Afghanistan CO's Update 7

Excellent work by Alpha's, and also it appears by the battalions senior officers to get the company its due recognition:

CO’s Update 12 – 16 Nov 07

"I felt that now would be a suitable time for a further update as there have been a number of changes of plan for the return of A Company Group and also to bring you up to date on D Company’s movements.

As you will be aware, when A Company Group deployed on 19 October we were expecting them to be away for just over a month and to return around 20 November. However, the operation that they were a part of finished earlier than originally intended and plans were put in place for the Company Group to return to Cyprus on 13 November (this was the date that I briefed the wives in the Dragons’ lair on 6 November). To be entitled to a campaign medal, a continuous period of 30 days has to be spent in the operational theatre, but on the basis of a return date of 13 November, the Company would be well short of the required 30 days. Nevertheless, much lobbying by the Battalion of PJHQ and HQ RC(S) in Kandahar was conducted in order to get the Company Group extended. Unfortunately, as they would need to remain in-theatre for at least 6 extra days with no constructive employment or activity, this was not permitted. However, due to non-availability of aircraft, the return flight could not occur before 16 November, which was only 3 days short of the qualifying period for a medal, so the lobbying went into overdrive. On the evening of 14 November, the required breakthrough was made. PJHQ agreed to the Battalion’s requests for an extension, whilst in-theatre, OC of A Company mentioned the fact that they would not qualify for a medal to the Chief of the General Staff (CGS) who was visiting Afghanistan. He directed that A Company Group were to remain long enough to earn a medal. Whilst this means that the Company will not return to Cyprus until sometime during the week 19 to 23 November, rather than on the 16th, I think that we are all in agreement that they have earned the entitlement to a medal for the operation, which at times included high-intensity war fighting. To have conducted such actions without due recognition would have been disgraceful. Sanity won through, even if it does mean a slight delay to their return to Cyprus. As soon as I have confirmation of the Company’s return date I will ensure that the details are passed on via a number of methods, including the Welfare Office’s use of the ArmyNet SMS Txt service, which has been invaluable during the recent period of turbulence and uncertainty.

Whilst we look forward to the return of A Company Group, the lead elements of D Company flew off-island yesterday (15 Nov) in order to fly to the UK to catch the flight to Afghanistan from RAF Brize Norton. This was primarily made up of those individuals who are to assist with the in-theatre training of the Jordanian Armed Forces company which is due to deploy shortly. There is also a command and liaison element which will plan for the subsequent deployment of the remainder of the Company later this month which will undertake a Force Protection task for Police mentoring teams. As you will be aware, D Company will be deployed over Christmas and are not due to return until well into the New Year. I am sure that you will all join with me in wishing them the best of luck for a safe and successful tour.

Finally, I would like to say how well A Company Group has performed on their recent operation. I recently spoke with General Page, Commander HQ RC(S) in Kandahar, who said that A Company Group fitted straight in, were well trained and highly motivated and were a credit to themselves and the Battalion. They were often in the thick of the action and provided an excellent account of themselves throughout. It would also seem that near the end of the operation they managed to capture a high level Taliban leader during one of their attacks onto an enemy stronghold. High praise indeed from the senior British commander in the region and well done to all who deployed and played their part in this significant and difficult operation."