Inside this issue:

Happy New Year

Firstly Happy New Year to you all, I hope you all had lots of bubbly, saw lots of fireworks, and made lots of resolutions that you are all desperately trying not to break. I personally am hoping to see more of my friends and family this year which is why this is a particularly exciting week for me. Not because of anything I am doing, though clearly being Regimental Second in Command of the finest Engineer Regiment in the Corps is exciting in itself. No I am excited because I have gone passed the 7 Jan 2012, and because my successor from H16 has been on this recce. This means that in less than one month and providing our friends they are friends at times like this in the RAF meet their part of the bargain, I will be on R&R in less than one month. Another good thing about this date is that my successor from 26 Engineer Regiment and his team will have started arriving in theatre in less than two months. The end is nigh. It is at times like this, in the quite - and as it happens exceptionally cold - moments of sentry duty, one wonders what it is we are doing here and why. I am guessing some of you at home will wonder that too. This is my third stint here in Afghanistan. My first was very different; I was a Squadron Second-inCommand up in Kabul when we first came to Afghanistan in 2002. My last was similar I was stepping up into the same job I am doing now but it was different because the area we operated in was much bigger so presented very different challenges. This time four months into the tour I pondered over what is it we are doing that makes the sacrifices we make worthwhile, or this really is a complete waste of time. Whilst at times it is easy to be negative, in the main I genuinely feel what we the military are doing is worthwhile. ISAF military are out here to provide security in Afghanistan. We are here to stop the insurgent Terry the Taliban from killing and intimidating the local population, to disrupt illegal activity and to set the security conditions that allow the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan both at the national and the local level to flourish. All the time we must constantly remind ourselves that the Afghan towns are not Richmond or Hull, and the rural areas are not Sussex or Northumbria. We are not is a Western European state, it never has been or will be, it is an Islamic state with very different values to ours we meddle with those at our peril.
Page 1

29 AES - Hilarious Look-alikes!

37 AES - The 2IC chained t o his desk? Ask no more!

44 HQ & SP SQN 16 Read about Q Reynolds new career as a BFBS DJ 77 Talisman Sqn The first UK run half marathon of 2012 18

11 Field Sqn - A hello 23 from the Sqn 2IC I am a diver !

Photo competition 34 Get your photos in quick to be within a chance of winning a Fujifilm s3300 Camera A winter crossword from Baby Hector 35

Messages from the Editor - Do not forget to claim you concessionary travel

42

Issue 12 12 January 2012

So what is what we are doing worthwhile? Well for what it is worth I think so. Over Christmas, as I was writing last time, OC 11 Field Squadron and his team were supporting an operation on the boundary of Nad-e-Ali and Narh-e-Saraj South. This operation was genuinely planned and executed with some mentoring from us by a combination of the Afghan Army and the Afghan police. The operation went well and it demonstrated that the Afghan security forces can do, and can do well. Yes there are areas that still need a bit of development, and this is a real source of frustration to the Afghans themselves, but broadly they can do. From our perspective the Afghan Engineers did a blinding job. As Sappers they are perhaps not as versatile as your spouses, partners, friends, sons and daughters, but what they do they do with vigour and passion and do well. Heads held up high from that operation, the same Afghan Brigade and Company of Engineers were thrown straight into another operation. The current operation will help to set the conditions for enduring security to the east of a fairly major town in our area of operations called Gereshk. This time 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron have taken the Engineer lead in supporting the operation; again initial signs are positive. There is a real appetite from the Afghan security forces and their Sappers to run independent operations. But, whilst they are undoubtedly grateful for all the support they are given, they are like a child riding a bicycle without stabilisers, growing more and more confident each time they deploy. They are proud of being able to do it and want there independence; this has to be a positive sign. Anyway enough of that - what else? 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron are busy doing their bridge at Malvern prepare yourselves you will hear a lot about the bridge at Malvern over the next few months. They have made great headway and completed the northern abutment concrete work, but it does not look like much yet, as he Brigade Commander said, I went to the site of the famous Malvern Bridge, I didnt see much bridge. Let us look at it holistically Sir!. They are also planning road builds and check point builds, closures and transfers. 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron are possibly into their last month of work up in Burma and doing an excellent job of it. The Trojan Armoured Support Group has also been in action, and is set for a busy month providing it does not break! 11 Field Squadron are still busy building roads, replacing bridges and handing over bridges as Nad-e-Ali moves further down the road of transition to full Afghan security control. Talisman Squadron hosted a half marathon on New Years day; it was a screaming success, though the RSM was seen hobbling for a few days afterwards and a few Sappers were gutted that Captain Louisa Gostling beat them so convincingly; man up boys! Well done to SSgt Simpson from LAD who was the first Engineer Group person in, whilst the first Royal Engineer was RHQs very own Will Taylor; well done to all a great effort! Since then they have been busy supporting combat logistic patrols and the Afghan operation in Gereshk I spoke about earlier. Finally but by no means least the Headquarter Squadron continues the relentless job of supporting everyone with resources and keeping equipment available. The work they do tapping into the external organisations that can make things happen fast and oil those metaphoric wheels of bureaucracy, that might otherwise slow things down is exemplary. With the CO away, the force protection multiple thought they would be up for a few short days and some long NAAFI breaks; unfortunately the Brigade Commander had different ideas! He is one of those people who tends to get what he wants; seeing their utility and expertise he thought he would borrow them for a while so they have been busy driving the top man around. We are on good form as we enter the last third of the tour. I think time is going to fly by so see you all soon.

Page 2

29 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Officer Commandings Foreword
Hello to the family and friends of 29 2012 finally! The turn of the year took a little time but the landmark has been keenly anticipated and is now a milestone we have ticked off. I have spent the last few days hosting the next Officer Commanding of 8 Armoured Engineer Squadron; he is out here in Helmand to prepare for their arrival in March. I dont wish our days away but a great feeling to know that the next time we see him will be to handover prior to returning to Paderborn. A couple of articles from 29 this time about life out here in Afghanistan. Some excellent look-a-likes too I hope they make you laugh as much as I did! Our tasks since Christmas Day have been focussed on getting our bridge task up and running, plenty of moving earth, pouring concrete and preparing with bridge rehearsals; no article yet but it will follow soon. On my most recent visits to tasks and troops I have been talking with each group to confirm my plans on return to Germany. My hope is that the dates for flights, medals parade and leave have filtered to you. I am unable to list them all in Trojan Times but I would highlight Thursday 29th March - Medals Parade in Paderborn. It will be a wonderful occasion in Paderborn filled with pride, showing achievement and displaying unity. I hope that many of the family and friends of 29 will be able to travel over to Germany and share in the celebrations; it is a rare military occasion and I would urge you not to miss it if at all possible. It will be an excellent and appropriate climax prior to departing for a well deserved six weeks leave on Friday 30th March. My turn to be on R&R when the next edition is published so you will have the Squadron Second in Command (Captain Kev Cameron) writing the introduction. Enjoy and I hope he is funnier than me! Best wishes, Si Carvel

Page 3

Op Herrick so far in Nahidullah

By Cpl Daz Abbott 6 Tp Days on tour = 112, Days until R&R = 25, Lessons learnt so far = too many to list!
We are now well into the second half of the tour and the start of a new year. It seems a distant memory when we were back in Bastion on RSOI finding our operational feet and gathering our thoughts as to what lies ahead outside of the perimeter wall. You could see the uncertainty on the young Sappers faces which seemed absent on the faces of the commanders as we tried to hide or ignore them and stay focused on the job in hand.

Concentrating hard on the task ahead

The troop arrived in PB Nahidullah a couple of weeks before me, as I had to catch up with vehicle commander courses before I was ready to deploy on the ground. When I eventually arrived in PB Nahidullah it was clear that we had many improvements to make before we even started other tasks around the Lashkar Gah Area of Operation. The winterisation improvements were made and it utilised our individual trade skills to produce an end product that we were proud to put our name to and show the Combined Forces (CF) what a troop from 29 could achieve. Looking back, this was a good task to break us in and prepare us for more technical challenges. This task also provided us with a good relationship with These muscles are all natural, the CF which only could ensure a more enjoyable stay. Liaising with the the 2IC does not believe ,me but CF at every location has been key to success. they are. With our first major task under our belt we were ready to take on section level tasks which the guys and myself couldnt wait to do as it gave us free reign in our approach and ability to overcome each task. It also gave us the confidence and desire to go maintaining our high standards. Each task is different, each task needs a different solution but never sacrificing standards. We overcame these problems as a section and as a result created a close knit professional section with the ability to read one another and react accordingly.

Wave for the camera.......

For the last month or so the troop has been split. 17 Section, Lt Tomsett and SSgt Warren-Nicholls were relocated to another AO for the Malvern Logistical Support Bridge (LSB) task. This left my section feeling like the grey men of the Squadron and feeling a little left out. After explaining that we still have an important role to play and still very much key players of Herrick 15 on an engineering perspective heads lifted and we were once again ready to take on future tasks. This also left me in a more responsible position with a vital role to play in the section. I readily accepted this and remained flexible, learned quickly and settled in to my new role. The Christmas and New Year period has been particularly challenging for most of the guys. Being away from family and friends at this time placed added strain on the section. Whether it was someone missing their wife or girlfriend, some ones wife expecting a baby, or just feeling a bit down the whole section pulled together to make the most of what was in front of us. Every man played his part in keeping chins up and the banter flowing. We have started the New Year with a positive approach and intend on carrying that through to the end.
Page 4

As time has passed and the tasks have mounted up I have learnt valuable lessons about the mechanics of engineering tasks on operations, about the people I work alongside and also about myself. Its very easy to become complacent and I have heard this many times in the build up to Op Herrick 15 and many more since the tour began. This has been firmly in my mind and if anything, it has made me more aware of my surroundings and able to read situations better. I have instilled this in to the minds of the guys. If I detect the slightest hint of complacency I remind them where they are and the harsh realities that surround them. The threat is very real and awareness to this fact starts within the seemingly safe walls of our PB to when we arrive on a task site. If at the end of our tour I can look back and say that I apDo I look cool, not just cool, but really proached every task in a procool? fessional and enthusiastic manner and all of my guys get home safely then I know I have done my job to my best ability. I can take the experience and knowledge gained and use it to pass on to others whilst utilising it to further my career. My advice to those section commanders gearing up for Herrick 16 would be to stay flexible, improvise, remain patient, be professional and keep a sense of humor!

Everyone together........Arrrggghhhhhhhhh

Page 5

Special Forces Resources

SSgt Will Matthews Echelon
I will be honest, when l was first informed that l would be heading up the resources sect (me plus 1) for our deployment on Op HERRICK 15, then perhaps like you now, l immediately glazed over let out a yawn. Little did l realise the challenge and logistical nightmare I would face every day as I tried to get the correct stores, to the right place at the right time for the sections of 29 Armd Engr Sqn forward. I mean, how hard can it be? On arrival in Afghanistan l started to immerse myself into the Special Forces Resources world and was immediately impressed by the amount of moving parts, logistics and personnel involved. Co-ordination was going to be difficult and a flexible can do attitude a must. At first glance it actually appeared quite daunting as a whole new world was presented to me. Left with only my hastily written notes and joined by my partner in crime and all time Res-Spec Ninja AKA Spr Dixon, we began to formulate a plan and take our first steps. Almost overnight those small steps turned into a flat out sprint, with days whirling into weeks and now thankfully into months. Its been a challenge, l make no bones about it but one that Spr Dixon and l relish and enjoy immensely. What may appear to be Groundhog day to the outsider actually varies massively with every tasks. Loads are prioritised and packed before being sent out the gate. It has been very physical, especially in the relentless heat of the first couple of months, meaning that at the end of the day you certainly sleep well and there is no need to visit the gym! Getting the equipment out once packed is no longer a logistical problem. With historical leaders such as Hannibal, Alexander the Great and the Duke of Wellington (considered to have been logistical geniuses) as our role models we have planned, war gamed (2IC really?) and then dispatched every task confident that we will get it right first time with the minimum of professional flapping. Depending on what it is and the quantity of it then lends itself to various despatch options our preferred route being Cpl Daz Pole and Spr Chris Saunders and their trusty EPLS truck. Every week, the pair of them whirl into Costa Del Bastion, eat all of the SQMSs mars bars and then shoot out again armed with a load of stores and a cab full of mail en route to the various locations.
EPLS are like buses, none for ages and then 3 at once

An EPLS loading up for another task

The outlook for the rest of the tour is one of optimism everything we do is improving quality of life, not just for our soldiers in the bases but more importantly for the people of Helmand. This improvement will be our legacy and one that we can hope the locals will maintain and appreciate as time goes by. So hopefully that gives an insight to where Resources fits in. After all, the longest journey starts with the first step.........
Where theres a will theres a way!

Page 6

Just for fun...29 Squadron look a-likes

Starting with the 2IC

The formal look

The Halloween look The Sporty look (look familiar?)

Recognise any of these people

Uncle Fester

Beetle Juice

Natalie Cassidy

Karl Pilkington
Page 7

37 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Officer Commandings Foreword
Greetings friends and family and apologies from the OC, who is currently on the ground co-ordinating a joint UK and Afghan operation, so it falls to me again to write the foreword. I am sure the OC will tell you all about the operation we are currently on, on his return in the next edition. Christmas is sadly over but may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. There havent been many public declarations of resolutions so far but judging from Spr Crumpss efforts documented below I dont think there have been any at all! (Try getting the OC to give up coke I dare you) Mind you I have promised myself that I will get up and run every morning but the cold is taking its toll, a chilly and grumpy 2IC is not an unusual site in morning. The Sqn continues to support two different battle groups and there has been some good work across both AOs. We have completed the refurbishment of a lot of the bases over the last two weeks and you can read about some of the specific tasks below. The G4 department have also been up to their usual tricks! This week we have also played host to the recce group from the incoming Engr Fd Sqns. Yes, I know what you are thinking, the end is in sight! It was a very productive visit and we have now tied down some of the detail, the good news is that we should all be back in Paderborn by 22 March 12, fingers crossed. The majority of us have been on RnR by now but there are still a few batches to go and if you havent seen your loved ones yet I should warn you that there has been a lot of Op Massive in the Sqn and several people are starting to get rather big. SSM Driver in particular has told me on several occasions that his guns look massive. As always I hope this finds you well, stay safe. Capt Dominic Riley

Page 8

OPS ROOM BANTER

Anonymous
So its about time you met the wonderful staff that keep the hub of the Sqn running, the focal point for everything that happens in 37 Armd Engr Sqn out on the ground. No, sorry G4, lot we are not talking about you. Were talking about the Ops room. Here for you all is a quick introduction to the members of the Sqn who reside in and run the Ops room. Sgt Lee Hubbard, Ops SNCO: Designs databases for the 2IC and generally avoids work by pretending his ground going days arent over as OCs Top Gunner. Rarely seen at work. Cpl Lee Foden, Ops Cpl: Apparently runs flights and movements of people. Mostly seen shaking his head and saying flights have been cancelled. Rarely seen without a brew in his hand. Spr Aaron Gooch, lesser spotted Sigs Spr: Never seen, at all. Too busy pretending to be a knocker on the ground or driving the OC round the AO. Spr John Surrey, night owl: Only ever seen during the hours of darkness often seen with food in hand. SSgt Rowly Rowland, media guru and resident complainer: must be because he spends far too much time in a freezing iso-container counting ECM batteries. LCpl Jason Weatherly, ECM store man and worlds slowest Rubix cube operator: last seen wandering around Bastion, lost but happy, cube in hand. Pte Ginge Lawson, clerk, laughably self proclaimed ladies man: Mostly seen buying supplements for Ops massive but never ever caught in the gym, too busy also swanning off on OCs Tac. So, if this lot of jokers are all busy doing not a lot, who does all the work you ask.. well refer you to the picture of the 2IC weve got him chained and well trained! (See picture on the font page)

Page 9

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION

by Spr Billy Crump, 7 Troop
My New Years resolution for 2012 was to try and stop swearing as much, for at least a month this year. On the morning of the 1 Jan 12 despite the continuous attempts of Spr Tom Balfe, Spr Jonny Whittaker, Spr Pete Broxton and Spr Jamie Peace to try to and get me to break during breakfast I made it all the way to about 10am until I read the guard list which read: Spr Crump - 6 hours on, two off brilliant and that was my 1st resolution broken. With that resolution failed, I decided to start a new one, which because of where I am, I thought should start easy; so resolution 2 was to not drink this year (as much as last year anyway). This shouldn't be hard seeing as we dont leave Afghan til mid March (ish) and I wasnt going to plan to much for leave apart from smashing up my hometown of Sheffield for the first few weeks then just have a chilled time at home with family and friends. This great idea would also help save money and keep my fitness high (easier without drinking). This lasted until I read my Facebook messages: two of my mates from 44 HQ Sqn, Spr Riccardo Darwent and Spr Joe Ingley, had messaged me; both saying that we should go wild this year seeing as Rics would be out the army and Joe would have the same leave, so we could all go away on another mad lads holiday. Last year we went to Magaluf but this time we had either Thailand or Vegas on the cards. Seeing as I'll be turning 21 in April, quitting/easing up on the drinks would be clearly be hard with friends like those two! So this New Years resolution didnt look like a good idea anymore either. So now with the 2nd resolution bined, I have decided with much thought, that New Years resolutions are over rated and Im not having one this year!

AN LADER ADRIFT IN AN RE WORLD

By Cfn Rob Stevens, 8 Troop
Back in Paderborn, a normal days work would consist of running up Bulldogs, Land Rovers and the CRARRVs, servicing them and changing parts in a workshop. That's a craftsman in a REME workshop around other mechanics and fitters. But here in Patrol Base Clifton its the opposite end of the scale. I've been attached to 8 Troop, 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron as the mechanic of the troop and the work out here on Operation Herrick 15 is very different to what Barker Barracks offers. If Im not getting a Husky to start (theyre always refusing), Im jumping in and out of Hesco baskets showing the Engineers how its done! There are 8 vehicles to look after here and because most of these are plant, they get thrashed day in day out, however they are maintained and looked after by the Plant Operators, that is all but LCpl Atkinson who seems to be more interested in the paperwork side of things! (Weirdo!) When there is no mechanic work to be done, I get my helmet and body armour on, shovel in hand and help the lads with the jobs around the Patrol Base - usually ripping toilets down or building new toilets.. Since Christmas, 8 Troop have had a mascot in the form of a singing snowman, which, without fail, is set off every morning by Cpl Cooper. On the plus side, at least we all know how to sing Ice Ice Baby word for word! Thats definitely going on my list of achievements from this tour!

Page 10

FOB OUELLETTE SANGAR ONE RE-BUILD

by LCpl Daniel Gardiner
Cpl Vinny Vinantes section was tasked to rebuild a sangar, as the original was in a poor state, starting to sag and given time would have eventually fallen over. We had to build a new sangar behind the old one. This was done for 2 reasons. a. The ground where the original sangar stood was on the edge of the plateau which made the original sangar subside. b. The old sangar could still be manned for our protection as we built the new and improved sangar. It started well and got worse! Building the new base for the sangar went well when we utilized the MWT (P) with Spr Robbo Robinson at the wheel. But when it was Spr Leon Higgs turn to fill the middle of the platform using the SLDT(P) with the crane, to fill the centre of the first layer and the complete 2 nd layer, it felt like the task was never going to be finished. We have seen snails move faster than he moves that crane. He got the layers of Hesco in a lot sooner than we thought (he must have cheated somehow, but we dont know how). Next task was to build a wooden framed roof, the task was flying or so we thought! When it came out, the roof wasnt built to the plans, oh the joy! This meant a complete strip out and rebuild of the roof. Then Sgt Andy Lapsley, bored of playing bubbles on the BGEs computer, took it on himself to come and give us an extra pair of hands to finish off the roof. It didnt take long before the new and old roof were off and the new (correct) one was put in place. The corrugated iron roof was not fun, my aim with the hammer wasnt at its best and my thumb took a pounding, much to the amusement of Sgt Lapsley whos laughter only made it worse, the roof was finished off by a layer of sandbags on top for additional protection. To finish the task, we had to strip out the old sangar with the MWT(P), this took no time at all to destroy, throughout the task the usual pranks and mickey taking kept the guys in high spirits. It was a good task to see in the New Year with a lot more to keep us busy on the horizon.

You would be surprised at how high this Sangar actually is.

Page 11

FOB OUELLETTE ENTRANCE UPGRADE

by Spr Callum Tommo Thompson, 9 Troop
28 Dec 11: After recovering from all out Christmas indulgences, Cpl Shaun Anderson's section (all five of us), were tasked with building two new sangars outside FOB Ouellette and widening the road into the FOB. The section consisted of LCpl 'Eazy' Lay, Spr's 'T' Cuffe, 'Sibbs Hawthorne, Craig 'TA' Handley and myself. Day one consisted of levelling out the road for the 'neo-web' which all of the planties cracked on with. The rest of us were tasked with building the first sangar. It was quite slow in the morning, however after scoff, the rest flew in. As day turned into night, the first sangar was complete. 29 Dec 11: As usual the morning was cold and bitter, but full of life as we cracked on into day two. The day mainly consisted of laying out the 'neoweb' road, which was slow to start, but we gradually picked up the pace as we got into a routine. At about 1340, one of the LEC's ( locally employed civilian) asked us to share a glass of the local tea (chai) so we all had a It looks like a massive task ahead quick break and shared a few jokes. The day passed without the usual tantrums that come hand in hand with any task (Sibbs being the main culprit). 30 Dec 11: Fuelled on Haribo and Mountain dew, we ploughed into day three. We started by finishing the little bit of 'neo-web' that was left to do, while Shaun, in his favourite toy - the skid steer, cracked on filling it. After scoff the other lads, started bouncing out the Hesco for the ANA sangar while I helped Spr 'Phil' Mitchell build the steps into the ISAF sangar. 31 Dec 11: The task is now nearing completion. Today we started by putting the 6ft pickets at the end of the new road for the razor wire concertinas, using every Sapper's favourite tool - The 'Monkey'. It also seemed to be the worlds heaviest 'Monkey'. Thanks to Spr Handley! Whilst Spr Cuffe and Hawthorne carried on with the fencing, me and Spr Handley rolled out the last of the terram to form a base layer for the road. 1 Jan 12: New Years day... But no rest for the wicked! Straight back to work for us lot! We started the day by placing the roof onto the ANA sangar. Once again we split down into two teams - one on the fence and the other onto the sangar. The road was now fully complete, and shortly followed was the ANA sangar. 2 Jan 12: Last day of the task! Minus Spr Hawthorne, we all got hands on the last bit of razor wire we needed to lay out, that was finished by around 1230, the last thing to do was lay a cam net over the ANA sangar. We then all tided up our mess, and left C Coy, 2 Mercian (who were very happy I have to say) to their two new sangars! Task completed!

Page 12

MORNING ROUTINE IN THE GROWN UPS TENT

Anonymous SNCO, Ech
You would think that the tent where the senior members of the squadron reside would be pretty uneventful and everyone would live in relative harmony, unaffected by their living companions; this is not quite the case. An average morning normally goes something like this: 0545hrs: SSgt Si Andersons alarm goes off first. He has no intention of getting up until at least 0630, but it has been going off at this time for 4 months never the less. When he eventually rises, the head torch goes on full blast which gets shone into each and every bed space in turn just to make sure none has slept through his multiple alarms. The head torch is then quietly removed before he trips over the table and kicks the chair over on the way out of the door for a run. 0600hrs: SSgt Rowly Rowland and Sgt Rub Hard Hubbard get up for their daily jog. This pair move as one unit, hand-in-hand and are rarely seen alone. Being more aware of other people being asleep Rub Hard will flick on his bed side lamp, this lamp contains a bulb so strong it has tripped the camp generators on more than one occasion. Rowly will then slip into his lycra all in one making the pair ready for their morning jog. 0630hrs: At this point of the day SSgt Facebook McDermott will get up and start moaning about pretty much anything and everything. Normally that the heating was too hot during the night and he couldnt breath; he was cooking and sweating etc. etc. etc. Not bad enough that he couldnt move 5 feet and turn it down mind you. He will then drink a health shake claiming he went for a run while everyone was asleep and then be the first one into work to take full advantage of the extra bandwidth for Facebook. 0755hrs: SSgt Dickie the hardest worker in the squadron Page will get up possibly. This depends on how long he has sat in the office the night before, brew in hand, feet on the desk, bluffing his case that hes a grafter; those years have long since passed, if they ever did actually exist. He will then spend the rest of the day transiting between desk and smoking area drinking his own body weight in brews that someone else has made. Busy, real busy! 0830hrs: Sgt Fraz Weatherstone gets up. Always the last to rise if he gets up at all. Although I have to be fair, hes been up into the early hours recently. Due to the darts tournament over the festive period and the time difference, this has forced a twilight viewing schedule and we should respect the fact that he still manages to put in a couple of hours a day, almost.

SSgt McDermotts Response

In response to the above allegations I state the following: Heating.well considering its a nice comfortable temperature when the lights go out, but then maxed out in the morning there are grounds to whinge. There is a phantom person who gets cold.I think it may be Rowly, who sleeps at the back of the tent with a big gap in the canvas exposing him to the outside or Fraz who sleeps in a summer doss bag, hmmmmm Fraz its winter in the desert so a summer doss bag is not the right optionwhere is your normal doss bag?? Oh, thats right in Germany!!! Facebook..fair one Im on there checking to see if I have any new friends I havent, but extra bandwidthno, I think you are mistaken, as when I get up there is somebody already logged on at 0700 maxing that out. (Ah hem QM!) Sgt Rubhard..You forgot to mention those hacking pants he parades around the tent in!!! He looks like he has borrowed them from a local. He also has a habit of talking in his sleep and was heard quoting PUSH BACK, PUSH BACK, Whoa, Whoa, Whoa. He could not remember what he was dreaming about but he doesnt play hockey!
Page 13

G4 IT JUST HAPPENS ON R&R FLIGHTS

In this edition of G4 It just happens and in the light of a morning in the SNCOs tent, Ill use this edition to cover an update on a few points on what the guys have been up to. This is simply because you can see how the SNCOs gripe about each others movements like old married couples. Its a cross between East Enders and Im a celebrity, get me out of here every morning. Since the first edition, we havent covered much on travel. As R&R is well and truly under way I thought Id relay a couple of tales from R&R flights, because most epics now stem from R&R travel as it causes the most anxiety. The saddest but most amusing sight is the guy who shouts about going on R&R, winding everyone up by rubbing it in to everyone else who has or hasnt been home yet and just wont keep quiet. Its not funny, but its this guy who gets the biggest cheer and applause when he walks back through the door saying my flight has been delayed. People on R&R flights are quite funny though. Some are really happy and excited, while others try to play it really cool and calm as they have probably been that person to return off a cancelled flight before. Some of the guys keep their cleanest set of combats to go home in whilst others keep the dirtiest set to arrive back in, probably so they look like theyve been living in a ditch and chasing chickens for meals. (This never actually happens!) On a few I think you may be in the wrong place for R&R check in, recent and you definitely can not take that Newspaper on board flights, the with you, it is not in a neoprene case. RAF decided that they would be loaded in height order as there is limited knee room in some of the seats on one of the flight legs. After the obligatory brief from a young RLC LCpl, he/she is pushed to the front of the crowd to announce that the flight is ready to board. They always open the announcement with the mandated Sirs, Maams, ladies and gentlemen, then announce can the tallest personnel load first and the rest follow on behind please? As you can imagine, everyone shuffles towards the gate to find a couple of tall people stood waiting. It must have been Prince Charming and Snow White I guess, because the Seven Dwarfs were right behind them. Now Im not being heightist, but they must have been spoiling for a fight! Im also not sure what the criteria is in the EU for a dwarf or midget, but it must be laid down in Brussels somewhere. Nobody cared too much as they just wanted to get home. Although it was pretty annoying as one of the Dwarfs feet didnt even touch the floor. The seats werent the biggest on this flight by any stretch of the imagination, but when he did sit down his legs were dangling off the edge of the seat like a four-year-old kids! It was just lucky that he had his body armour and helmet with him to stand on, or he would never have been able to climb up into the seat by himself. He must have been a test pilot for a UAV or something. It never fails to amaze me just how long it takes to get home compared to how quickly they can get you back. If its nothing to do with the time zones, or wind, why is it then? I must admit, nobody has really complained about the flights, bar the weather bringing some pretty unlucky delays, so it cant be too bad. Anyway, I bid you farewell until the next instalment. Were well over half way through now and on the short-side of the tour, so hang in there. Take it easy when the snow and ice come, as they will and I wish you a happy and healthy 2012.
Page 14

44 HQ & SP SQN NEWS

Officer Commanding Foreword

Firstly, let me start by wishing you all a Happy New year and I hope 2012 brings you all the joy and happiness you wish for. Our New Year celebrations took the form of a highly enjoyable yet competitive improvised Winter Olympics. The evenings entertainment was organised by Cpl Coops Cooper with a wide range of improvised events ranging from human curling, to trolley slalom culminating in a biathlon which took the competitors round a rather impressive course in the dark! On completion of all the events it predictably ended in a draw and the winner had to be decided by a giant game of snakes and ladders, which ended with the junior ranks being triumphant over the seniors. Hopefully there will be some photos to follow. We can now see light at the end of the tunnel as members of 26 Engr Regt have been and gone on their final recce before they start deploying during March. Things are slowly now pointing towards the end of the tour with meetings and planning conferences giving direction on what needs to be done before we start handing over. That said the tempo of operations and work is still relentless and the Sqn still remains extremely busy. The Sqn continue to be heavily involved in supporting the Engr Gp and currently there are individuals attached to both 29 and 37 AES assisting them on tasks. Members of the Force Protection Multiple have been involved in escorting the Commander of TFH during operations in support to the ANSF. The Deployable Engineer Workshop (DEW) has recently been reinforced by an uplift of civilian tradesman enabling greater production in support to both forward operations and Camp Bastion. On a lighter note, we have our very own Terry Wogan in our midst, WO2 RQMS(T) Si DJ Reynolds now has a regular slot on BFBS Radio doing the Forces Breakfast Show on a Sunday morning. Unfortunately the rest of the world will have to wait to hear his radio voice as his show only goes out to Afghanistan unless youre awake on a Sunday morning at 0300 BFG time when you will be able to hear him online. The Engr Log Node are currently in mourning as WO2 CSI Taff Martin departs for pastures new on his well earned promotion to WO1. He has been instrumental in the smooth and efficient running of the Log Node. We all wish Kate and WO2 Martin good luck in their future posting to the UK. Well as always it just leaves me to say thank you again for all your continued support, until the next edition I bid you farewell. Chris Darke.

Page 15

TFH ENGR GP QMS DEPT PROGRESS REPORT

By WO2 DJ Si RQMS (T) Reynolds
Finding the time to report from the busiest department in the whole of Bastion was a mean challenge in itself, so I have managed to lock the QM (T) Maj Darke away in an ISO for 10 minutes kicking and screaming while I give you all an insight into the half way stage in the world that is G4. All seems quiet when you first enter the G4 Zone, and its not until you enter the dark depths of the offices of the SQMS HQ Sqn and the USA/DFI (spare bits for vehicles) that the cogs that are turning become apparent. SSgt I like eating Webster and his elite team of stores technicians are hard at work ensuring the Sqn and pretty much most WO2 DJ Si Reynolds forgot to tell you all about his continuing career as a BFBS DJ. of the Regiment He started in Iraq hosting a regular show which unfortunately did not carry on after have all the equiphe left Iraq. Now he is back in Afghanistan his DJ career can continue. You can lisment they require ten online at www.bfbs.com/radio the very early hour of 0330 hrs UK time or 0430 hrs to function, BFG. If you are human and do not get up at such a crazy time to catch your favourite whether it be from radio presenter Q Reynolds has copies of his show which can be requested either a shirt on a solthrough Capt Peake in theatre or SSgt Allum if you are part of the ROG. diers back or some toilet roll for.you know!!!!! So its no mean feat to try and keep everybody happy, but he achieves that even if his body and hair say otherwise!!! Opposite him in another cave of wisdom, lurks the silver fox, Sgt I forgot my Just For Men Pumfrey and Spr please dont swear anymore Sgt Jere who deal day to day with the Quick Fit of Bastion which is the LAD, ensuring the at all broken vehicle fleet of the Engineers receives all its spare parts to make them work again. Many a day they are seen burning the midnight oil (not literally) unloading spares and killing the rainforests when completing all the paperwork that comes with the job. And if you thought they were busy then the middle office between them both holds the heart of the G4 Zone. In this heart contains the surging blood that feeds the arteries left (SQMS) and right (USA/DFI) and keeps the G4 Zone alive, they are Maj Please take those sweets away RQ Darke and..Me!! We ensure the zone functions day to day, sending random but important emails to all of the Sub Units to make sure that we get answers and look busy, and all the intricacies of running the G4 Zone.
Page 16

But have no fear my avid readers, these challenges have only merely scratched the surface of these professional mens capabilities and I will update you more on the happenings in the G4 Zone soon. To wrap up this progress report I kidnapped one of the Stores technicians from the SQMS office (after creating a diversion with a doughnut for SSgt Webster) to ask him ten questions on life thus far: Spr Jase Dell Dellow Age: 23 1st Time in Afghanistan

Is it what you thought it would be here? Ermm.No I need more work. Have you set any personal goals for your time on tour? Clearly Op MASSIVE, check these guns out (showing me his arms).and to learn Deutsch. Biggest challenge so far? Being away from my wife and daughter What is the first thing you will do when you get home? What is your favourite ration pack meal? What are they?......Big Mac, fries..oohhhh them, erm Chicken dumplings Who has been crated the most so far? Me, damn, but it should be the SQMS SSgt Webster now (hes laughing)!! Who is your best Euchre partner? Whats Euchre (its a card game)...oh I thought it was a Chinese dish Whats the best parcel you have received so far? Stores that I pick up daily mmm spanners, toilet roll, WOW If you were going to say Hello to somebody who would it be and why? My wife Isabelle and daughter Bonnie because I miss them loads What is the one thing you could not be without here in Afghanistan? My Laptop and a size 11-13 sock!
Do you think Op Massive is paying off?

Clean the house, go shoppingNOT, what do you think (wink wink) sir?

Page 17

77 TALISMAN SQUADRON NEWS Officer Commanding Foreword

Happy New Year Friends and Family of the TALISMAN Squadron, I am pleased to see that the New Year has brought with it a decrease in the liberal banter about the friendliness, alternative diet, slight randomness, eternal youth, general grumpiness and bearlikeness of some of the OCs. I was not so pleased to see, in the first Trojan Times of the year, the compromising photograph of myself and 10 Troop Commander bouncing around on a spacehopper-for-two on Christmas Day.......thank you team! This week we have hosted OC 25 Field Squadron from Northern Ireland who will command the next TALISMAN Squadron on Op HERRICK 16. It is really good to hear that their preparations have gone well and I am confident they will be more than ready to take over from us in March. While his visit marks the start of the end in some ways, we still have much to do here. The Squadron and the Troops in particular have had a busy middle period of the tour which is set to continue. This will include the essential enabling of the resupply of those based forward and the more deliberate clearances of routes in and around the Green Zone. Indeed, as I write this, 12 Troop are out clearing a route that will be vital to improving security in the area of Gereshk. When not on operations we continue to develop our relatively new capability so that we can hand it over in the best possible state. This also includes looking after all out specialised vehicles and keeping on top of our skills and drills too. In addition to this we have been keeping fit, although there are still some slightly funny walks out there following the new Years Day Bastion Half Marathon. This was an event that the SSM organised and with the help of his support team raised a significant amount of money for charity. If you have not seen already, there is plenty about it, including photos, on the Facebook Page....... On behalf of everyone in the Squadron I would like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. Take care and see you all soon.

Sam Hughes (aged 21)

Page 18

Camp Bastion Half Marathon Introduction

by WO2 (SSM) Jim Blower
Back in late October, the OC and I were chatting about some ideas to raise funds for charity. As I had previous experience of organising a half marathon (on New Years Day, in Iraq in 2006), this seemed to be the logical event to plan. After some initial thought and permission granted, the Camp Bastion New Years Day Half Marathon was born. I knew that it would take a lot of effort but that was balanced with the potential amount of money that could be raised for charity. We decided that the charity would be BLESMA the British Limbless ExServicemens Association, with a percentage going to 35 Engineer Regiment Injured Soldiers Fund a couple of very worthwhile causes. SSgt Pete Simpson and I wrote to various companies to try and gain some freebie prizes for the event. I managed to arrange sponsorship through Hesco Bastion (Camp Bastion get it?!), a global company known to all Armed Forces around the world, and Pete managed to get some prizes from a couple of running magazines. Hesco Bastion agreed to provide SSM Blower looking on in 1000 t-shirts (aim high thats what I say!) with printing and a start/finish amazement at how the runbanner. This was the catalyst needed to really push the race! Registration ners turned the wrong way out of the start point. periods were conducted throughout Camp Bastion and Camp Leatherneck (our US cousins main camp area) and spaces were filling up quite nicely. Blower FM was often found to be heard on BFBS radio and posters were placed up around the numerous locations in Camp Bastion. R&R kicked in for me, leaving the reins comfortably with the rest of 77 Sqn but only left me 1 day on my return (the flight was on time for a change!) to finalise any last minute planning. On the day of the event, the crowds were massive and at the firing of a Light Artillery Gun to start the race, 832 runners (the largest number for a single event in Camp Bastion history) set off Anxious runners await the start of the race on the 13.1 mile route. All the marshalls, water points and medical stands were manned by 77 Sqn personnel (plus a couple from the other Sqns thanks lads!). Most people were surprised that I managed to find some hills in Camp Bastion (I thought it was flat - honest!) but were overall pleased with the chosen route. A lot of personal achievements were met during the event and New Year resolutions were tested. An immensely impressive sum of $13,528 was raised from the event and everyone enjoyed it (or so they said!). Now, a couple of days after the event, I still chuckle when I see people walking like John Wayne, still a little bit stiff from the event! The TALISMAN Sqn certainly set the New The huge amount of t-shirts emphases how many Year off with a bang!
people competed in the event. Page 19

The Long Road Ahead

Spr Archie Archbold
It was the morning of New Years Day and instead of being alcoholically hung over, I was emotionally hung over as I was stood staring at the start sign to the Bastion Half Marathon 2012. I was surrounded by hundreds of people who had all come to raise money for a charity called BLESMA. With a loud bang from the artillery gun the stop watches had started as the crowd moved eagerly beneath the start sign and out of the gates, I set off at a steady pace running alongside 2 Umpa Lumpas who made me feel small and Gothams one and only Batman (Sgt Bizzle Betts) who sped off leaving a cloud of dust behind. Within 10 minutes the gaps had started to form and I was running at a comfortable pace gradually creeping past people, feeling confident but not looking forward to the part of the route on the airfield which I knew would be my challenge. When I reached the airfield the inclines had already started to form meaning I now had to start working harder as exhaustion started to come. I managed to battle it all the way up to around the 9 mile point when I eventually broke. Feeling tired and hungry, looking up at the short, cheeky hills that lay ahead but battling through it, I came across a marker who, luckily Batman was just one of the super heroes to for me, had a pack of make an appearance fruitellas, I was so hungry and exhausted Im pretty sure the first few I didnt even take the wrappers off. Walking along scoffing my fuitellas I gave myself a quick chat and was off again. Before I knew it, with a massive sugar rush, I was going at a good speed pushing myself right to the end. I had never run a half marathon before and felt so good about myself, especially because it was all for such a good cause. With aching muscles in the aftermath, I wont be signing up to any A bear in Afghanistan more for a while but I do feel good about my achievement and I now even have the t-shirt to prove it.

The OC looking strong

Page 20

My New Years Day Adventure

by LCpl Jacko Jackson
As one of the younger and fitter members of the Sqn Ops Room staff, I volunteered to run the Camp Bastion Half Marathon so that Sgt Andy McEvoy (2nd oldest in the Sqn) could rest his old bones in the Ops Room. The day started nice and early but with only cereal and fruit to fuel my high performance engine, I was slightly nervous. With Christmas being only a few days before, my mother thought it would be funny to send me out an all-in-one Elvis suit. This seemed like a great idea to wear at the start of the race with it still being so cold. With me being the athlete that I am, I did the obvious, and let a couple of hundred runners start in front of me! Spr Matthew Gibson, taking pity on me, decided to run around with me the whole way. Matthew had planned for this wearing shorts and a t-shirt while me, on the other hand, wearing my all in one Elvis suit didnt plan too well. This was great at the start, until around the 4 mile point. The sun had come out Thumbs up from the King and I had started to sweat, plus the weight of the inflatable guitar didnt help things with the wind blowing it in my face every 5 minutes due to the speed we were going! We were doing great, nice and relaxed jogging at a steady pace, then we hit the airfield. This is the point that you realise there is still a long way to go, looking in the distance all the time thinking to yourself, why do I do this to myself? By now, Matthew and I were well over half way round, then the hills started appearing from out of nowhere. I was under the impression Camp Bastion was flat! From that point on it seemed like it was all up hill and then we saw a friendly face with LCpl Pete Sparks marshalling traffic and fellow runners. We knew we were now only a few minutes away from the finish. The race finally finished with us crossing over the finish line in 1 hour 56 minutes. Im not sure what position I came but there were around about 450 runners in front of me so not bad to say the race Sgt Heath looks in pain, and started with over 830 runners.
a few of us know why....... Elvis is alive and running in Afghanistan Page 21

Trojan Tabbers
by LCpl Jeeves Butler
The 1st January 2012, what better way to start the New Year than with the Camp Bastion Half Marathon in aid of BLESMA. With over 800 people taking part and the majority running, a few elite members of 77 Talisman Squadron decided to challenge themselves by tabbing the route with 15kg. With some excited and others not so excited (mainly Spr 'Bri' Wilson), we set off. Leading the way from start to finish, Sgt 'Bruce' Terris completed the course in a very impressive 2 hours 3 minutes, with LCpl 'Sheeps' Molloy the next member in, in 2 hours 19 minutes, also, a very respectful time. The others then started to come across the finishing line in small groups or as individuals. With a great effort from all who tabbed, the effects of it were starting to show almost immediately. LCpl 'Bill' Hill struggling to walk, not the only one but the most amusing to watch, and LBdr 'Steve' Davies who's little toe had worn away down to his bone nearly, it was clear how much effort everyone had put in. Even the days after people were still suffering with stiffness in the legs. Regardless of all this, a great sense of achievement was felt by all that competed and a total of $13,500 was raised so all in all a great start to 2012, hopefully the rest of the year will be as good.

Super cool

Running in boots with a bergan - crazy!

Page 22

THE COMPETITON IS OPEN TO ALL PERSONEL INCLUDING THE ROG. THE WINNING PHOTO WILL BE FRONT PAGE OF THE END OF TOUR PHOTO BOOK. SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO THROUGH YOUR CHAIN OF COMMAND IN JPEG FORMAT, WITH THE ENTRY FEE OF ONE DOLLAR FOR DEPLOYED PERSONEL, ONE EURO FOR ROG PERSONNEL. COMPETITION CLOSES 15TH FEBRUARY .

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION SPEAK WITH YOUR CHAIN OF COMMAND OR IF YOU ARE PART OF ROG SPEAK WITH THE UNIT WELFARE TEAM.
Page 34

Hello Children! January is the first month of the year and its not too late to wish for some real snow to play in but until then you can keep busy with this page!

The story of the sausage dog...

Page 35

The News Years Humbug

Become a Squadron Second in Command they told me advertised it well they did, if I had a job description this is what it would read like from all I was told. Wanted, senior Captain with wealth of experience to run Operations Room in Bastion. Hot showers everyday, cosy bed and plenty of food. You will be required to coordinate, de-conflict and manage three troops across, 8 different locations including the scoping, development and resourcing of all infra-structure for two different areas of operations. Candidates should have previous management experience as you will have 100 subordinates to carry out your orders. Fun, exciting, challenging you say I know I was sold. Count me in I said. But this is not the reality now I know youve all been in suspense these last few months wondering just what it is I do so here, for those that are interested (of course thats probably all of you) is a day in the life of the Second in Command of Engr Field Sqn 2, 29 Armd Engr Sqn. 0700hrs: Sleeping do you really think I get out of bed or even set an alarm this early (Im not a fool) 0730hrs: Alarm goes off, pull back my 29 branded duvet, role out of bed, put on my 29 branded slippers and pull on my 29 branded dressing gown. Turn on TV (with 29 brand sticker on it) 0750hrs: Alarm goes off again sign, suppose I should have a shower hmm cant be bothered think Ill watch a bit more telly, that 29 sticker is just so damn sexy looking. 0755hrs: May as well have a shower and go to breakfast. I eat what I like because my body is a temple and deserves to be worshipped; besides I have a girlfriend who dotes on me, silly girl. 0815hrs: Into the office. Check emails nothing interesting... Apparently were supposed to have this big engineering task on, seriously whatever, when am I going to get to cut about in my tank in the AO, its got a really big 29 brand sticker on the side. I suppose I should do some work I know Ill see what Gostling and Riley have done and just plug my data into their spreadsheets. Ive got his really Gucci control sheet, but Ive forgotten where I put it! 1000hrs: Bored with the incessant demands of the troop commanders and BGEs (if its not a question about tanks I am NOT interested) its time to go for a snooze and a bit of TV watching. 1300hrs: Ooops overslept, oh well may as well go for lunch now. Got lots of emails about this engineering task so dull, what they need is some tanks. 1315hrs: Eat what I want again, cant be arsed with this working out rubbish, I am a man not some girly gym going poofter. 1400hrs: Back to work, still no emails about tanks, I mean come on, what does a 2IC need to do to get some armoured action around here? Did I tell you Ive been to BATUS 5 gazillion times? Seriously Im an armoured god me. Thats the way to solve Afghan, cut about in tanks and impress the locals. Did I tell you Ive been to BATUS? 1630hrs: Time to report to Regiment, think Ill write some rubbish about engineering stuff and complain about the lack of tanks. Now to decide which silly picture to send in, this funny one or another one of a 29 branded piece of kit, hmm think Ill go with the 29 badge again, its beautiful. Hmm wonder what else I can brand, did I tell you I have a cap, its awesome, its got a 29 branded badge on it, of course those pesky troops have stolen it again and I have no idea where it is but it does look awesome.
Page 36

1700hrs: Regiment appeased its time to hit the coffee and find some more stuff to stick a piper on. Wonder if that Riley character will let me go and stroke his tanks, they are sexy. Going to see if I can slip a 29 branded badge on the side of one with out 37 noticing, pretty sure I had those particular tanks in BATUS, did I tell you Ive been to BATUS about 5 gazillion times? 1800hrs: Damn it, spent too long gazing at the tanks, forgot to do any work, what do I do again? AH yes armoured god, its in the name you see Armoured Engineer Regiment, thats why Im so invaluable. 1830hrs: Run out of things to brand, maybe I should get a piper tattoo, now that would look cool. Think Ill potter around for a bit maybe watch a bit of TV and hang around the vehicle park till someone asks me a question about armour. 1930hrs: Finally dinner time, not a single person asked me about armour, still some silly sod left a Warrior unguarded, spent a happy hour pretending to drive it and making engine noises, I wonder how long it will take them to discover the 29 branded badge I put on it? 2000hrs: Back to the office, check emails, still nothing about tanks, some of the Troopies are still asking questions, will they never learn, still at least the OC isnt here; dont have to pretend to do work if he isnt around. 2100hrs: Woke up on my desk had a lovely dream about tanks, almost thought it was a nightmare till I noticed the 29 branded badges on them and realised all was right with the world. Check the emails one more time, nothing about tanks I hit ctrl-alt-delete. 2200hrs: Ah bed, so comfortable, Im really not tired, think Ill watch films for a bit, may be tomorrow Ill do some phys, oh damn it I forgot to call my girlfriend again, oh well I shot gunned her so it can wait zzzzzzzz. As you can see from the above, I am pretty damn important and without me the Squadron would ultimately fall over and what do I get for my trouble, irritating phone calls, nothing about tanks and I never, ever have enough 29 branded badges to go around I mean come on! And another thing - a few things that need clearing up

I havent just bought a car for a middle aged lady with 3 cats thank you its a Q I dont need to ask my girlfriend to marry me she totally understands the rules of shotgun I am not going bald, its just the way my hair goes. And GIVE ME BACK MY HAT YOU @@@@@@s it hides my bald patch

Page 37

Engineer Battlefield Graphics

Over the duration of Operation HERRICK 15 so far it has become apparent that a few key Engineer specific Battlefield Graphics are missing from the Engineer Tactical Aide Memoire. Luckily for us a few of the Officers within 35 Engineer Regiment have come together to produce the essential graphics, making it easier do explain the effect which the TFH Engineer Group are hoping to achieve.

Page 38

Page 39

Page 40

Glossary Ranks Spr - Sapper LCpl - Lance Corporal Cpl - Corporal Sgt - Sergeant SSgt - Staff Sergeant WO2 - Warrant Officer Second Class WO1 - Warrant Officer First Class Capt - Captain Maj - Major Lt Col - Lieutenant Colonel Afghanistan specific terms Op - Operation, mission, task (not surgery) PB - Patrol Base CP - Check Point SANGAR - A watch tower which is manned 24 hours a day to provide protection to a base Stag - standing in the sangar keeping watch and providing protection JOB - Joint Operating Base FOB - Forward Operating Base NES (S) - Nahr-e Saraj South NES (N) - Nahr-e Saraj North NDA - Nad-e Ali TFH - Task Force Helmand ISAF - International Security Assistance Force ANSF - Afghanistan National Security Force ANA - Afghan National Army ANP - Afghan National Police IED - Improvised Explosive Device SAF - Small Arms Fire SOP - Standard Operating procedure Sub Units Tp - Troop Armd Engr Sqn - Armoured Engineer Squadron Fd Engr Sqn - Field Engineer Squadron Hq & Sp Sqn - Headquarters and Support Squadron

Page 41

HESCO - Large flat packed containers made of thick strong wire containing a large sandbag. The sandbag is filled with sand to produce a large protective brick. The individual HESCO blocks are then used like giant bricks to produce a protective wall for our bases. HLS - Helicopter Landing Site Barma - Our drill used to find Improvised Explosive Devices with a hand held metal detector. Equipment MASTIFF - Large armoured truck with a with a heavy machine gun for protection. TALISMAN - A series of vehicles used to clear a route of improvised explosive devices. HUSKY - Another type of large armoured vehicle. MWT - Medium wheeled tractor (dump truck). SLDT(P) - Self Loading Dump Truck (Protected) - A small dump truck. Apache - Ugly looking attack helicopter. Chinook - Large helicopter featured in the film Big Friendly Giant. Sea-king - Royal Navy helicopter used as search and rescue in the UK. Merlin - Medium to large Royal Air Force and Navy helicopter used to move Troops around from base to base. Messages from the Editor If you are based in BFG, and you loved one is deployed, do not forget you are entitled to claim for journeys to see your family back to the UK whilst your loved one is away. Sgt Culley who works out of the main admin office in RHQ, is there to help. If you have any questions, would like to know how to make a claim, the detail of what you are entitled to or you would like to make a claim he will be more then happy to help.
If you hear any news about anything that might have happened in Afghanistan, which gives you cause for concern in any way, please get in touch with the Welfare Office on +495251101213. We will ensure that the team holds the most up to date and accurate information so that they will be able to advise you appropriately or deal with the issue. In the event of any casualties they will be able to clarify the situation, in accordance with the wishes of the individual or family. Many thanks

Page 42