task force helmand the week in afghanistan 20 …...2013/10/27 · weapons, ak variant magazines,...
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Task Force Helmand
The Week in Afghanistan
20 Oct - 27 Oct 13
Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 Manoeuvre Battlegroup, Armoured Infantry Company – PB LKD
Armoured Infantry (AI) Company disruption in
Kakaran: 20 October 13.
The AI Company deployed from Patrol Base Lashkar Gah
Durai (PB LKD) on the 20th October with the intention of
disrupting insurgent activities.
The Company deployed north west, using Highway 1 as
their main route. After only a short time, however, the
Warriors halted as a result of discovering a Pillow Charge
Improvised Explosive Device (PCIED) that had been
hastily laid in their path. Immediately emplacing a secure
cordon around the location, the AI Coy requested the
Royal Engineers’ Counter IED team to assist.
The Royal Engineer team conducted a controlled
explosion of the device, neutralising the threat and
allowing the AI Coy to continue.
The area into which the AI Coy were going was known to
be kinetic and so, safely battened down, the warriors
entered Kakaran to begin the disruption. As expected it
was not long before the insurgents began to engage the
Warriors with small arms fire and Rocket Propelled
Grenades (RPGs). The Warriors extracted without further
incident
The operation was, a great success and proved the AI
Coy’s ability to effectively cordon and resolve complex
situations while deployed.
BRIMSTONE conduct a controlled explosion of an IED found en
route to Kakaran.
The AI Company deployed in Warriors in Kakaran, Helmand
Province.
How to find and understand with a 120 mm
smoothbore.
The VIKING troop have been given a variety of tasks
during their deployment in Afghanistan, but this week’s
operation was a new concept in which they were to Find
and Understand in a specified area. Deploying on a
three day operation to the area of the Spin Majid Wadi.
Previous experience shows that the insurgents stay well
clear whenever the tanks enter an area and this
operation was no different.
The second task was a recce of Route Red and this
again had moments of interest when information was
recieved that insurgents were planning an ambush on
the Viking callsign. The tanks manoeuvered into battle
position in close proximity of the compound cluster, but
the insurgents made the wise choice to just lay low.
On the visits front the Danish contingent have received
the Regimental Colonels of the Royal Hussars and the
Dragoon Guards this week.
Two culvert explosions were detected on Highway 1.
Aerial assets delivered accurate HD pictures as part of
the route recce on ROUTE RED.
Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 Manoeuvre Battlegroup, Danish Tank Platoon, VIKING Troop
Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 Manoeuvre Battlegroup, Estonian Protected Mobility Company.
Continued Disruption in the Bowri Dashte.
The Estonian Company has maintained its
operational tempo with another deployment into
the Bowri Dashte this week.
The operation saw the Estonian Coy deploy into
the Haji Tahir Estate (HTE), within the Bowri
Dashte, for a two day period. The aim of was to
continue to disrupt insurgent activities in the area.
The Estonians have visited the HTE on numerous
occasions, to great effect, and this time was no
different. The highly successful mission saw the
Estonian Coy stop a number of insurgent activities
as well as uncovering several weapons caches.
Amongst the finds were a number of AK-47
weapons, AK variant magazines, ammunition,
grenades, and other components found in .
This is the final deliberate operation to be
conducted by Estonian Company 16, who are now
in a period of vehicle maintenance before handing
over to the incoming Company for the remainder of
Op Herrick 19.
Taliban propaganda.
AK-47s found in the Bowri Dashte.
Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 2 R ANGLIAN, FSU LKG
DEVELOPING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AT MOB LKG
Having completed the Transfer of Authority for MOB LKG Force
Protection on 17 Oct 13, 2 R ANGLIAN have focused on quickly
familiarising themselves with their new environment.
A number of patrols have been conducted familiarising soldiers
with the ground they will be operating on, and carrying out
essential tasks such as; resupplying out-stations, escorting
VIPs, and moving personnel around.
The soldiers are beginning to establish the baseline for normal
behaviour and atmospherics outside of the MOB and are
working to increase their understanding of the AO.
The Poachers have also been meeting the various multinational
organisations who also work from MOB LKG.
MOB LKG protection and search dogs with their handlers Dismounted patrol to the OCCP
Each sentry is briefed by the Guard Commander on the latest J2
picture prior to taking up their position
Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 STERGA 2
ISTAR GROUP
Recce Platoon, 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland
A week which has continued at an unrelenting pace. All
hands have been to the pump with visits from 3 COs
and supporting several operations. Every member of
the team have had their part to play with Base ISTAR,
working solidly for 36hrs to get the Livingstone tower
fixed. 5 GDA patrols have been completed as well as
mandatory Judgemental Training, Zeroing, Flu jabs,
CITADEL RHLX, Winterisation and the usual routine of
SANGER STAGS and other camp routine.
The Ops Room is now releasing some excellent
product as the surrounding area is becoming more
familiar, supported by the rest of the team providing
force protection via integral ISTAR and force protection.
A big foot print has been put on the ground and it has
not gone unnoticed from the Locals and also the
insurgents. A good week of progress which will
continue to be built upon.
Overlooking the Green Zone to the North.
Captain Anderson with his team for one of the
Mounted GDA Patrols.
Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Gun Groups
SO10 – J Battery’s Gun Group had a busy week involved in Force Protection, and has contributed to J2 with sound
observations from their sanger. Our trauma reaction team assisted the Medical centre with many ANSF casualties, displaying
strong team medic skills in high pressured situations. Though not engaging, we have been called on two missions. We have
received numerous visits, as well as hosting the MOB PRICE Darts Championships and Quiz Night.
C/S Witchcraft 14 - Capt Rae (Att to 3Mercians, FP Coy PCE) - The men of
Witchcraft 14 have had a busy week of targeting and conducting detailed area
searches from the air, the end of which sees us reach the one month point on this
protracted edition of Op Herrick. After a month of spectacular desert sunrises and
sunsets - no two weeks are the same in Helmand.
The incoming Force Protection Company at MOB PRICE, C Coy, 3 Mercian have
completed the RiP and are going through the initial bedding in period. Meaning
there has been some frenetic activity around us. The Mercian’s initial activity has
been focussed on stamping their mark on the FOB, building new relationships and
ensuring that no trace of their predecessors insignia remain .
Fire Support Teams
C/S Witchcraft 23 - Capt West (Att to TFBW) - This week has seen the Task Force Belleau Wood (TFBW) FST up the
tempo with their deployments into the AO. After an initial settling period the team have deployed with the outgoing 3 Force
Protection Wing and incoming 5 Force Protection Wing to provide and co-ordinate all surface to surface fires.
As well as providing support to the UK elements of TFBW Witchcraft 23 also help provide UK fires to the US Marine Corps as
well as the plethora other nations that make up TFBW. As part of the on-going defence of the Bastion Leatherneck (BL)
complex Captain West RHA and Bdr Ward joined a USMC combat logistics patrol and headed South to PB Boldak to help
support and train the USMC PB with the use of UK fire assets.
Gun maintenance is conducted daily.
Key Activity 20-27 Oct 13 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Gun Groups
Salvo 20 (BSN) - C Battery’s Guns once again were able to aid an Estonian call sign on 18 Oct by providing a
smoke screen in order to enable a successful friendly force extraction. Their Gun Position continues to be a point of
interest within BSN, as visits come thick and fast. This week hosting the Brigade Commander and more recently, their
American artillery counterparts from the HIMARS Battery.
C/S Witchcraft 34 (Att to WHG) - Forward-mounted to FOB PRICE
with the Warthog Group on 14 Oct, and conducted an operation
alongside the BRF on 15 Oct in Kakaran. The morning began well
with locals appearing benign and happily celebrating Eid Ul Adha.
The BRF detained a significant insurgent IED facilitator and seemed
poised to begin their extraction when they started to incur SA and
UGL fire.
Forward Air Controllers from the regiment did an excellent job of
controlling a large stack of aircraft and conducting multiple shows of
force/warning shots whilst personally under heavy contact. After
extracting the BRF from contact the WHG began the long return
journey to BSN, with excellent cover provided by US F18 and UK
AH64.
Fire Support Teams
C/S Witchcraft 33 (Att to BRF) - Deployed on 3 Ops in the last 3 weeks twice into the Argahandab River Valley and
one in the vicinity of Kakaran. The operations were focused on force protection for both ISAF and the ANSF. A
number of future Ops have also been planned across the TFH AO.
Salvo 20 engaging with smoke to support
the Estonians successful withdrawel from
contact.
Task Force Helmand Key Activity 20 - 27 October 7X Brigade Reconnaissance Force
7X BRIGADE RECONNAISSANCE FORCE (BRF) DISRUPT
INSURGENCY IN CENTRAL HELMAND
Having now fully taken over the reigns from 1X the 7X BRF have
sought to seamlessly continue the disruption of the insurgency
throughout TFH.
On their second operation of HERRICK 19 elements of the BRF,
supported by the ANSF, conducted a pre first light move, via CH-
47, into the Northern Arghandab River Valley. Concurrently a
second BRF manoeuvre unit, mounted in the Warthogs of the
RTR, were delivered on target from MOB Price.
There followed a successful clearance of the outlying Kalays and
of a complex irrigation system to the South. The operation also
provided an opportunity to iron out the issues associated with
the integration of ANSF units into our own ORBAT.
Having seen no harassment from the local insurgency the BRF
were able to exfil back to Bastion during daylight hours, again
via CH-47, with the WHG units conducting a road move back to
MOB Price.
A soldier from 7x BRF observes his arcs during a successful
disruption of the insurgency in Central Helmand
BRF c/s interact with LNs
Joint Force Support(A)
The Week in
Afghanistan
19 - 25 Oct 13
Joint Force Support Key Activity 19 - 25 Oct 13 2 Close Support Logistic Regiment
CSLR in the media!
The media were in town this week, with 45 Close Support Squadron
playing host to the ITV production team on Thursday. LCpl Fowler,
attached from 158 Transport Regiment (Reserve) has been the star
of the show, soaking up the majority of the media limelight. However,
Squadron Sergeant Major Sinar, never to be outdone, did manage a
interview to camera when he thought that no one else was watching!
Meanwhile the logistic effort continues with a Combat Logistic Patrol
visiting Main Operating Base (MOB) Price, Patrol Base Lashkar Gah
Durai, and MOB Lashkar Gah.
Joint Force Support Key Activity 19 – 25 Oct 13 Theatre Logistic Group
Transfer Of Authority Complete
The General Support Squadron are now complete in theatre, the
Transfer of Authority was completed 20 Oct 13. The Vehicle
Replenishment Section has conducted various Rehearsal of Concept
drills to ensure all personnel are conversant with their processes and
procedures. All Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) operators
have received an MHE safety brief and all vehicle operators have been
inducted at the Bastion servicing bay. The Close Support Ammunition
Detachment has now ceased small scale demolitions, focusing on
large scale Logistic Demolitions which are due to start
imminently. This week has been focused on clearing a significant
number of Issue Vouchers within the Medical Detachment, where a
dedicated team has made impressive inroads into this lengthy task.
Forward Troop deployed a section to Lashkar Gah in support of the
Logistic Support Teams that are currently engaged in assessing the
redeployment of materiel. Whilst in Bastion the Theatre Container
Manager is conducting a reconciliation of accounts in order to establish
the HERRICK 19 start state. Meanwhile the biological wash-down
infrastructure rebuild has commenced. Additionally it has also seen an
uplift of four ‘Rhino’ washer systems and is awaiting additional washing
and cleaning equipment. This will greatly increase the flexibility and
capacity of the biological wash-down.
.
Medical Detachment selecting items for issue.
Maj Lucy Anderson takes over from Maj Stuart
Ferguson
United Kingdom Medical Group Key Activity 19 – 25 Oct 13
Transfer of Authority of The UK Medical Group
On 17 Oct 13 the Commanding Officer of 5 Medical Regiment
handed over command of the Close Support Medical Regiment
(CSMR) to the Commanding Officer of 2 Medical Regiment.
Lt Col Carter ended his tour and retuned to Catterick while Maj
Pickering started his tour after a gruelling 12 months of Mission
Specific Training (MST). The CSMR consists of the Regimental
Headquarters, Role 1 Squadron - under the Command of Maj
Morris, and the Support Squadron - Commanded by Maj Moger.
The Role 1 Squadron are responsible for the provision of
Primary Health Care, Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and Force
Health protection of the force within Task Force Helmand,
Kandahar Air Field and Kabul. The Support Squadron are
concentrating their efforts on redeployment and the supply of
medical logistics to outstations. The CSMR is also making great
progress in supporting the development of the ANSF Med
capability in preparation for ISAF’s impending departure.
We have also seen Lt Col Archer hand over Command of the
Role 3 Hospital to Col Donnelly on 22 Oct 13. 33 Field Hospital
ended their successful tour with a wealth of knowledge and
experience they can take back with them to their UK based
roles. 203 Field Hospital bring with them a vast array of medical
specialists and support staff from their civilian employment. 203
Field Hospital are joined by a US contingent who have
conducted prior training with their British partners in the UK
before deploying.
The combination of the Role 1 CSMR and Role 3 hospital make
up the Joint United Kingdom Medical Group
Lt Col Carter hands over the role of CO UK Med
Gp to Maj D Pickering on 17 Oct 13
Lt Col Archer hands over the role of CO Role 3
Hospital to Col Donnelly on 22 Oct 13
Joint Force Support Key Activity 19 - 25 Oct 13 The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Kabul Support Unit (KSU)
Afghanistan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA)
Media Day
The main event this week was the (ANAOA) Media Day at which
both Afghan and western journalists were present. They were
introduced to the concept of ANAOA and shown the Officer
Cadets at work during their physical training, English language
lessons and drill instruction. Kabul Support Unit (KSU)
supported the day by providing all of the transport and Force
Protection for the UK and coalition personnel involved.
A Piper in the form of Maj Bryon Brotherton was invited to play at
the 208th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in HQ ISAF,
providing entertainment for the Naval personnel of Kabul. And on
the subject of anniversaries – the SCOTS DG celebrate the
Battle of Balaclava, fought on 25th October 1854.
AMOC Key Activity 19 - 25 Oct 13 Afghan Media Operations Cell (AMOC)
THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL ARMY OFFICERS ACADEMY (ANAOA) MEDIA DAY CAPTURED BY THE COMBAT CAMERA
TEAM, ‘ITV FOR TROOPS’ PREPARATIONS IN FULL SWING AND THERE IS A NEW RAF PADRE IN THEATRE.
The Combat Camera Team have been capturing footage of the ANAOA media day in Kabul this week. The ANA ran a successful
media day, which was observed by Major Tim James SO2 Media Ops based in Kabul. The ITV are in Camp Bastion recording
interviews and video clips, and of course building a stage, in preparation for the upcoming ‘ITV For The Troops’ TV show. Chaplain
Martin Sheldon appeared in The Star (Sheffield regional newspaper) this week discussing his role during HERRICK 19.