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RECCE Sitrep as at 23 Oct 07
(Archive)
CAPT J P F RUSSELL — PLATOON COMMANDER
UPDATE FOR GUARDS RECCE FORCE
ATTACHED TO THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT
It has been a thoroughly bus period since the last entry on Army
Net. Two thirds of the Platoon deployed on the 28th Sept after
the usual RAF delay of 24 hours. No one complains about spending
another day at home however the strain on the families and the
individuals is huge. It seems strange to write it but saying
goodbye, however dreadful and emotional, is actually quite a
relief. Not least because one can then start counting towards
coming home rather than deploying!
The initial twenty six of us deployed and moved through Hanover
on route to Kandahar, leapt on C130 and landed in Camp Bastion
about eighteen hours after taking off from Brize Norton. Quite
and exhausting flight however no rest as we started RSOI about
four hours later. This is a series of briefings that are
mandatory to all troops entering theatre.
To be honest it was a very informative period, far better than
anything any of us did in Iraq, which was a relief. Thirty six
hours after arriving in Camp Bastion we were off again to take
over our jobs. Half of the blokes (one multiple) flew to FOB
Price at Gereshk under the watchful eyes of the Recce CSgt and
Sgt Newton. They were crammed into two Black Hawk.
helicopters, flown by the Americans, and zipped at low level
through the night sky to their new quarters. Likewise the other
half went with the Platoon Commander and Sgt Smith in the same
helicopters down to Lashkar Gah, a similar journey time but
south rather than east.
The new job that the guys have taken over was not quite what we
were all expecting. Having been briefed that the roll would see
us covering a gap for eight weeks protecting the RMP, swiftly
expanded in size to train the police! Clearly the Recce Platoon
of any Infantry Battalion is not packed with ex Police Officers
or indeed soldiers who know what is needed to be taught. Quite
an uphill challenge especially as the ANP is very juvenile in
its existence. Typically, however, the troops have thrown
themselves into the task with characteristic enthusiasm and
gusto. My opinion is they are lucky to have such quality
individuals teaching them. Clearly ranks have had to change so
the Multiple Commanders are now DCI Brack and DCI Smith! Whilst
he troops are cracking on with the job and working hard, there
is a definite look towards the light at the end of the tunnel...
deploying as a group.
The above won’t happen for a few weeks yet, however a lot of
work is being done towards getting us on the road. The Snipers
and Anti Tanks arrived on the 8th and 16th October and have
spent the time since trying to sort out equipment! It seems
ridiculous but because we aren’t (as a group) taking over from
anyone, there was quite a shortage of equipment. However after
some hard work, lots of the Platoon Commander and Sniper CSgt
belly aching, we are now in a position whereby we have all the
equipment we need. In fact we are well equipped and all we now
need is to finalise our vehicle fleet. This could not have been
achieved without the hard (and boring) work that has been done
over the last week or so so a big thank you to the guys for
their hard graft.
A bit of entertainment. . . moustaches seem to be coming into
fashion within the group. The boys in Gereshk are growing some
outrageous numbers that are definitely stretching the bounds of
Queen’s Regulations! They could all now be mistaken for a group
of Mexicans as the edges of their tashes magnetise towards the
floor. Natural I suppose if you take into account gravity. Of
particular note is LCpl ‘Doc’ McBride, the medic in Gereshk,
whose efforts are likely to terrify any prospective patients
into refusing treatment. The moustache phenomena is clearly in
the air because the ‘disease’ has spread to Bastion as the
Platoon Commander, Sniper CSgt and Anti Tank P1 Sgt begin their
quest for tash glory! The Platoon Commander’s is the laughing
stock of Task Force Helmand and is in dire danger of
disappearing if the wind blows too strongly. Great things come
to those that wait!
The R and R plot is now finalised and families and friends
should now be aware of when we are all coming home. The first
batch is really quite soon. Time is flying out here however
inevitably the few weeks before going home drag like the
proverbial clock. Anyway you should all know that morale is high
and all are enjoying themselves to one degree or another. It
won’t be long until we are ‘re-born’ as a Platoon and these
updates will start becoming interesting as the group starts to
see more of the province and country.
Keep the parcels and letters flowing and the home fires burning.
All your support back at home makes everything we do out here
much easier so a big thank you from all the troops.
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