soldiering skills. In terms of controlling his troops, that is his job. I am merely there to advise him.”

Supported by Counter IED teams, Warrior armoured fighting vehicles and aviation support if the troops faced significant resistance, the ANP and ANA patrolled south down two separate geographic corridors. Both the ANA and ANP contingents were able to reach their objectives without incident, although the Counter IED Taskforce was deployed to deal with potential IEDs. After the operation, the Afghan security forces took part in a debrief session with ISAF troops to review how the operation how gone.

Operations of this nature which are jointly planned and use partnered troops are the next step as ISAF moves towards Afghan-led security in and around Lashkar Gah.

Photos: Cpl Barry Lloyd RLC/MOD 2010

Afghan security forces conduct joint operation to clear areas of threat around Lashkar Gah, Helmand

2010-08-10T16:41:00.004+04:30

Afghan security forces from the Afghan National Army (ANA), Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan Border Police (ANBP), Afghan Civil Order Police (ANCOP) and ISAF soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Scots Guards acting as part of the Brigade Advisory Group, the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh and the Counter IED Taskforce have completed a clearance operation around Lashkar Gah in southern Helmand. The operation was jointly planned by Afghan security forces with guidance from ISAF advisors.

Afghan National Army and ISAF Commanders discussing plans before the operation.

Lieutenant Peter Foster, 1st Battalion The Scots Guards and commander of the Brigade Advisory Group attached to the detached Kolay of the 4th Kandak, Afghan National Army said, “This morning’s operation was basically planned and conducted by Afghan security forces. There was a small ISAF contingent there to help with the planning and execution of the operation…..The operation was good. It pretty much fulfilled what it was meant to do. It got Afghan security forces working together, which is extremely good.”

The operation was part of an initiative by the Provincial Governor, Governor Mangal, to clear key areas close to the provincial capital of Lashkah Gar which he considered to be a threat. It involved 300 Afghan security forces and 40 ISAF troops who amassed on the start line to the west of the city in the early hours before stepping off at first light. ISAF forces attached to the troops provided mentoring and guidance to the advancing Afghan forces and their commanders. The aim was to enhance the effectiveness of the overall operation and develop the skills of Afghan forces.

Soldiers from the Afghan National Army lined up with their impressive arsenal of weaponry before the operation starts.

“We plan operations jointly. We give them as much as advice as possible as to how to make it an effective operation and how we can interact our assets with their numbers and their face. Essentially we’re looking to give an Afghan face as much as possible, because the Afghan people want to see Afghan soldiers,” said Lieutenant Foster.

He continues, “Out on the ground my job is to specifically mentor the commander. I’ll give him advice and direct him where he needs directing to further develop his soldiering skills. In terms of controlling his troops, that is his job. I am merely there to advise him.”

Supported by Counter IED teams, Warrior armoured fighting vehicles and aviation support if the troops faced significant resistance, the ANP and ANA patrolled south down two separate geographic corridors. Both the ANA and ANP contingents were able to reach their objectives without incident, although the Counter IED Taskforce was deployed to deal with potential IEDs. After the operation, the Afghan security forces took part in a debrief session with ISAF troops to review how the operation how gone.

Operations of this nature which are jointly planned and use partnered troops are the next step as ISAF moves towards Afghan-led security in and around Lashkar Gah.

Photos: Cpl Barry Lloyd RLC/MOD 2010

Inside Afghanistan: Captain Abi Bradley on patrol

2010-08-10T11:14:00.002+04:30

By Jane Mingay (camera) and Roland Hancock (edit)
Telegraph.co.uk TV

In the first of an intimate set of portraits, Captain Abi Bradley of the Gurkha Rifles describes the particular challenges facing female soldiers operating in one of the world’s deadliest environments, the Helmand Province. The Telegraph joins Captain Abi Bradley on patrol with the men of the Gurkha Rifles.

To visit the Telegrapgh TV Website direct and watch the video click HERE

Further videos will be released by Telegraph TV through the week. Sergeant Carly Lambert talks about how she copes being away from her daughter in the UK. Lance Corporal Laura Roberts describes what life is like for a single girl surrounded by hundreds of young men while Lance Corporal Sophie Wright recounts how she recreates her home comforts. And Lance Corporal Ashton Mulligan, who joined up at 16, explains why she now has ambivalent feelings towards ‘home’. Each one of these remarkable women casts a different perspective on a long Afghan war.

Air Support to Op MOSHTARAK

2010-08-09T09:41:00.007+04:30

Two Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s were tasked in support of OP MOSHTARAK to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in the semi-desert area to the North of Nad-e-Ali.

The specific task was to search for IEDs in support of 1st Battalion Scots Guards and in order to achieve this, the Tornado crews established contact with the Battalion’s operations room and in particular the Company Forward Air Controller.

The Tornado GR4s, using their LITENING III targeting pods, capable of monitoring activity day or night, identified 4 people digging in 2 separate locations close to or on tracks across the desert which ISAF vehicles use on a regular basis.

The LITENING pod’s high-resolution full motion video of the 4 people digging was fed live into the Battalion’s Operations Room where the Forward Air Controller observed in real-time the activity identified by the Tornados. The Forward Air Controller requested that the Tornados maintained constant surveillance of the identified area. The Tornados were then informed that an Armoured Infantry Platoon had been dispatched to interdict the individuals and were re-tasked to provide armed overwatch of the Platoon during the operation.

As the Warriors approached the area, the individuals of interest ran to a nearby compound. The Tornados maintained constant surveillance and were able to talk the Platoon on to the right compound which was then immediately surrounded. As there was no immediate threat to life, the ground commander did not require the Tornados to carry out an attack, but they were tasked to maintain surveillance and deter any potential escalation of the situation by adopting an overwatch posture. Ground forces proceeded to enter the compound and detained a suspected insurgent without further incident.

The Platoon then carried out detailed searches over the area originally identified by the Tornados to confirm the presence of any IEDs.

In his post mission report the Forward Air Controller said “Due to the professionalism and enthusiasm from both crews of the Tornado formation, the close coordination and the rapid employment of the Platoon, the reaction to this incident was exceedingly fast and effective. I believe the speed of reaction and close co-ordination of everyone involved in the operation has sent a clear message that ISAF forces can appear anywhere at anytime.”

Afghanistan: ‘Don’t get too close – if he goes up you’ll go with him’

2010-08-08T18:31:00.005+04:30

It is one of the army’s most dangerous jobs – finding and defusing IEDs, the homemade bombs that have been used to deadly effect by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Stuart Webb talks to and photographs the men on the frontline

Staff Sergeant Gareth ‘Woody’ Wood does the lonely walk – he alone has to approach the IED, leaving his support crew a safe distance behind. Photograph: Stuart Webb

Guardsman James Stephenson is just 20 years old, but when the soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the Coldstream Guards leave their base in the Babaji area of Helmand, he leads the patrol. Stephenson’s nickname is “Steveo”, but on duty in Afghanistan, everyone calls him “Vallon Man”. The Vallon is the metal detector used to sweep for bombs – and being a Vallon Man is one of the army’s most dangerous jobs.

The last five years have seen a sharp increase in the use of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in Afghanistan. According to figures leaked last month, the number of IEDs increased from 308 in 2004 to 7,155 last year; a total of 16,000 were planted in those five years, killing at least 7,000 Afghan civilians. These devices have also caused the vast majority of all British and American deaths during the conflict, and are seriously hampering Nato’s operations in the country. Of the IEDs recorded in last month’s figures, 8,582 were found and cleared, but 7,553 exploded. The threat is so high that every patrol must be led by a soldier sweeping with a metal detector. However, the insurgents have started cutting down on the metal they use in the devices, making them harder to detect and more likely to have their desired effect.

In February, Stephenson’s friend Lance Corporal Darren Hicks, from the same battalion, stepped on an IED and was killed while patrolling as a Vallon Man. Five of the battalion’s soldiers have died during this tour and a further six have lost their legs – all victims of IEDs. Stephenson admits to feeling terrified each time he leaves the gates of the patrol base.

To read the full story click here

Women and Modern Art in Afghanistan

2010-08-08T15:46:00.005+04:30

By Mujib Mashal

“Area Pollution,” by Arezo Waseq, part of a large exhibition in June by the Center for Contemporary Arts — Afghanistan at Kabul University.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Under the watchful eye of a male instructor, a teenage boy is deep in focus, trying to trace and copy from a postcard as accurately as possible. For years, this has been the art scene in Afghanistan: stale, and dominated by men. Realism has long ruled as the only accepted style.

The degree of accuracy in copying from a picture — and occasionally a live model — has been the only yardstick by which artists have been judged.

The tide, however, seems to be turning, even if gradually. For one week in June two spacious auditoriums at Kabul University hosted a large exhibition on the themes of pollution and the environment.

The exhibition had two remarkable qualities: All 18 participating artists were women, and the genre was modern art, a rarity in Afghanistan. Even today Kabul and Herat are the only Afghan provinces — out of 34 — to have a faculty of fine arts in their universities.

“The curriculum at most of our arts institutions has not changed for years,” said Rahraw Omarzad, the director of the Center for Contemporary Arts — Afghanistan.

“Such copying and copying only kills the creativity of our artists,” Mr. Omarzad said. “It gives them no opportunity, no room to develop a style of their own.”

Read the full story here

Afghanistan Graduates Another Class Of Policewomen

2010-08-07T21:07:00.002+04:30

Officials in Kabul have announced the graduation of more policewomen as Afghanistan bids to increase the female presence in its security forces, RFE/RL’s Radio Free Afghanistan reports.

The class of 16 women received their certificates in a ceremony in Kabul on August 5 after eight months of training at the national police academy. They will soon be assigned to different parts of the country according to the needs of various districts.

Police academy General Director Sayed Mohammed Qudusi told reporters at the ceremony that Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry is doing all it can to make the newly established education and police training system for women effective.

The academy is funded by the U.S. government.

Afghanistan is encouraging a larger presence of policewomen as part of its effort to drastically increase its overall police force.

Cadets at the academy were taught how to conduct house searches, methods of recognition, explosives neutralization and dismantling, use of firearms and making arrests, as well as techniques used in detecting the smuggling of drugs.

“Our aim is to bring and restore social order [to Afghanistan],” Qudusi said. “We have to organize our programs and bring the quality of education to a level that is in accordance with the needs of society. We have to realize these needs on the ground and act accordingly.”

Qudusi said the academy’s goal is to have trained 5,000 female police officers by 2015. He said that so far a few hundred female cadets have graduated.

Policewomen serve several important functions in Afghanistan. For example, they are more adept at dealing with female criminals or in frisking women. Many say their existence in a strict Islamic society like the one in Afghanistan can help counter negative female stereotypes.

To read the full story click here

VIDEO: UK Forces Foot Patrol in Kabul

2010-08-07T17:38:00.002+04:30

HQ ISAF British Force Protection Company, Delta platoon, on a foot patrol around Kabul. The soldiers routinely patrol area districts to interact with local Afghans, provide security presence, and scan the area for improvised explosive devices that endanger Afghan civilians and NATO forces.

Credit: ISAF Media Channel
To Link to the ISAF Media Channel Youtube Account click HERE

New RAF units to provide force protection in Afghanistan

2010-08-07T17:18:00.004+04:30

Two new RAF units have been recently formed to provide specialist force protection capabilities at Bastion and Kandahar Airfields, giving other RAF Regiment squadrons more time to recuperate between tours.

The two newly-formed units are 58 Squadron RAF Regiment, based at RAF Leuchars in Fife, and No 8 RAF Force Protection (FP) Wing Headquarters, based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.

Members of II Squadron RAF Regiment fire mortar rounds while protecting the perimeter fence around Kandahar Airfield (stock image)
Picture: Senior Aircraftman Andrew Morris
Crown Copyright/MOD 2007

RAF FP Wing HQs and RAF Regiment field squadrons patrol areas around air stations to ensure that air assets and personnel can operate freely.

They are currently delivering in this role on operations at a number of air, joint Service and international operating bases in Afghanistan and, until recently, in Iraq.

Air Commodore Russell La Forte, the Commandant General of the RAF Regiment, said:

“The formation of No 8 RAF FP Wing Headquarters and 58 Squadron RAF Regiment is an important and very welcome development.

“Force protection is of vital importance to allowing the RAF to play its part in bringing stability to Afghanistan, and also to allow all those at the bases we protect to get on with their work unhindered by insurgents.

Read the full story here

Edit

Sibling soldiers under fire on the front line

2010-08-07T16:34:00.003+04:30

Two new RAF units have been recently formed to provide specialist force protection capabilities at Bastion and Kandahar Airfields, giving other RAF Regiment squadrons more time to recuperate between tours.

Two brothers, serving side by side as soldiers in 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (2 PWRR), have been recalling some of the hairier moments of their recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Private Liam Horgan, aged 19, was part of a resupply convoy in Helmand on the way to his brother’s patrol base, when, he recalls, there was a ‘massive boom’:

“I was smashed up off my seat and I couldn’t feel anything”, he said. “I couldn’t see anything because of the dust, and I thought, well I thought that was it.

“I felt myself down and I couldn’t feel anything, I was just so shook up. But after a couple of seconds I got to grips with myself and started to be able to see again as the dust settled, and I was OK.

“We were towed into my brother’s patrol base and were able to laugh about it because nobody had been injured. I’m a lucky boy!”

His older brother, 21-year-old Private James Horgan, had been watching from inside the patrol base. For him, the incident seemed to last for much longer. An ISAF convoy had been hit by an improvised explosive device along the same stretch of road earlier that day, but had reported the route was now clear:

“They were supposed to have cleared the route, but they missed one and it copped Liam,” said James.

“I knew he was in the vehicle straight away. I don’t why, just something told me.

“I thought about him all the time over there because I felt I had a big influence in him joining the Army so if anything did happen I would blame myself. So when they came in and all the lads got out it was a big sigh of relief.”

Privates Liam and James Horgan of 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

James also had some near misses. He recalled:

“In one incident we had to cross a field to get into a village. As we got into the middle of the field we had no cover, just a small irrigation ditch about a foot [0.3m] deep, when [insurgents] opened up on us.

“We all just had to roll down into the ditch and lay there while our boys fired over us with fire support.

“We were kinda caught in a two-way range so we couldn’t stand up. We were just laying there in the muddy puddle waiting it out. You just want to get out of there really.”

“As soon as you go out of the gate [on patrol] the anticipation is there because you know they [the insurgents] can see you and you know it’s coming.

“You’ve just got to keep your skills and drills on the ball and you will come out on top,” he said.

Liam and James are soon to be joined by their youngest brother, Danny, who is also joining 2 PWRR and who may serve with them on future tours. But for now they’re getting ready to take on an entirely different role – they’ll begin guarding Her Majesty The Queen at the end of the summer.

“You could say we have swapped the enemy fire of Afghanistan for the flash bulbs of London,” says 2 PWRR’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Adam Crawley.

“The soldiers are having to get used to where everything they did was towards war-fighting, now it’s completely different.

“It is public duties, it is smart, and it is actually giving them the opportunities to show off – show off those Afghanistan medals while they are on the parade ground in front of Buckingham Palace.”

To read the full story click here

Force for change: the women of the new Afghan army

2010-08-07T11:13:00.004+04:30

By Lalage Snow, Daily Telegraph

For the first time since the dark days of the Taliban, 29 women have been recruited to serve in the Afghan army.

It was Haniffa Rezai's mother, a policewoman, who encouraged her to join the Afghan National Army (ANA) instead of going to university, but the seed had been planted many years earlier. 'When the Taliban were in power we lived in Iran and our neighbour was in the Iranian army,' Rezai says. 'His guards would salute him when he came home and I used to copy them. It made me want to learn how to march. One day, I will be the one who is saluted, just like him.'

In a country notorious for the suppression of women, Rezai, 20, is a pioneer. She is one of the first 29 women who are undergoing specialist officer training in the ANA. After a swearing-in ceremony in May the girls began 20 weeks of training in the military basics – uniforms, drill, formation, weapons (although they will not be carrying firearms on a daily basis), first aid and physical training – as well as a specialist trade, either finance or logistics. They are taught by a team of female Afghan instructors under close observation from 10 female American soldiers from 95th Division Institutional Training.

Once qualified, they will work in combat support units alongside male soldiers. Although many of the women hope, eventually, to be deployed on the front line, their initial roles will be office-based. They will be assigned key duties in the running of military bases, particulary relation to equipment procurement and supply.

With billions of dollars being provided by the Obama administration, Afghanistan's army is set to double in numbers from 134,000 to 270,000 over the next two years, enabling the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to withdraw by 2014. Although women have served in the Afghan army in the past this is the first time that officer training has been available to them – part of a plan to make the number of female soldiers 10 per cent of the total.

'After years of Taliban rule, it is great that we can recruit women again. We need more women to join,' Col Abdul Rahim, the commander of the ANA's Officer Training Brigade in Kabul, explains. 'We need women to relieve men of certain administrative jobs, and we eventually hope that they will be able to become nurses and drivers. Also, it is important to show the advancement of Afghanistan to the rest of the world.'

In February, as part of a recruitment campaign, a television advertisement invited women aged between 19 and 35 with at least nine years of education (common in the larger cities) to join up. Only about 100 applied and, of these, 45 met the criteria (35 began training and six dropped out in the early stages). Suria Salay, 19, was one of them. 'When I saw the ad on television I was so excited,' she says. 'I was thinking about going to university to become a lawyer or a journalist, but this is a much better opportunity for me – I get to learn things here that I wouldn't learn anywhere else. The situation for young women in Afghanistan is still bad – some families are open-minded but many just keep their daughters at home until they are old enough to marry.'

Laila Ibrahimi saw the ad, too, but it was her husband, himself an officer in the ANA, who encouraged her to apply. 'I always wanted to be strong and serve the country,' she says. Now 31, she was married at 18 and has had three children, but she is pragmatic about their arrangements: 'My husband's first wife looks after them.'

Habiba Sayed, 28, who is married with four children, says, 'I was thinking about joining the police force but then I saw the ad. It is a totally new idea. I had to come and see what it was like.' Sayed has a strong personal reason for joining up. 'Three years ago, my 15-year-old cousin was playing with some friends in the street. I don't know why, but the Taliban killed them all. Their bodies were so mutilated that he could be identified only by a scar on his hand. Putting an end to such brutality is why I wanted to join the army. It is something in my heart.'

The women are based in the Female Officer Cadet School at the ANA's Command and Staff College, a military base on the outskirts of Kabul. Their section of the base – two buildings containing classrooms and an accommodation block – is accessed by securely locked metal doors with the words no male visitors allowed written on them in English and Dari. The recruits spend every minute behind these doors, apart from meal times in the base's main 'chow house' – though they are kept in their own area, away from the men. They are allowed home at weekends (most live too far away to make the journey).

The cadets' training began with an eight-week general introduction, an opportunity to learn the military mindset, which was a shock to the system for many of them. 'At first it was hard,' Capt Jannis Lullen, one of the American mentors, says. 'It was inevitable, with this being the first group, that they'd have no concept of army discipline. At the start, some of them would fall asleep in class or talk to each other, or refuse to do their homework. But we are halfway through now and they have responded well. They are eager to learn and want to improve themselves.'

Discipline is something all the cadets now seem to enjoy, Habiba Sayed says. 'We like being taught how to be on time, to respect each other and work together as a team. It is an American thing and a bit alien to Afghan culture, where rules are always bent. But it is helping us to become stronger physically and mentally and to understand the importance of following orders. It gives us self-esteem.'

The women are now in the second (12-week) phase of their training. Waking at 4.30am to pray, they clean their barracks before going to breakfast. At 8am their first class of the day begins: computers and English. Although some of the girls already speak English – learnt at school and from films and music – military vocabulary is another world. Key words are written on the whiteboard: echelon, locker, barracks, convoy.

At 10am they are divided into their respective trades, finance and logistics. Classes continue after lunch and prayers until 4pm, when there is the most popular class of the day, PT.

'Most of the girls hadn't done any physical exercise in their lives,' 1st Sgt Kristian Norton, another American mentor, recalls. 'They had never felt their blood pumping and so thought they were having a heart attack. They'd cry out, "I'm dying!" and burst into tears. Now they just love doing sport.'

'Sport helps us to be physically strong, like men,' Mori Sherifzada, 19, says. 'I love doing press-ups,' Zahra Bayat, also 19, adds. 'When I go home at weekends my friends ask me to teach them all the new exercises I've learnt.' Bayat joined up at the suggestion of her brother. 'He is in the army and whenever he came home I would put his uniform on and march around the house.'

After PT they clean the barracks, do homework, have an evening meal and then have free time until lights out at 9pm. Around camp the cadets wear their uniforms: green combats, boots and a black scarf to cover their hair. The women say they like army dress. 'We are doing a man's job and so it is only right that we wear the same as them,' Bayat says. 'My mother cut my hair short like a boy's when I joined and it looks so much better with the uniform. At home I now wear my PT kit [an army-issue tracksuit], which my family find strange as I used to wear more feminine clothes and softer colours. But it's what I like wearing now.'

There is a palpable sense of excitement and pride among the recruits, even though their country remains a dangerous place, not least for military personnel. Meanwhile, the road to female emancipation continues to be a rocky one. The situation for women in Afghanistan has improved markedly since the Taliban were toppled from power in 2001, and the recently adopted Afghan constitution states that the 'citizens of Afghanistan – whether a man or woman – have equal rights and duties before the law'. Women have been allowed back to work, are no longer required by law to wear the full burka and have been appointed into prominent government positions. But change is a slow process. In many rural areas the suppression of females continues, with many unable to participate in public life, forced into marriages and denied education. Fear of the Taliban remains.

Maryam Youssefy, 19, says, 'The last time I went home to Ghazni [in eastern Afghanistan] I was so scared that the Taliban would somehow find out that I am in the military and kill me that I wore the burka again, just so I could be anonymous.'

Almost all of the cadets keep their jobs a secret from anyone outside immediate family and close female friends. There is the obvious threat from the Taliban and insurgent groups that target anyone working for ISAF, but many others in Afghanistan are not ready to accept the idea of women as soldiers. Sayed says, 'My male relations think it is shameful that I am here, but I always try to do the opposite of what they tell me.'

Col Rahim acknowledges the risks involved. 'The recruits may come from open-minded families but some of their male relations think they have brought dishonour on the family by being independent and mixing with men.'

Zahra Bayat is a case in point: 'When I decided to join the army, my immediate family were pleased for me but my uncle, who is a mullah, thinks I have shamed the family. He told me that if he sees me in the street he will kill me.'

Is she scared? 'No, not now I am a soldier. I won't let people like my uncle destroy girls' lives any more. This is what I am fighting for.'

Photo Credit: Lalage Snow

Royal Navy and US Navy compare training for Afghanistan

2010-08-05T21:29:00.003+04:30

As British and US troops are increasingly working side by side in Afghanistan, a group of Royal Navy personnel recently crossed the Atlantic to compare and contrast pre-deployment training between the UK and America.

The six Royal Navy instructors who visited America last week are based at the Pre-deployment Training and Mounting Centre in Portsmouth. They met their American counterparts at the US Army’s combat training centre at Fort Jackson in South Carolina.

Royal Navy instructors from the Pre-deployment Training and Mounting Centre with their US counterparts at Fort Jackson military base in South Carolina, USA
Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

When it comes to length of deployment and type of training, the US and the UK have their own ways of doing things and it was hoped that this visit might provide a knowledge-sharing opportunity.

At Portsmouth most of the instructors are Royal Marines with operational experience, whereas the US Navy sailors are taught by the Army at one of eight military bases across the country.

In the UK around 1,000 sailors are trained every year as Individual Augmentees (IAs) who deploy to Afghanistan on a one-in-one-out basis, whereas in the US the total is nearer 40,000.

IAs can be sailors trained in a wide range of skills such as logistics, admin, intelligence or operations, and are able to join units already based in Afghanistan.

Read the full story here

Stabilisation in Afghanistan: winning the population from the insurgent

2010-08-05T15:42:00.005+04:30

It is often said that in a counter-insurgency campaign ‘the people are the prize’ and it is this mantra that perhaps best describes the driving force behind the Military Stabilisation Support Group – or MSSG. Report by Tristan Kelly.

A Grenadier Guards Battle Group foot patrol in the bazaar area of Shawzad, Helmand province, along with elements of a Military Stabilisation Support Team
Picture: SSgt Mark Jones
Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

The MSSG is based in Gibraltar Barracks, Camberley, and is led by Colonel (soon to be Brigadier) Greville Bibby. He is an expert in stabilisation who was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his work as deputy commander of both the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and Task Force Helmand in 2009.

Colonel Bibby explained why the MSSG is working in Afghanistan:

“In terms of trying to provide security to what is a very volatile and insecure situation, we are operating amongst people. We are operating in a province that is fully populated by people with both large and small communities, all very closely linked by roads, canals and rivers and the rest.

“So we are trying to secure the population because that is what it comes down to. Because an insurgent, his fighting ground, his battlefield, is the population.

“It is all about influencing the population and using the population to his own ends and therefore it is not as straight forward as killing the insurgent, it is much more complex than that, it is about outwitting and out-influencing the insurgent.”

Read the full story here

Female Engineers in Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan)

2010-08-04T20:15:00.005+04:30

The Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) or JHF(A), is a deployed Tri-Service unit from the Joint Helicopter Command. JHF(A) operates five helicopter types and the engineering detachments for each are currently all managed by female officers from all three services. Heading up approximately 250 personnel in the engineering teams of such a crucial part of the support to British forces is vital and was most recently witnessed in Operation TOR SHEZADA in the Sayedebad area of Helmand province.

The five female officers are:

Lieutenant Nicki Wallace, Royal Navy, is the Officer Commanding of the combined engineering detachment of 846 and 848 Royal Naval Air Squadrons operating the Sea King Mk4.

Captain Kate Redfern of 9 Regt, Army Air Corps, Dishforth Airfield is the Officer Commanding on the engineering detachment of the Lynx Mk9A helicopter.

Captain Charlotte Joyce, 4 Regiment, Army Air Corps, Wattisham Airfield, is the Officer Commanding of the Apache attack helicopter engineering detachment.

Flight Lieutenant Laura Morfee is a Junior Engineering Officer on the 1310 Flight Chinook detachment leading personnel from 18/27 (Engineering) Squadron, RAF Benson.

Flight Lieutenant Katie Muldoon is a Junior Engineering Officer on 78 Sqn, RAF Benson and is currently leading the men of the engineering detachment of 1419 Flight operating the Merlin helicopter.

From left to right: Lt Wallace RN, Capt Redfern, Flt Lt Morfee, Capt Joyce, Flt Lt Muldoon
Photo: Sgt Martin Downs (RAF)

The primary purpose of JHF(A) is to facilitate tactical mobility, reconnaissance and overwatch support to the UK task force in Helmand Province and to the multi-national force of Regional Command (South West). The unit provides Immediate Response Teams, armed escort, situational awareness and fire support to troops engaged in combat with the enemy on the ground. JHF(A) operates Chinook from RAF Odiham, Merlin from RAF Benson, Royal Navy Sea Kings from RNAS Yeovilton along with Army Lynx from 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, Dishforth Airfield and Apache from 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, Wattisham Airfield. JHF(A) also has its own integral engineering, logistic and signals support personnel to ensure that aircraft availability can be maintained to mount operations 24 hours a day.

JHF(A)’s primary mission is to support Commander UK task force and Commander Regional Command (South West) as they seek to set the security conditions to permit vital reconstruction work in Helmand. Aviation support in the harsh terrain and high threat environment is key to success. The United Kingdom has a significant rotary commitment in Afghanistan and other than the United States is the largest provider of helicopter capability in Afghanistan.
The officers themselves and the crews that fly them are extremely praiseworthy of the teams that keep the helicopters flying and directly support the frontline. The climatic conditions are challenging and Flt Lt Morfee describes the rewarding work “the team move heaven and earth to maintain the serviceability of the Chinooks in extremely excessive temperatures, however, they know their work is directly supporting the troops on the ground.”

The Chinook and Merlin aircraft are also used in the Medical Emergency Response Team role which sees a mobile airborne operating theatre deploy to collect coalition casualties. Flight Lieutenant Muldoon adds that “team spirit and morale is high throughout the entire JHF detachment as such missions are saving the lives of British and coalition troops.” Despite this, there is still a fair degree of banter and rivalry between the different services. Unsurprisingly they all think their own Service and helicopter type are the best. The various fleets have been subject to various upgrades for service in Afghanistan and Captain Redfern has relished the challenge of bringing the new Lynx into operational service which she has described as “immensely challenging but hugely rewarding as it has brought significant extra capability.”

The diversity of the helicopter fleet is evident as Lieutenant Wallace has preferred the hands on traditional engineering of the venerable Sea King whilst Captain Joyce is at home in the digital environment of the Apache attack helicopter.

VIDEO – Troops Enter Sayedebad during Operation Tor Shezada

2010-08-04T20:12:00.003+04:30

Commander In Chief Flies In To Visit RAF Personnel in Afghanistan

2010-08-04T20:08:00.003+04:30

Air Chief Marshal Simon Bryant made his first visit to Afghanistan this week as the newly appointed Commander in Chief Air (CINCAIR).

Air Chief Marshal Bryant flew in to Afghanistan to visit Royal Air Force personnel who are playing a key role on operations. He was accompanied by Air Vice Marshal Mike Lloyd, acting Deputy Commander in Chief Personnel.

CINCAIR talks to RAF personnel on the Flight Line at Camp Bastion
Photo: Sqn Ldr Nic Wood/MOD 2010

This was a return visit for the Air Chief Marshal, but his first visit in his new role as CINCAIR and while the visit focussed on operations, he placed a strong emphasis on personnel issues. Air Chief Marshal Bryant was keen to stress how important it was for him to meet RAF personnel in Afghanistan.

Air Chief Marshall Bryant said: “It is important that I meet RAF personnel on operations so I understand fully the contribution that the RAF is making. I have been extremely impressed by the professionalism and commitment of our people in Afghanistan, they are providing a vital contribution in a range of roles both on the ground and in the air.”

He explained that RAF Personnel carry out a range of roles, from Air Transport, Support Helicopter, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and reconnaissance and Combat ISTAR to the RAF Regiment Force Protection experts and the RAF Medical Emergency Response teams who provide live saving care in the air.”

He continued: “My visit provides an opportunity to hear personal experiences associated with individuals’ deployments with a view to improving that experience and contributing more effectively to operations. These conversations provide me with the evidence I need to enhance the vital contribution that air power is making in Afghanistan and to keep personnel abreast of what is happening back in the UK”.

CINCAIR began his visit in Kabul, before flying first to Kandahar Airfield and then on to Camp Bastion. The final stop of his visit was Lashkar Gah where visited Task Force Helmand Headquarters.

Sergeant Ross Pinches, 904 Tactical Imagery Wing said: “It was great to meet CINCAIR, he was really interested in hearing about my job in the Tactical Imagery Wing and he took time to listen to our views and answer a number of questions that personnel raised about the uncertainties of the SDSR.”

Marine Adam Brown killed in Afghanistan

2010-08-04T20:02:00.003+04:30

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Marine Adam Brown was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 1 August 2010.

Marine Brown, of Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, who was serving as part of Combined Force Sangin, died in an explosion as 3 Troop Alpha Company were conducting a local area reassurance patrol to provide security to the locals in the area.

Marine Adam Brown
Picture: via MOD

At approximately 1750hrs, there was an explosion in the vicinity of his Patrol Base and Marine Adam Brown was killed instantly in the blast.

Marine Brown’s family have paid the following tributes:

By Amy, Adam’s wife:

“My wonderful husband, my childhood sweetheart and best friend. Always a hero in my eyes and I am so proud of you. I will treasure the perfect memories I have of our life together, always.

“You are a true inspiration to all who knew you and you made me the proudest woman in the world when I became your wife. I love you now, always and forever.”

By Jenny and Robert, Adam’s parents:

“Adam, an irreplaceable son, but so much more; our best friend. Adam, you loved life as much as we loved you. We will think of you and love you always.

“You will be sorely missed by both your immediate and wider family. Your death has broken all our hearts.

Read the full story here

Lance Sergeant Dale Alanzo McCallum killed in Afghanistan

2010-08-04T19:57:00.004+04:30

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Sergeant Dale Alanzo McCallum of 1st Battalion Scots Guards was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 1 August 2010.

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Sergeant Dale Alanzo McCallum of 1st Battalion Scots Guards was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 1 August 2010.

LSgt Dale McCallum
Picture: via MOD

Lance Sergeant McCallum, who was serving as part of Combined Force Lashkar Gah, was killed by small arms fire whilst commanding his men in an operation to provide security to Afghan local nationals in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province.

At approximately 1320 hours, the sangar at his checkpoint came under effective enemy fire from insurgent forces.

Lance Sergeant McCallum quickly moved to the sangar and as he was moving into a position to engage the insurgents he received a fatal gunshot wound.

Lance Sergeant McCallum’s family paid the following tribute:

“Dale was a wonderful father, brilliant brother a loving son. He was cherished and highly respected by everyone that knew him. He will be deeply and sadly missed. We all loved Dale for his easy going attitude and his sunshine smile, for his mannerisms and his charm.

“Dale was passionate about life and displayed immense enthusiasm for every challenge he took on. We all love and will miss him dearly and may his soul rest in peace.”

Read the full story here

Soldier saved by rosary - just like his great-grandfather

2010-08-03T13:21:00.003+04:30

By The Telegraph

A soldier who stood on a landmine in Afghanistan may owe his life to a rosary - just as his great-grandfather did in the Second World War.

Private Glenn Hockton was saved when his rosary beads fell from his neck onto the floor and alerted him to the fact that he was standing a land mine Photo: EASTNEWS

Private Glenn Hockton, 19, asked for a rosary to take with him before being deployed to Afghanistan on a seven-month tour of duty with the Coldstream Guards in Helmand Province.
He bent down to pick the rosary up when it fell from his neck and then realised he was on a landmine.

Pte Hockton had to remain standing where he was for 45 minutes while his colleagues successfully attempted to rescue him.

His great-grandfather Joseph Sunny Truman also credited a rosary with saving his life when he survived a bomb blast after he was captured while serving with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in the Second World War.

To read the full story click here

Injured Marine leads rescue under enemy fire in Sangin

2010-08-03T10:23:00.003+04:30

A Royal Marine from 40 Commando has been praised by his Commanding Officer for personally overseeing the safe medical evacuation of his injured colleagues despite being hit three times himself.

Lieutenant Jack Anrude, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, is currently serving in Helmand province in Afghanistan. He is a Multiple Commander and has been living and working in the notorious Sangin district for the last three months.

Lieutenant Jack Anrude from 40 Commando Royal Marines
Photo: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

On Sunday 20 June 2010, his multiple was patrolling with the Afghan National Army (ANA) in a village when a lone insurgent opened fire, injuring three members of the patrol, including Lt Anrude, who was shot in the arm, head and took shrapnel wounds to his legs.

Lt Anrude said:

“As we approached the local mosque in the village, the usual pattern of life was missing and there was already a sense that something suspicious was happening from within the compound walls.

“We were trying to speak to one of the village elders, and an insurgent suddenly appeared behind a gate and fired about 30 rounds at us with an AK47 assault rifle.

“Five rounds hit the ANA soldier in the leg and one of my IED searchers was hit in the right ankle.

“I was shot in the right arm and received fragmentation injuries to my legs, as well as being hit in the head – thankfully my helmet saved me.”

To read the full story click here

Picture of the Day – UK Troops Enter Sayedebad

2010-08-02T21:46:00.002+04:30

British and Afghan forces take Taliban stronghold of Sayedebad, southern Afghanistan

2010-08-02T21:40:00.004+04:30

Soldiers serving with Somme Company, the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, working jointly with the Afghan National Army (ANA), have seized and held the last Taliban stronghold of Sayedebad in southern Afghanistan.

Moving out under the cover of darkness, soldiers from 1 LANCS, the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 21 Engineer Regiment and the Counter IED Taskforce patrolled through fields and waist high irrigation ditches to reach the outskirts of the town. In a swift move under the protection of fire support being provided by troops out to the east, two compounds to the south of the village were cleared of possible insurgents and IEDs.

Soldiers from Somme Company setting up radio systems inside a newly occupied compound

Major Darren Newman, Officer Commanding Somme Company the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment said at the time, “The Company along with our Afghan partners has cleared through Sayedebad and we have systematically cleared through each of the compounds looking for insurgent activity.”

Once a foothold had been achieved, and defensive positions established in the compounds, two joint units of British and Afghan soldiers moved forward clearing through the town on the west and east sides from the south. At each stage, Afghan security forces were used to interact with the local Sayedebad population.

He continues, “As we have pushed through we’ve found nothing to suggest the Taliban have been here in the last 48-72 hours. It appears the presence of overwhelming forces from ISAF and the ANA has effectively meant the insurgents have fled out of this area before we arrived….Local atmospherics appear to be good. The locals are welcoming and pleased with our presence”
Once the village had been cleared, ISAF forces held a Shura (a local meeting) with the elders of the town to explain what had been happening.

The Officer Commanding of Somme Company, Major Darren Newman holding a shura with local elders in the town of Sayedebad.

Major Newman, “They’ve agreed to work with us in partnership to provide security here and clear the area of improvised explosive devices. Their main concern was security. Clearly if we have a permanent presence here that is something we hope to address in the very first instance.”
Security is the main focus for ISAF in this region. Although Sayedebad was free of insurgents, as the Shura was taking place heavy firing could be heard 800m to the north as Corruna Company, 1 LANCS continued its push south to open up the road between Sayedebad and Nad-e-Ali. The road continues to present a heavy IED threat to ISAF forces and the local population.

Major Newman concluded, “We’ll now look to consolidate our position and start searching for improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of the local compounds and routes in and out. Where we find them we’ll remove them.”

Photos: Cpl Barry Lloyd RLC/MOD 2010

Ambushes, firefights and IEDs hamper latest British offensive

2010-08-02T17:41:00.002+04:30

By Kim Sengupta, The Independent

“We are moving to the compound of Rahmad Yar,” was the intercepted Taliban message.

The attack came 53 minutes later, long raking bursts of machine-gun fire along with intermittent Kalashnikov shots. Other targets around the area also began to be hit. The Taliban were not giving up their stronghold without a fight.

British soldiers pause during their offensive to drive the Taliban’s fighters from Saidabad
Photo: Cpl Gary Kendall RLC/MOD 2010

Resistance had initially been muted as British and Afghan forces headed south, with insurgent fighters focusing on US Marines coming in the opposite direction. But they had reorganised – with repeated radio calls for ammunition – and were now in a position to hit back.

A series of attempted ambushes continued for the rest of the afternoon as the troops patrolled along tracks, twisting past high-walled compounds; Taliban fighters moved across fields and Apache and Cobra helicopter gunships circled overhead.

To read the full story click here

More Day 3 Op Tor Shezada Images

2010-08-02T12:05:00.004+04:30

Operation TOR SHEZADA meaning Black Prince, is being carried out by Combined Force Nad-e Ali (CF NDA) to clear any known insurgents from Sayedebad and involves UK troops and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Frazer Lawrence OBE, Commanding Officer (CO) The 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s is commander of CF NDA and is leading the operation.

Photos: Corporal Gary Kendall RLC/MOD 2010

Video of the Day - Op Tor Shezada Day 3

2010-08-01T21:55:00.001+04:30

Soldiers serving with Somme Company, the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, working jointly with the Afghan National Army and the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland have continued to push out and clear villages surrounding the town of Sayedebad. On day three of Op TOR SHEZADA the ongoing patrols around the town have allowed forces to interact and re-assure local nationals about the operation and the increased security it will create.

British and Afghan forces build relationships with locals around Sayedebad

2010-08-01T17:12:00.004+04:30

Soldiers serving with Somme Company, the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, working jointly with the Afghan National Army and the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland have continued to push out and clear villages surrounding the town of Sayedebad. On day three of Op TOR SHEZADA the ongoing patrols around the town have allowed forces to interact and re-assure local nationals about the operation and the increased security it will create.

Captain Brad Pino, 13 Platoon Commander said, “We had reports yesterday that two insurgents had moved into these compounds to get eyes on to what we were up to… and they moved in with weapons. So we’ve moved down with the ANA today to go through the compounds, check that there are no signs of insurgents and just ask the locals what they know of it. So we’re out now providing protection for the ANA to go and speak to the local nationals.”

Afghan National Army Soldiers on Patrol near Sayedebad

As the patrol greeted locals at first light it met with no resistance, even though local intelligence suggested the Taliban had been in the area. The compounds residents seemed pleased to see the soldiers and were happy to speak with them about possible IED locations in the vicinity.

Soldiers from 1 Lancs provide cover as ANA soldiers search a compound

Captain Pino said, “At the moment we have a multiple facing off to the east and south providing protection from that direction and we’ve got my guys facing to the west and north, and the ANA are in the middle of the two compounds chatting to the locals. Atmospherics are pretty good, so I don’t think we’re going to see much today.”

He continues, “Once the ANA are happy and have got some good information off the locals we will push back to camp.”

Progress In Major Afghanistan Offensive

2010-08-01T11:44:00.004+04:30

By Tom Bonnett, Sky News Online

British forces have said they are making progress on day three of the biggest offensive in Afghanistan this summer.

There has been limited contact with Taliban so far

British and Afghan troops taking part in Operation Tor Shezada are heading towards the town of Saidebad in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand.
They are continuing to clear compounds where Taliban fighters have been hiding with the aim of making the whole area secure.

British and Afghan soldiers clear a small village of IEDs

Roadside bombs are also being removed and troops say large amounts of bomb-making equipment have been seized.

An MoD spokesman said: "Operation Tor Shezada is progressing very well.
"Quantities of IEDs have been recovered and shuras (meetings) have been held with village chiefs in an attempt to offer reassurance."

The operation intents to push insurgents further from the areas cleared in Operation Moshtarak earlier this year.

UK troops and Afghan forces from 3rd Brigade, 215 Corps, are clearing insurgents from Sayedebad to the south of Nad-e Ali.

The United States Marine Corps is peforming parallel operations in northern Marjah.

To read the full article click here

British Forces find IED cache during Op TOR SHEZADA in Nad-e-Ali

2010-07-31T20:18:00.004+04:30

Soldiers serving with Somme Company, the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment continued to clear compounds in Taliban held villages in the vicinity of Sayedebad, central Helmand in the early hours of this morning. The move resulted in a large find of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components and bomb making equipment.

Troops from Somme Company, who have taken over compounds in the region of the Taliban stronghold of Sayedebad, moved from their location under the cover of darkness to a small village on the outskirts of Sayedebad. As dawn approached, the troops, working alongside Afghan security forces began searching and clearing buildings.

Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components found inside an IED factory by Somme Company and the Counter IED task force.

Captain Brad Pino, 13 Platoon Commander said, “We left at first light this morning to push round into an area we know that the insurgents have used before and previously there has been an IED factory. So we’ve pushed out to clear the kalay (village) just to see if there are any insurgents still in the area and to find out what the local nationals know and whether they’re happy that ISAF are here.”

He continues “It’s been really quiet. The locals seem quite on side and happy to see us. They’ve told us that the insurgents have been in the area recently, potentially there are still some insurgents in the area, and there are some IEDs in the area.”

Working on intelligence gained on the ground, the Royal Engineer Search Team (REST), moved in to search a suspected IED factory once the remaining buildings had been cleared by soldiers from 1 LANCS and their Afghan colleagues.

Lieutenant Amy Pennington from the Counter-IED Taskforce commented, “There was local intelligence that one of the compounds had been used as an IED factory. So my team was sent in to search that factory and we actually found component parts of IEDs.”

She continues, “Once we found the component parts of the IEDs, we removed them and then the main charges were dem-ed (demolished) in situ by the ATO (Ammunition Technical Officer).”

Explosives and IED components being destroyed by members of the Counter IED task force on day 2 of Op TOR SHEZADA.

After spending nearly six hours on the ground the troops then extracted back to their patrol base to prepare for the next step in the operation.

Photos: Cpl Barry Lloyd RLC/MOD 2010

UK Taliban Push Back ‘Making Good Progress’

2010-07-31T20:14:00.002+04:30

By Tom Bonnett, Sky News Online

British and Afghan troops taking part in a major operation against Taliban insurgents are making good progress but “there is still a long way to go”.

Military chiefs said Operation Tor Shezada, which translates as “black prince” has started well as it entered its second day.

A soldier from 1 LANCS taking part in Operation Tor Shezada

The operation is being spearheaded by 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Their commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence, told Sky News: “It’s still very early on in the operation.

“The operation has gone as well as it possibly could do but there’s still a long way to go.
“Morale is very high indeed. The troops are eager to do the job they are paid to do.”
Hundreds of soldiers were dropped from Chinook helicopters under the cover of darkness yesterday.

They then moved in to clear compounds and establish patrol bases in the area.
Royal Engineers were later brought in to clear trees and scrubland around the compounds to give them more visibility.

UK troops and Afghan forces from 3rd Brigade, 215 Corps, are clearing insurgents from Sayedebad to the south of Nad-e Ali.

Read the full story here

VIDEO: UK Forces Embark on Op Tor Shezada

2010-07-31T13:24:00.007+04:30

Operation Tor Shezada – Latest Day 2 Imagery

2010-07-31T13:05:00.007+04:30

Operation TOR SHEZADA meaning Black Prince in Pashtu, is being carried out by British and Afghan Forces in Central Helmand, Afghanistan. British troops from Combined Force Nad-e Ali (CF NDA) are clearing known insurgents from Sayedebad and increasing the security footprint in the region.

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Frazer Lawrence OBE, Commanding Officer (CO) The 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is commander of CF NDA and led the operation.

Photos show members of Corunna Company and Commanding Officers’ Tactical Group during the clearance operations.

Photos: Cpl Gary Kendal RLC/MOD 2010

To see all images from Op Tor Shezada view our Flickr Stream here

Brits And Afghans Fight To Clear Rebel Base

2010-07-31T12:14:00.005+04:30

By Adam Arnold, Sky News Online

A new offensive involving hundreds of British and Afghan troops is taking place in southern Afghanistan to try to clear a Taliban stronghold.

Operation ‘Tor Shezada’ or ‘Black Prince’ is being led by the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster Regiment and got off to a “successful” start, military chiefs said.

UK soldiers along with Afghan forces from 3rd Brigade, 215 Corps, are trying to clear an area from Sayedebad to the south of Nad-e-Ali.

The assault is taking place on suspected rebel compounds and is expected to take several days.
The offensive continues the momentum gathered by Operation Mostarak earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence said.

Although significantly smaller than previous offensives in this area, Operation Tor Shezada will push insurgents further from the populated centres successfully cleared by Moshtarak.
Sky’s Stuart Ramsay is embedded with the troops.

He said: “Soldiers have been fanning out and moving south from a variety of camps they have in this part of Helmand Province.

“The idea is to try to pressurise the areas that the Taliban have been controlling for some time.”

Read the full article here

UK and Afghan soldiers move into compounds in the Sayedebad area of Nad-e Ali as part of Op TOR SHEZADA

2010-07-30T17:32:00.002+04:30

Somme Company of 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (1LANCS) successfully performed an aerial insertion from a Chinook helicopter in the early hours of 30th July 2010 under a cover of darkness.

They are now within Sayedebad, as part of Operation Tor Shezada which is pushing insurgent fighters further from the population centres. This increased security will enable the Afghan Government to extend its reach to the local population.

Photos from Op Tor Shezada
Cpl Barry Lloyd RLC/MOD 2010

British and Afghan forces launch Operation Tor Shezada (Black Prince) in Central Helmand

2010-07-30T15:22:00.004+04:30

British and Afghan troops preparing for the operation

British forces led by 1st Battalion, The Duke Of Lancaster’s Regiment this morning launched an operation to further squeeze insurgents in Central Helmand.

Operation Tor Shezada – Black Prince – has been planned and is being executed by ISAF forces working hand-in-hand with their Afghan counterparts. British troops will partner Afghan forces from 3rd Brigade, 215 Corps to clear insurgents from Sayedebad to the south of Nad-e Ali in Helmand Province, in parallel to similar operations by the United States Marine Corps in Northern Marjah.

Troops talking to local children in Sayedebad.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lt Col James Carr-Smith, said:

“During the early hours of today, under the cover of darkness, the joint ISAF and Afghan Operation Tor Shezada (Black Prince) launched successfully. The operation is currently ongoing and reports back from the commanders on the ground say it is progressing according to plan.

“Operation Tor Shezada will continue the momentum generated by Operation Moshtarak earlier this year. Its aims are very much supported by local Afghans living in and around the area of Sayedebad. They are keen that insurgents be removed so that they can live, work and travel there safely.

“Our intent is such that this activity will increase the distance between the population and remaining insurgents - it will further dislocate insurgents and deny them a base from which to attack the Nad-e Ali and Marjah areas, making the local population safer and reducing the threat to ISAF and ANSF troops.

“In time, the operation will enable the Afghan Government to begin development projects in the area, including the planned refurbishment of Sayedebad school, health clinic and bazaar.”

The Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment Battlegroup, Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence OBE, said:

“We have scored major successes in the north and centre of the district, driving out the insurgents from the major population areas, and providing security to the Afghan people. Now we need to make sure that security is extended to every resident of Nad-e Ali."

Sayedebad sits between Nad-e Ali and Marjah in central Helmand. The area has a small community of around 6,000 Afghans, mostly from Pashtun Ishaqzai and Hazara backgrounds. The Trikh Zabur canal runs to the south of the area, with a crossing point which allows movement between Nad-e Ali and Marjah. Improved security around this important crossing point will increase freedom of movement for locals.

Although significantly smaller than previous operations in this area, Operation Tor Shezada will push insurgent fighters further from the population centres successfully cleared by previous elements of Operation Moshtarak. It follows the same pattern of shape, clear, hold, build that has characterised the wider operation and shaping operations have been carried out in preparation for it.

The Afghan government will begin stabilisation activities as soon as conditions allow, including the refurbishment of Sayedebad school and health clinic. The British-run Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand will support this activity with projects of its own, including 'cash for work' programmes which employ locals to develop their own communities.

Prince honours Lynx crews for 'keeping the Taliban's heads down

2010-07-29T18:57:00.002+04:30

His Royal Highness Prince Charles presented Afghan service medals this week to members of 1st Regiment Army Air Corps (1 Regt AAC) who have recently been operating Lynx helicopters over Helmand.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (right) is greeted by the Commanding Officer of 1st Regiment Army Air Corps, Lieutenant Colonel James Anderson, on his arrival at Princess Royal Barracks in Gutersloh
[Picture: SSgt Ian Houlding RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

The Prince of Wales, who is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, visited 1 Regt AAC at their base in Germany.

The Prince was greeted by 1 Regt AAC’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel James Anderson, after flying into the unit’s Princess Royal Barracks in Gutersloh on a Lynx helicopter.

During the medals parade Prince Charles also presented eight Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to soldiers, in recognition of their long service and exemplary conduct, as well as an Accumulated Campaign Service Medal. Flowers were also presented to their partners and families.

The unit, whose members most recently saw service in Afghanistan between September 2009 and March 2010 where they operated the Mark 7 Lynx helicopter, held a special families’ day to celebrate the parade which included bouncy castles, a climbing wall, a tug-of-war for children and a performance by the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers.

To read the full story click here

Canadian cowboy trains British soldiers to spot IEDs

2010-07-29T18:19:00.004+04:30

The British Army has recruited a Canadian cowboy to teach soldiers how to look for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden in the ground when deployed in Afghanistan.

The cowboy is professional tracker Terry Grant, aged 52, who is famed for his hit reality television show ‘Mantracker’ in which he tracks contestants over vast swathes of the Canadian wilderness.

Professional tracker Terry Grant with soldiers of 7th Armoured Brigade on the Canadian prairie
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

He has now been employed to pass on his unique ground sign awareness skills to the soldiers of 7th Armoured Brigade (the Desert Rats) who are set to deploy to Afghanistan next year.

The Desert Rats are currently training on Exercise Prairie Thunder 1 at the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) located in the heart of the vast plains of Alberta in the west of Canada.

To read the full article click here

Tonga sends troops to Afghanistan

2010-07-29T18:05:00.003+04:30

By Bonnie Malkin, The Telegraph

While most countries in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) are plotting an exit date from the war-ravaged country, the Tongan government has committed 275 of its soldiers over two years.

Tonga is made up of 169 islands, 39 of which are inhabited, sprinkled over the Pacific Ocean about one-third of the way from New Zealand to Hawaii. Photo: ALAMY

Ruling that Afghanistan was a safer destination for Tongan troops than Iraq, the government will send an initial 55 soldiers to Afghanistan in November. A further three rotations of 55 marines will form part of the guard at the main British base, Camp Bastion, in Helmand Province.

The move comes after Britain asked the Tongan government for assistance.
Under the deal, the British army will cover the cost of the deployment and Tongans will serve as part of the British Armed Forces.

Brigadier Tauaika ‘Uta’atu, the Tongan defence services commander, said Tonga had agreed because Afghanistan “looks safer than Iraq”.

“Our soldiers will not be doing street patrols where there have been a lot of deaths,” he said.
“This is an invitation from the British army who saw our soldiers work in Iraq and the then-prime minister Gordon Brown wrote to our prime minister and asked for support.

“This is something we think is an honour to be a part of.”

Read the full story here

Helping the Afghan Women

2010-07-29T16:53:00.005+04:30

By Lieutenant Elaine Boyd Royal Navy

The pace just doesn’t let up out here and it definitely makes the 6-month tour go faster. I am currently living in MOB PRICE alongside the Danish Battlegroup. The accommodation is basic but at least I get a good nights sleep, unlike being onboard with the waves of the Irish Sea knocking me out of my bunk, and constant pipes for ‘big eats’ at the gangway!

The only pipes we hear in MOB PRICE are to inform us that personal communications with the UK are closed, and every time the pipe is made you feel immense sadness knowing the Taskforce has taken casualties. This week we have seen some real highs and some equal lows.

Lt Boyd undertaking her role as part of the Military Stabilisation and Support Team (MSST)

Somewhat unexpectedly the District Governor in Nahr-e Saraj changed over and I attended a “meet and greet” with the new incumbent, and the Battlegroup staff, to discuss the way ahead, and the Governors priorities for the area. Very quickly I found myself inspired (and a little star-struck as he is a hugely important individual in Afghan society) by the Governor, as he spoke passionately about the hopes he has for his district. I work for the District Stabilisation Team which works directly to support the District Governor so I am looking forward to an exciting new chapter under the new Governor’s leadership.

For the full article click here

Sapper Mark Antony Smith killed in Afghanistan

2010-07-28T16:59:00.004+04:30

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sapper Mark Antony Smith, from 36 Engineer Regiment, serving with the Counter-IED Task Force, was killed in Afghanistan on Monday, 26 July 2010.

Sapper Mark Smith, 36 Engineer Regiment
[Picture: via MOD]

On 26 July 2010 Sapper Smith and his Search team deployed in support of 40 Commando Royal Marines Battlegroup, Combined Force Sangin.

The team was conducting a Counter-Improvised Explosive Device clearance in order to enable a joint UK-Afghan operation to improve Afghan District and Provincial Government influence and security in the area around the Sangin District Centre.

A close friend has made the following statement on behalf of Sapper Antony Smith’s family:

“Mark Smith, fondly known by his friends as ‘Smit’ and Army colleagues as ‘Smudge’, was truly unique. His cheeky grin could light up a room and his zest for life was an inspiration to us all. His friendship and loyalty to those closest to him knew no bounds and I am truly honoured to have called him my friend.

“Smit will be greatly missed but it is difficult to think of him without smiling as he had a unique ability to lift anyone from the most sombre of moods and was always the life and soul of the party. He loved his Army life and his courage and bravery, all inspiring. Mark was a lovable rogue and the world will certainly be a sadder place without him.”

Whilst elements of the Counter-Improvised Device clearance team were moving into position, a smoke screen was requested to enable their movement.

As this was being undertaken, initial reports suggest that one of the smoke shells may have fallen short of its intended target, tragically killing Sapper Smith.

To read the full story click here

Camp Bastion Hospital gains “Gold Standard” new facilities

2010-07-28T16:29:00.002+04:30

Britain’s largest base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, yesterday officially opened two state of the art CT scanners. They were launched by the Director General Army Medical Services, Major General Michael von Bertele QHS OBE L/RAMC, who said: “These scanners are the gold standard in trauma care. They allow the staff to accurately identify the injuries a patient has and then give them the right care as quickly as possible.”

The two new scanners and the new building which houses them form a contract worth £2.8m which was awarded to the contractors KBR in February as part of an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR). The buildings are built to stringent NHS standards, including backup power, air conditioning and lighting. To have two of these machines dedicated to trauma care would be the envy of many NHS Hospitals.

The new 64-slice CT scanners in Camp Bastion Field Hosital

The scanners are General Electric 64-slice scanners, capable of over 10 times more detail than the existing equipment in only a fraction of the time. This means that casualties can be treated much faster. In addition, because there are two scanners, there is a natural redundancy should one go unserviceable due to the hostile environment that Afghanistan presents. The new scanners provide a more resilient capability that is more modern, reliable and better supported than that currently in service.

The scanners are used in a number of ways, from scans following head injuries to full vascular reviews following IED blasts. This allows the doctors to see any internal injuries prior to surgery. The greater definition provided by the new equipment will allow a much better and faster diagnosis of a patient than exists currently.

Surgeon Commander Richard Graham, a consultant radiologist, examines images from the new scanners

The hospital has two consultant radiologists who diagnose patients once the scans have taken place and five radiographers who run the machines. Surgeon Commander Richard Graham, a Royal Naval Reservist who usually works in Bath, is one of the radiologists. He explained the importance behind the new scanners: “These machines are a very important addition to the hospital which allow us to carry out much faster scans and reduce the time that a patient must wait before potentially life saving surgery. These scanners give us a much higher definition to work with and we can have a rough diagnosis within two minutes. Because this is the next generation of equipment the patient also receives a lower dose of radiation than previously and is therefore even safer to all involved.”

Photos: L/Cpl Bray USMC

Driving The Situation Forward in Afghanistan

2010-07-28T16:16:00.002+04:30

Captain Jeremy Hahn, The Royal Dragoon Guards writes about the international community in Kandahar and the inauguration of Gen David Petraeus.

When away from home, there are certain triggers that induce the longing to be in England in these summer months, and over the last few weeks these have been manifold; catching the sun-soaked snippets of Wimbledon, Not losing money backing French Raiders at Ascot, being sent photographs by friends. Apart from inducing the desire to be away from here, it also creates a fond reminiscence and a supplicant hopefulness that the days will soon pass ‘fore one’s return.

It has started to get really quite hot recently, about fifty degrees centigrade. The result of which is that the pounds are starting to slip off like an ill-fitting negligee on a Parisian woman of negotiable virtue when her rent is late.

We have had a busy couple of weeks in Kandahar city, both in terms of continuing to provide protection, security and freedom of movement for those members of the international community that need to move around the battle-space to help drive the situation forward, and also to a few different dramatis personae, we have had journalists from the BBC, ITV, The Sun, The Evening Standard et al. We have also had members of the US Treasury Department, and Department of Defence who have been meeting with Afghan Government officials in what appears to have been a very productive and promising set of engagements. Speaking to the American contingent during and afterwards, I am always struck by their optimistic and can-do attitude and their willingness to solve or overcome/overwhelm any problem that they encounter. As Evelyn Waugh said; ‘instead of this absurd division into sexes, they ought to class people as static and dynamic.’ The Americans, regardless of the wisdom of stereotype, fall into the latter class, and this, very definitely is, a good thing.

To read the full article click here

1419 Flt - Wizards in Afghanistan's Green Zone

2010-07-26T19:05:00.007+04:30

28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron B Flight arrived at Bastion Airfield in late May 2010. Following many detachments in Iraq over the past 5 years, this was their first taste of Afghanistan. They arrived with the bit between their teeth and were raring to get stuck into the new adventure ahead, albeit the crews were a little apprehensive given the environment which they found themselves in. Following the initial mandatory admin procedures and a very long day sitting on a hot rifle range, the aircrew from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire took to the skies and flew towards the green zone for the first time.

45 degree ambient temperatures mean that the cockpit and cabin of the aircraft is around 50 degrees. Add safety equipment, thermal fire protection, gloves and helmet and the result is some very hot and sweaty individuals. A great deal of water is consumed during any shift by the crews.

Loadmaster Sergeant Jock Forrester mans the general purpose machine gun (GPMG) on a Merlin helicopter.
Photo: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010

Landing sites in Helmnd Province vary dramatically between purpose-built, football pitch sized, tarmac areas to dust bowls; pilots regularly carry out the final stages of approaches almost blind. There are landing sites in the green zone with trees all around and there are landing sites on the pinnacles of mountains resulting in few hovering references for the handling pilots whilst operating at the limits of the aircrafts performance. All of the sites have their own challenges and the complexities encountered when landing within them cannot be understated or taken for granted at any time.

On the rare occasion that the Merlin can’t make it in to a landing site due to inclement weather or unserviceability then another helicopter and another crew will pick up the slack highlighting that the Joint Force Element which is operating in Helmand including RAF, Army and Navy works, and works incredibly well.

The Flight Engineers have worked 12 hour shifts every day since arriving in theatre. They have the unenviable task of trying to maintain the Merlin helicopters which are being flown in the most unforgivable of environments. The dust intake, the high altitude and the challenging flying puts a great strain on the Merlin, yet day after day the engineering force of 1419 Flt produce serviceable aircraft to operate with.

A Merlin lands at a FOB
Photo: Maj Paul Smyth/MOD

The squadron has had a detachment in Afghanistan fraught with the ‘expected’ unforeseen issues that arise during such a venture. They have worked every day in the heat and the dust and have achieved everything that they have been tasked with and more. The engineers have worked for 10 weeks without a whole day off. It is now time to go home, reunite with loved ones and enjoy some well deserved time off. As B Flight hand over to C Flight this week they reflect on a job well done.

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Sangin – Then and Now in Afghanistan

2010-07-26T08:30:00.005+04:30

Captain Marty Adams is serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines in the Sangin District Centre.

He was last in the town in 2005 serving with the Mobile Air Operations Team, part of Joint Force Helicopters (Afghanistan). On his return to Sangin five years later, he has noticed how much the centre has changed and developed.

Captain Marty Adams from 40 Commando Royal Marines currently serving in the Sangin area of operations, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Photo: Corporal Barry Lloyd RLC

As 40 Commando begin working with the United States Marine Corps in the region, the progressed made by British troops in the town has made it a safer place for the locals and ISAF forces.

He said: “In 2005 the security outside of the FOB (forward operating base), was practically none. Ourselves as soldiers, we couldn’t go outside the FOB for being attacked and occasionally we were attacked inside the FOB.

“ But since then, due to the progress that we’ve made, we’ve managed to push the bubble of security out from this location and beyond the centre of Sangin itself.”

When Captain Adams was first in Sangin, the forward operating base was still under sustained attack from insurgents operating within the district centre. Now the weapons on the tower of the Fire Support Group (FSG) building which protects the base are largely silent.

“I was here attached to the Light Infantry, and they were basically here essentially defending themselves. They weren’t really able to push forward outside of the FOB…… Now the local community have the freedom to have what is a normal life, which is essentially what everyone wants anyway. They can go shopping and move around free from intimidation from the Taliban because of the security provided by the Afghan and ISAF forces,” said Captain Adams.

An example of this development is the Helmand River crossing which can be seen from the FSG tower. Before, it used to be a rickety bridge that frequently got washed away. There is now a ferry crossing and Afghan Police security check point providing access into the town.

Captain Adams comments, “There used to be a river crossing with one or two boats. It was quite restricted because the Taliban and other insurgent groups would dominate in the area, but now that the Afghan and the ISAF security forces have provided protection, the locals can come and go as they please and there is a lot more activity at the crossing point.”

He continues, “The stabilisation force is the main effort really. They’re the people who are going to bring governance to this area, whilst we the soldiers provide the security for them to do it.”

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New Lynx helicopter provides fire power from the skies of Afghanistan

2010-07-25T16:20:00.008+04:30

Lance Corporal (LCpl) ‘Gaz’ Lovett (23) is an Aviation Crewman on the new Lynx Mk9A helicopter, serving with 672 Squadron, Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan). Working as a ‘door gunner’, Lovett provides fire power from the skies to support troops on the ground or when the Lynx is escorting other aircraft.

“A typical day in Afghanistan, we all come down to the flight line, rig the cab up with the weapons system, make sure everything is okay on the aircraft, that everything is serviceable and good to….We’ll have a brief of what everyone is doing for the day, what aircraft is doing what. Come down as a crew, get sorted out, and get the kit on the aircraft and go flying,” said LCpl Lovett.

Lance Corporal Lovett looking through the sights of a Heavy Machine Gun (HMG).

With increased firepower, more powerful engines and the ability to operate in hotter temperatures, the new Lynx Mk9A has increased the options available to commanders in Afghanistan since its arrival in May 2010. It is fitted with a more advanced communication system, improved surveillance equipment and the M3M Machine Gun - a 0.50” calibre weapon, capable of firing over 850 rounds a minute.

“When we’re in the air, my responsibility is to look out for any other aircraft that could cause a danger to our aircraft. I’m also looking for insurgent activity in relation to other aircraft going in and out of the PBs (patrol bases),” said Lovett.

To ensure firing is accurate when engaging potential threats, LCpl Lovett regularly practices firing from the helicopter on the ranges near Camp Bastion. He says, “We get a lot chances to use the ranges out here…. It’s a full 360 degree range, which gives you more time on target and more time to fire the weapon system.”

LCpl Lovett has always wanted to be a door gunner. On joining the Army Air Corps he became an Air Trooper and gained his class one proficiency qualification. After completion of the 20 week Aviation Crewman course he took up his current post. “When I was at school I always wanted to be involved in aviation, whether that is flying or being on the ground. I joined the Army Air Corps to be a door gunner and this is what I’m doing now,” said Lovett.

He continues “A long day out here can be very demanding with all your kit on, but it’s nothing compared to what the guys on the ground have got. And it gives you an awesome sense of achievement picking them up out of the PBs and bringinPhog them back.”

Photos: Corporal Barry Lloyd RLC

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Royal Marine survives Taliban bullet

2010-07-24T08:03:00.006+04:30

The combination of body armour, a Jackal patrol vehicle, a Chinook helicopter and the skill of medics has helped to save the life of a Royal Marine shot during a gun battle in Afghanistan.

Marine Jason Nash was on duty in Helmand province when he was shot by insurgents in April 2010.

But thanks to body armour doing its job, the quick thinking of his fellow Royal Marines, and the excellent work of medics, he's back on the front line.

Marine Jason Nash is back on the front line
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

Mne Nash, 40 Commando Royal Marines, said:

"I was working in my patrol base, building up the defences on the roof.

"Just as I was about to climb down to get some water, a single round hit me in the left arm.

"It went through and into the side plate of my body armour and knocked me clean off the roof. It felt like a car had hit me in the ribs.

"I looked down at my arm and I could see the blood, but the other lads instantly got an emergency care bandage on me to stop the bleeding."

To read how Marine Nash was cared for click here here

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Corporal Matthew James Stenton and Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse killed in Afghanistan

2010-07-23T18:56:00.004+04:30

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Corporal Matthew James Stenton from the Royal Dragoon Guards and Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse from 1st Battalion Scots Guards were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, 21 July 2010.

Corporal Matthew James Stenton (left) and Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse (right)
[Picture: via MOD]

The two soldiers were killed on Wednesday evening when members of The Royal Dragoon Guards and 1st Battalion Scots Guards were providing security to the building of Route Trident in the Basharan, north of Lashkar Gah.

Corporal Stenton, of Viking Group, D (The Green Horse) Squadron, was commanding a Viking Armoured vehicle that was part of a cordon to facilitate the exploitation of a number of IEDs and Lance Corporal Monkhouse, of Combined Force Lashkar Gah, was the gunner of a Coyote vehicle when insurgents shot and wounded a member of ISAF.

Corporal Stenton manoeuvred his vehicle in order to lay down fire and extract the casualty, and Lance Corporal Monkhouse provided fire support in order to allow the evacuation to take place. Tragically, as the casualty was being extracted, Corporal Stenton and Lance Corporal Monkhouse were both killed by small arms fire.

Corporal Stenton's family said:

"A loving son, brother and grandson who will be dearly missed. Matthew always took life in his stride and never lost sight of the important things in life his family and friends.

"Matthew died how he lived his life, surrounded by his friends. We are so proud of Matthew and it comes as no surprise to us to hear that he died whilst trying to help one of his fellow comrades.

"You will always be in our hearts and minds, love you always Dad, Gillian and Charlotte."

Lance Corporal Monkhouse's family said:

"Although Stephen died in very tragic circumstances, it is comforting to know that he died doing a job he loved – being a soldier. He loved the Army and the Scots Guards.

"He died trying to help save another life, that sums Stephen up. He loved life and lived it to the full and his memory will live on with us and his friends forever. God bless you son."

For the full story click here

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RAF reservists help defend Kandahar Airfield

2010-07-22T18:49:00.004+04:30

Two RAF reservists have been helping co-ordinate a battle group sized operation to defend the giant coalition air base at Kandahar in Afghanistan.

RAF reservists Sergeant "Taff" Wright and Flight Lieutenant Rob Pitt in the Joint Defence Operations Centre at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan
[Picture: Corporal Barry Lloyd, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

Flight Lieutenant Rob Pitt and Sergeant "Taff" Wright from 2620 Squadron based at RAF Marham, work in the Joint Defence Operations Centre, a multi-national organisation tasked with defending the Kandahar base from attack and co-ordinating the response to emergencies.

Flt Lt Pitt is a Battle Captain and assists in running up to five operational areas.

Sgt Wright is a seasoned veteran having had a regular career in the Parachute Regiment before joining 2620 Squadron. He is in charge of the Incident Control Post and provides the first response to any incident.

Read the full story here

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International community supports phased Afghan control over security

2010-07-22T13:23:00.004+04:30

At the Kabul conference yesterday the international community expressed its support for President Karzai's objective that the Afghan National Security Forces should lead and conduct all military operations in all provinces of Afghanistan by 2014.

The Kabul International Conference, hosted by the Government of Afghanistan and the UN, took place Tuesday 20 July 2010.

It was attended by representatives from around 70 partner countries including the UK, international and regional organisations and financial institutions.

The conference was opened by President Hamid Karzai, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Rassoul and UN Special Representative Staffan de Mistura.

Foreign Secretary William Hague meets Provincial Governor Nuristani in Herat, Afghanistan, ahead of Tuesday's conference

The communiqué issued from the conference states:

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the international community held a historic meeting today in Kabul to renew their commitment to the Afghan people.

"The Conference marked a new phase in their partnership, the Kabul Process, and a heightened commitment to a secure, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan."

The communiqué goes on to define measurable benchmarks for the Afghan government's programme on areas including Governance; Rule of Law; Human, Gender and Children's Rights; Economic and Social Development; Regional Cooperation; and Counter-Narcotics.

To read the whole article click here

Pictures: Crown Copyright & Eric Kanalstein/United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)]

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme improved

2010-07-22T11:02:00.005+04:30

The period in which personnel injured in service can claim compensation is to rise from five to seven years from point of diagnosis as part of a series of changes to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment await the presentation of their Afghanistan campaign medals by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at Sandringham House

The change, which will come into effect on 3 August 2010, is one of several to be introduced following the recommendations from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Review, carried out by former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral the Lord Boyce last year.

The Review, which was assisted by an independent scrutiny group that included Service charities, medical experts, serving personnel and veterans, announced its recommendations for improvements in February this year.

The majority of these improvements require legislative amendment to the Scheme and will be implemented by February 2011, but some changes can be made more quickly and will take effect from 3 August 2010.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment take part in a casualty evacuation exercise during pre-deployment training on Salisbury Plain

These improvements include:

An increase in the maximum level of Bereavement Grant from £20,000 to £25,000 to reflect the increase in Armed Forces pay since 2005

* An increase in the maximum level of Bereavement Grant for reservists who are not members of a reserve forces pension scheme to £37,500, to help bring their benefits in line with their regular forces colleagues

* An uplift of the majority of awards for hearing loss by one tariff level.

* Awards already made since April 2005 will be automatically revisited and will receive an uplift after all recommendations have been put into legislation.

Due to the complexity involved in revisiting such a large number of previous awards, this process will take time, but all additional payments are expected to be made by June 2012.

Andrew Robathan, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, said:

"Making these changes and implementing the recommendations of the Boyce Review demonstrates the Government's commitment to injured Service personnel, both those serving and veterans.

"We are working to get all of the recommendations from the Review into practice as soon as possible. Crucially, nobody will lose out as a result of these changes - indeed, all will receive an uplift to the amount they received. I am determined to continue to ensure the care for our personnel is the best possible."

All personnel seeking advice should call the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency free helpline on 0800 169 2277 or visit the website www.veterans-uk.info.

The Review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is available on the MOD website

Pictures: Richard Watt & Stuart Bingham, Crown Copyright

How soldier survived Afghan ambush and roadside bomb

2010-07-21T11:19:00.004+04:30

from BBC Newsbeat

A sergeant major in the British army says he was "lucky" after surviving a roadside bomb and an ambush while on patrol in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Major Dean Fraser was first caught up in an IED explosion before being shot at

Sgt Maj Dean Fraser was on an 11-day operation in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province when his unit came under attack.

He was on foot patrol with soldiers from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots) and Afghan National Army (ANA) troops when an improvised explosive device (IED) at the side of the road went off.

Troops from 1 Scots carry out joint operations and daily patrols in the area with the ANA

Sgt Maj Fraser, 35, from Edinburgh, says he was thrown through the air by the force of the blast.

He said: "One minute I am on my feet and the next thing I know I am flying through the air then on the ground.

"I got up and we came under small arms fire. We had two casualties and we had to evacuate to a helicopter landing site."

The patrol was on a track around four miles south of their base Check Point Kamyab when they were hit by the IED.

The father-of-two says he and his men then came under attack from insurgents as they were trying to evacuate soldiers injured by the IED.

He says his first thought was to get his men out of the area by helicopter.

As they waited for transport to arrive, Sgt Maj Fraser says his patrol was then attacked for a second time.

"As we were pushing forward to the landing site we came under attack again from at least three or four firing positions," he said.

"I think they had been aiming for the helicopter."

The British troops managed to escape and Sgt Maj Fraser was back on patrol the next day.

Two ANA soldiers received shrapnel wounds and were flown to the medical facility at Camp Bastion for treatment.

To read the whole article, click here

Ministers 'united' on Afghanistan

2010-07-21T10:18:00.004+04:30

UK ministers have put on a united front after Defence Secretary Liam Fox suggested the focus in Afghanistan should move away from reconstruction.

William Hague and Hamid Karzai took part in discussions

He had said troops were there for UK security not for "the education policy in a broken 13th-century country".

But after talks with Afghan leaders in Kabul he and International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell both stressed their commitment to redevelopment.

Foreign Secretary William Hague refused to set a date for UK troop withdrawal.

Before the talks, which took place on an unprecedented trip to Afghanistan by the three Cabinet ministers, Dr Fox argued in the Times newspaper that British troops were not in the country to fix Afghan society.

'Strong words'

"We have to reset expectations and timelines," he said. "National security is the focus now. We are not a global policeman. We are not in Afghanistan for the sake of the education policy in a broken 13th-century country. We are there so the people of Britain and our global interests are not threatened."

The BBC's Mark Dummett in Kabul said these were "strong words" from Dr Fox that signalled the new administration was considering a different approach to the war from its Labour predecessors.

But in a separate interview, Mr Mitchell said creating a stable society in Afghanistan was "absolutely crucial".

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Karzai reaffirms 2014 date for Afghan-led security

2010-07-21T09:50:00.005+04:30

By Deb Riechmann & Rahim Faiez, Businessweek

President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment for Afghan police and soldiers to take charge of security throughout the nation by 2014 and urged his international partners to spend their money on Afghan priorities not "quick-impact" projects.

Afgan President Hamid Karzai (C), US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (R) and UN chief Ban Ki-moon (L) pose following the International Conference on Afghanistan in Kabul, on July 20, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Karzai spoke at an international conference on the future of Afghanistan where representatives of 70 nations and organizations were endorsing a plan for how Afghan security forces would eventually take charge, but it's still unclear when the transition would actually begin.

"I remain determined that our Afghan national security forces will be responsible for all military and law enforcement operations throughout our country by 2014" -- more than three years after President Barack Obama's date for the start of an American troop drawdown, Karzai said. "Our goal is to transfer the three organs for national security forces into trusted national institutes dedicated to fulfilling their constitutional duty of ensuring the integrity and security of our country."

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance will never allow the Taliban to topple the government of Afghanistan. But he said that transition to Afghan-led security would be based on "conditions, not calendars."

Karzai also expressed his government's desire to take charge of more of its affairs. He asked his international partners not only to channel 50 percent of their foreign assistance through the government within two years, he urged them to align 80 percent of their projects with priorities that have been identified by Afghans.

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How to Get the Best from Your Partnered Force

2010-07-20T13:29:00.005+04:30

By Maj Sean Brady RM

Imagine yourself in the following situation. You have been deployed to fight a counterinsurgency campaign a long way from home in the most dangerous part of your country, you have been there for over three years; you have sustained numerous casualties; you only get leave irregularly and you do not often get the opportunity to phone home; and possibly most frustratingly every six months the force that you are partnered with changes over and you have to start all over again in building up a relationship and understanding with a new set of foreign soldiers.

In simple terms, this is the situation the ANA in the SANGIN AO find themselves in. The warriors of the ANA have seen 7 separate battle groups operate in SANGIN and each one will have come in operating at a high tempo determined to deliver success in their 6 month tour. All of this presents problems for the ANA who are in this for the long haul and they struggle to operate at this tempo as they will remain long after the current battle group leaves. They know the ground and the insurgent very well and they have seen many of the smart ideas to deliver success before and they know what is likely to work and importantly what is likely to not work.

This is therefore the baseline from which I and the other company commanders have to work and plan from, and the question of how to put the counter insurgency struggle in SANGIN on a campaign footing is a key one to answer.

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