British and Afghan troops keep Helmand highway open

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

Jersey reservists swap island life for Helmand

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

Rifleman Remand Kulung killed in Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

‘Flying Robot’ pilot helps find IEDs in Helmand

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: Sergeant Carly Lambert. Soldier, mother.

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

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

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

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

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

Stabilisation in Afghanistan: winning the population from the insurgent

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

VIDEO – Troops Enter Sayedebad during Operation Tor Shezada

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.

Commander In Chief Flies In To Visit RAF Personnel in Afghanistan

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

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

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