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

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

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

Lance Sergeant Dale Alanzo McCallum killed in Afghanistan

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

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

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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ANA raids capture eight suspected insurgents

In an impressive display of military professionalism, Afghan National Army (ANA) Soldiers from the 2-3-215 Kandak recently planned and executed two highly successful raids in the Sangin Valley. In total eight suspected Taliban insurgents were captured. Military intelligence indicated the insurgents were working for the lead Taliban insurgent coordinator in Sangin’s southern green zone area.

As part of the 40 Commando Battle Group, the Brigade Advisory Group from the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots) are working closely with the Kandak.


The group’s second-in-command, Captain Ruaraidh Stewart said: “This is one of the strongest operations we [the Advisor Group] have seen the Kandak plan and conduct.”

He was quick to point out that there was no requirement for the 1 Scots Advisory Group to participate in either of the arrest operations. He said: “Our presence was purely for back up, which was not needed,” said Capt Stewart.


A number of potential locations were watched closely before the ANA launched the first, quickly planned, snatch operation. This decisive action enabled the ANA to capture three important figures without incident.

The second operation was a meticulously planned morning raid. At 0200, with no light and no sound, the ANA surrounded a compound. The insurgents were taken completely by surprise, unaware that they had been targeted. While there was an ISAF search dog and members from the 1 Scots Advisory Group on location as back-up, there was no requirement for them to even enter the building.


Captain Stewart said: “The ANA had the situation well under control on their own. This operation led to five insurgents being successfully arrested and detained. This second arrest operation was authorized after an enormous IED had exploded in the northern Sangin Wadi (river), potentially endangering the lives of local nationals and the ANA.”

The ANA Soldiers from the 2-3-215 Kandak, are under the Command of Col Wadood, who authorised the insurgents to be detained and arranged for their onward transportation to Shorabak, the ANA 215 Corps Head Quarters. From here the detainees will be taken to Lashkar Gah for trial under the Afghan judicial system.

Pictures: LA(PHOT) Si Ethell

VIDEO: Scottish soldiers on the IED hunt

One British Army platoon, based in the Sangin valley, has earned itself high praise after finding - and eliminating - numerous improvised explosive devices during a single patrol.


The men of C Company, 1 Scots, who are working as advisors to the Afghan National Army in Sangin for the next six months, have been carrying out frequent patrols in the notorious Green Zone.

On one recent mission they discovered and avoided IED after IED and all managed to return safely to their base.

Platoon Commander, Lieutenant David Dufus said: "The area we were going into had been the scene of lots of shooting so we were even more alert than we usually are."

Lieutenant Dufus put a number of the finds down to the invaluable help of the Afghan National Army soldiers who, he said, often spot the danger signs first when they are conducting joint patrols.

"The second one was pointed out by the ANA. They were a bit suspicious of it. The ANA went forward with one of my lads and it came up positive. But it was the ANA soldiers that first spotted that something was not quite right," he said.

The role of 1 Scots in Afghanistan is to pass on all the battlefield and logistical skills they can to the native security forces, while living and working with them day in, day out.

"Our main driver is to try to leave Afghan National Security Forces which are more capable and have more capacity to take responsibility for the security of this nation," said the commanding officer of C Company, 1 Scots, Major Richard Forsyth.

3 RIFLES battlegroup marches through Edinburgh

More than 400 members of 3 Rifles battlegroup have marched along The Royal Mile from Castle Terrace to the Palace of Holyrood.

The battlegroup, which comprises 3 Battalion The Rifles and B Coy of the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1SCOTS), spent the last six-and-a-half months in the Sangin area of Helmand province.

Sadly, they lost 30 members of the 1,400-strong battlegroup whilst deployed.

Several thousand onlookers applauded the troops as they marched from Edinburgh Castle accompanied by The Band and Bugles of the Rifles.

The soldiers were saying thank you to the people of Edinburgh of their support while they were away in Afghanistan by marching down the Royal Mile.

Volcanic ash delays 1 Scots soldiers' homecoming

BBC reporter

A company of soldiers serving in Afghanistan have finally returned by coach after their journey home was held up by the volcanic ash flight ban.

More than 100 soldiers were due to arrive at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh, on Friday after a six-month tour of duty, but were unable to fly to the UK.

The members of B Company, 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, or 1 Scots, had to wait in Cyprus.

They then flew to France and travelled the last leg by coach and ferry.

Maj Graeme Wearmouth said: "To be perfectly honest it went immensely smoothly and I have to say that, after the last seven months, if that is what it took to get home it wasn't an issue at all for us.

'Kept smiling'

"We have got to remember there are still troops out there waiting in the bottleneck to get here so in many ways we are the lucky ones.

"I think it was initially disbelief that it was a volcano that had done it - if you had asked me of all the reasons I could have come up with many, but this came out of left field."

He added: "We were on a one-way trip home so the boys kept smiling throughout.

"The sense of humour that has sustained them through the whole six, nearly seven, months of campaigning in Afghanistan saw them through what is frankly a mini-adventure at the end of a very tough and serious one."

The company has spent the past six months in Helmand province as part of the 3 Rifles Battlegroup.

"There has been highs and lows. There is no doubt that Afghanistan is an immensely challenging place to operate in but we can see, in even our short time there, progress," Maj Wearmouth said.

"We have left, without a doubt, a better place than we found. We have started to see the smiles come back on the faces of some of the Afghans we have operated with and we have started to make friends out there."

VIDEO: Reflections from a six month tour of Whishtan, Sangin

Major Graeme Wearmouth, Officer Commanding B Company, 1 SCOTS talks about the 6 month tour he and his men have just completed in Afghanistan.

The 100+ strong company are on route back to Edinburgh after a demanding and successful tour in which they have made a real difference to the lives of Afghans around Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wishtan, East Sangin, Helmand Province.

Major Wearmouth hands over at a significant time as the remainder of the

ANA and 1 SCOTS distribute school books to Afghan kids

Two of the Wishtan schoolchildren with their teacher, Hafiz Hekmatullah, and Afghan National Army Sergeant Sangee

Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) and troops from the Afghan National Army (ANA) have distributed school books to children in the Wishtan area of Helmand province.

The densely populated area of southwest Wishtan is home to one of the largest schools in the area, teaching 50 children for five days per week in an area where literacy among young adults is very low and public schooling is targeted by insurgent intimidation.

On a previous visit to the area, teacher Hafiz Hekmatullah had explained to the British and Afghan soldiers that his school was in desperate need of exercise books and stationery; items difficult to find in Sangin.

So, on a subsequent joint patrol, soldiers of B Company, 1 SCOTS, and their partners from the ANA Heavy Weapons Company, 2/3/205 Kandak, Hero Corps, paid a special visit to the students with some much needed school supplies.

The area around the school is not a particularly safe place for children to play. In January, a young boy and his sister were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) when they pulled at its protruding wires.

IEDs had been safely removed from the exact spot twice in the fortnight preceding the incident, but insurgents had replaced the device, leaving the street hazardous to the community who use it every day.

A pack of brightly coloured cartoons showing the dangers of touching unidentifiable objects was therefore included along with the stationery to be distributed in the hope that, through education, such tragedies may be avoided in the future.

The patrol arrived to find the children having a break for lunch, but a few remained to receive the gifts.

The ANA Heavy Weapons Company Warriors handed out 100 exercise books, 100 pens and pencils, as well as school bags, rulers, erasers and pencil sharpeners.

Sergeant Sangee of the ANA, who helped to hand out some of the stationery, said:

"It was good to see the children being happy. I hope they will learn everyday with these things."

Sgt Paul Naismith, 1 SCOTS, commander of the B Company soldiers, added:

"I was overjoyed to see the ANA interacting with the locals like this. This will serve to further the cause of the ANA in Wishtan and give these kids a better education."

Mr Hekmatullah was very pleased with the gifts:

"I wanted to teach them other things, and now I can. Thank you," he said.

Not wanting to attract undue attention to their activity, the patrol did not linger, but returned to Patrol Base Tangiers and FOB Wishtan as afternoon lessons began.

1 SCOTS soldiers arrive in Afghanistan

Around 400 Soldiers from Edinburgh have recently taken up front line posts, in Afghanistan, training and mentoring Afghan Army troops.



Soldiers from 1 SCOTS, based at Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh, arrived three weeks ago. They have now deployed as Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLT), working closely with Afghan troops to advise them on their military skills. It is a role the battalion has been rehearsing for since early last year.



Meanwhile, around 100 troops from 1 SCOTS’ ‘B (Bravo)’ Company are returning home to Scotland, after spending six months in the Sangin area of Helmand as part of 3 RIFLES Battlegroup; their near neighbours from Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.



1 SCOTS OMLT teams are working from a number of locations throughout Helmand - sharing patrol bases and partnering with Afghan troops to conduct training and security patrols. It is a demanding role which is held in high regard by British troops.



Second Lieutenant Struan Cunningham is currently based at the Afghan army camp of Shorabak, close to Camp Bastion, where he works in the Afghan training wing. “It’s a great opportunity to be out here” he said, “partnering with the Afghans and getting to know what the Afghan army is like. The guys are getting to know and understand the Afghans more, they’re starting to develop bonds with them and learning to enjoy training with them as well.

“There is a language barrier, but we overcome that by working with interpreters who are embedded within our units. It is a rewarding role, and an extremely important role, as it will ultimately help the Afghans deliver security for themselves”.



Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Herbert, Commanding Officer of 1 SCOTS, has overall responsibility for delivering mentoring to the Afghan Kandak (brigade). “We are developing what is effectively a brand new brigade, which was formed only a few weeks ago. We need to start developing their staff, logistics and personnel processes and encouraging the commanders to start developing command amongst the soldiers beneath them.

“But the current role will gradually change over our time here. General McChrystal’s partnering directive and strategy places less emphasis on mentors in the future, and increasing emphasis on partnering; which is the way to go to achieve rapid development and to protect the population”.



Soldiers from the battalion have been talking about the deployment. Private Ben Frayter, from Winchburgh, West Lothian said: “I was a bit worried at first about the risks involved in coming out here, but after the training I started to look forward to it, and decided that I wanted to get out of the country and do something different for a wee while. The toughest thing has been coping with the weather and the heat, so far, but it’s settled down not too bad”.

Private Richard Harvey, from Westerhailes in Edinburgh said: “There is a little bit of apprehension in some of the people about going forwards to the patrol bases, but the guys just get on with their job. The team spirit is very good. The guys are still having a laugh, as they usually do, and cracking jokes. I think they put what happens beyond the wire to the back of their mind whilst they are on camp, and just try and get on with things”.



A website has been set up for members of the public to show support for the battalion. The money raised will be used to support soldiers injured on operations and to assist bereaved families. It is intended to compliment rather than replace the work of various service charities that provide support already.

Examples of how the money is spent include providing much needed immediate support for bereaved families, and the purchasing of DVDs, books, magazines, civilian clothing and electronic games for those in hospital or convalescing. Members of the public can buy wristbands at www.support1scots.org.uk



Picture credits: Corporal Lynny Cash RAF, Lance Corporal Sean Hayes REME

British soldiers take out Taliban bombers

An image from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) of the successful strike on the insurgent IED-laying team

An experienced Taliban IED-laying team was recently destroyed by a Royal Artillery strike after having been discovered by soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) on a routine patrol.

One of the men killed in the strike, the unit's commander and IED-facilitator, has been linked to a number of attacks on ISAF troops and Afghan nationals in the Wishtan area of east Sangin, Helmand province.

They were discovered when a ground patrol from 6 Platoon, B Company, 1 SCOTS, based at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wishtan, near Sangin, searched an outhouse in a derelict compound.

Inside was an IED pressure plate, along with a gas bottle and magazine boxes for a PKM Soviet machine gun.

While extracting the cache, the British soldiers were aware they were being closely observed by suspected Taliban informants, but they returned to FOB Wishtan without incident.

The British soldiers kept the compound and outhouse under surveillance though and within two hours a man was seen entering the compound and making his way to the outhouse from which the IED-making equipment had been removed.

The suspected bomber was soon joined by another three men, completing the four-man-team typical of the IED-laying units which traditionally operate in the Wishtan area.

From Patrol Base Chakaw, one kilometre to the east, soldiers from B Company, 1 SCOTS, were able to watch as the suspected insurgents began digging at the base of a compound wall.

For the full article click here for the MOD website

PICTURE of the day: Wishtan – the Devil’s Playground?

By Major Graeme Wearmouth, B Company, The Royal Scots Borderers

Each patch in Helmand presents a different challenge to operate in. Certain places earn reputations more chilling than others. In the summer of 2009, Wishtan in east Sangin earned such a reputation. The sacrifices made by the Company from 2nd Battalion The Rifles based in Wishtan during that time are sadly well known, and recognition for their heroism well deserved. We picked up their baton and, halfway through our own tour it is worth reflecting on what has been achieved since September.

Outwardly not much is different. Our manning, equipment, general tactics and approach are similar. There have inevitably been tactical developments allowing us to target the IED layers with more success. We are wary of tempting fate, and our unofficial mottoes have become ‘a day at a time’ and ‘you are only as good as your next patrol’.

We have a long way to go on this tour and it remains a deadly battle. The margin for error is slim but we have built on the work of our predecessors, and the words of their outgoing commanders urging us to take this place forward still feel like a big responsibility – but one that we will shoulder.

The daily reminder to do our duty is the cross bearing the names of those who have fallen here before. Our path has, as you would expect, not been easy. We have had our own wounds to see to. But we have also had success.

Our success may seem gradual to the West but the significance of steps like successfully encouraging locals to use roads and compounds they previously have not, whether due to IEDs or a misplaced fear of soldiers, cannot be underestimated.

Locals are now more willing to come forward and speak to us, cautiously at first but with more confidence day by day. They have seen the time consuming and high risk clearance operations we have carried out to ensure their roads and compounds are safe. Their hopes are very similar to our own – security, prosperity and a better life for their children.

Most of the Afghans who remain in Wishtan’s high walled compounds, are wonderfully hospitable and show real understanding for the campaign that is being fought around them. Yes, they may sit on the fence due to fear of insurgent backlash, waiting to see who endures as the dominating force - but they do not enjoy the oppression the insurgency brings.

We speak to the victims of the insurgency – the fathers’ whose children have been killed by IEDs while playing in the street and the already impoverished who have their money and supplies stolen from them. These people understandably plead for revenge.

There have been isolated examples of insurgents rejected by the locals but we want to see this trickle become a steady stream and then a surge. That is the longer term hope and as the Afghan Security Forces develop, the people’s confidence to stand up will follow. In the meantime they quietly tell us about dangers and about the methods of intimidation they face. They attend shuras and quietly accept grants from the Government to develop their communities which are real signs of progress.

I will not claim that we have turned the corner in four months. This is a long campaign and we know from bitter experience that the insurgents have not disappeared. They have kept up their activity over the colder months but have been unable to halt the development work being done. This is a sign of the growing will of the local people and we hope it will continue.

Pictures: Lt Sally Armstrong, RN

Lieutenant Dave Clark recounts amazing Taliban shooting escape

By Chris Hughes

A British officer missed death by a whisker after a Taliban bullet blasted through his rucksack and just past his head.

Lieutenant Dave Clark, 27, and his men from B Company, 1 Scots were pinned down by heavy fire in Sangin, Afghanistan.

As they crawled to cover Lt Clark, of East Kilbride, kept firing his SA80 assault rifle even while calling in an urgent report. Fortunately he was leaning down into his radio set when the AK47 bullet hit.

He didn't even realise he had been struck until returning to base.

He said: "When we got back, I had a look and saw it had gone all the way through. I felt pretty lucky. I wasn't overly fazed. I was just pleased to get off the ground with all my blokes in one piece."

Lt Clark is now enjoying leave in Scotland with his girlfriend before finishing the rest of his tour.

Scottish soldiers set off on tour of duty in Helmand, Afghanistan

Scottish soldiers set off on tour of duty in Helmand, Afghanistan

The first soldiers from the Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) are setting off on a tour of duty in Helmand Province.

The battalion's B company left Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh yesterday evening, 30 September 2009, heading to RAF Brize Norton for a flight to Afghanistan, where they will be deployed as part of 3 RIFLES Battlegroup.

About 100 soldiers will make up the deployment and it is the first time they have been posted to the area.

Commanding officer Lt Col Charlie Herbert said the troops were both apprehensive and excited at the move. "I think on the whole there is a real air of excitement in B Company about the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead for them," he said.

"This is largely what they joined for. It's what they have trained for over the past six to nine months. Ultimately it is what they are good at."

However, he admitted there was also a slight air of apprehension. "This is a new operational theatre for soldiers from 1 SCOTS," he said.

"It is a new experience, going to Afghanistan , although they have got a lot of operational experience from Iraq.

"One must not forget they are leaving behind their families for a six-month period so there is always a slight air of unhappiness, tinged, as I said, with that element of excitement."