Bravos Afghanistan- Update 1 Deployment 2

An extract from the most recent blog

BRAVOS BACK IN AFGHANISTAN Update 19th May 08

Early April saw Bravo Company return to Afghanistan, following five months in the south of the country last year. Most of the Company deployed last summer however there are a significant number of new faces, at all ranks, getting their first taste of Afghanistan and Helmand Province in particular.

The Company Group is 115 strong and includes a powerful attachment from Fire Support Company. A number of enablers from British Forces Cyprus – chefs, mechanics, an armourer and medic have deployed with the Company and provide invaluable support.

Bravo Company are currently deployed to Musa Qal’eh; a small but symbolic rural town in the far north of Helmand Province. 1 R WELSH have been well represented in Musa Qal’eh since control was rested back from the Taliban late in 2007; Delta Company worked with the Afghan National Police until January 2008 and Alphas were replaced by Bravos in April.

With each deployment comes new challenges – both Deltas and Alphas deployed in the extremely harsh Afghan winter whilst Bravos have the searing heat of summer to contend with – by late April the 40o C mark was passed.

Musa Qal’eh is one of the more striking environments in Helmand varying from open deserts to lush green Wadis (river beds), all dominated by striking mountains. The town is a farming community based around the main Musa Qal’eh Wadi running from north to south; along its banks numerous compounds are interspersed amongst poppy fields.

The Company Group is fairly dispersed but coordinated to support each other across the area of operations. A busy patrols program and surveillance tasks mean that the Fusiliers are spending a large amount of their time on the ground in the rural communities interacting with the local nationals. The Taliban are currently focussed on harvesting poppy for the narcotics trade but when that finishes in mid May, it is anticipated that the tempo of fighting will increase and the area will heat up in every sense of the word. The summer heat is compounded by powerful and blinding dust storms which, every week, bring the desert into every piece of equipment, clothing and crevice.

The area is heavily mined with both legacy Soviet mines from the 1980’s and new Taliban Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The threat to vehicles and foot soldiers moving is very high and will combine with fighting in the summer months to create an extremely challenging and hostile environment in which to work. The challenges of winning the local population and getting them to reject the Taliban are not met by fighting but the Taliban must be defeated when they show themselves – Bravos are well up to this task.

For the Fusiliers the conditions are basic but most have adapted their belongings to make the most of the situation they are in. Chlorinated river water is an acquired taste – best with a mouthful of sand. Those with a bit of “holiday weight” are happily seeing it disappear in time for the Cyprus Beach season and money should have been saved to quench thirsts on return; failing that the Platoon Commanders’ desire to incorrectly say “Contact” over the radio should keep the Company in beer for while.

To conclude, the Company Group is working hard in a challenging and hostile environment. The training, equipment and leadership from the junior commanders are all of the highest order and ready for the days ahead. The Company remain focussed and to a man relish the tasks to come.

good luck bravos.:notworthy:

Come on "The Blades" have a good tour "Keep Low Move Fast"

I have just returned from Afghanistan within the last couple of days. Bravo Company group are doing very well in Afghan and there morale is good.
The tempo became more intense from Mid May as expected and the Fire Support Group kicked **** as usual on several occations, however due to OPSEC i cannot repeat the incidents that occured.
I would just like to say Thanks to the Fire Support Lads that i have been priveliged to serve with on the last 2 deployments to Afghanistan.

GOOD LUCK BOYS, Andy Harrison make sure you bring all the lads back, you know what i mean!!!

See you all in 2 years after my posting to the Divisional Training team.......