Sangin – Then and Now in Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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".

To see full article, click here