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42 Commando out, 3 Para in!
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.5397
Royal Marines Home From Afghanistan
Plymouth-based Juliet Company of 42 Commando Royal Marines have returned from protecting the forces building a base camp ready for the deployment of the main body of the UK task force to southern Afghanistan.
The 150 troops arrived back at Bickleigh Barracks having provided the Royal Marines contribution to Operation Herrick 4 in the Helmand Province and were the first British combat troops deployed to the area.
J Company were tasked with the provision of a safe working environment for UK forces whilst specialists developed the infrastructure at Camp Bastion and the Royal Marines also helped protect a forward observation post in readiness for the arrival of the main body of the UK task force. They worked with the Afghan National Army, Royal Engineers and US Army.
Foot and vehicle patrols were established to keep insurgents from possibly harassing workers. As a result, the work continued uninterrupted and the Royal Marines’ mission was therefore, deemed a success.
Company Commander Major Steve Lee said: “Helping co-ordinate security was my main concern to protect coalition forces and contractors. There were about 3,000 local contractor workers on site building Camp Bastion and local workers at the Afghan National Army base.
“The main threats we were guarding against included insurgents who have in the past have harassed workers on other projects and tried to stop them turning up for work. Improvised explosives devices and mines were the biggest potential danger while the insurgents also had mortars and there were thought to be anti-aircraft missiles present.”
A feature of the foot patrols was the interaction with Afghans who were surprised to be spoken to by military in a way they had never experienced. “It was the typical British way that the UK Armed Forces are now well known for and helped the locals feel more secure and helped them realise why we were there.”
The Royal Marines have handed over responsibility for the force protection task to 16 Air Assault Brigade.
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.5397
Royal Marines Home From Afghanistan
Plymouth-based Juliet Company of 42 Commando Royal Marines have returned from protecting the forces building a base camp ready for the deployment of the main body of the UK task force to southern Afghanistan.
The 150 troops arrived back at Bickleigh Barracks having provided the Royal Marines contribution to Operation Herrick 4 in the Helmand Province and were the first British combat troops deployed to the area.
J Company were tasked with the provision of a safe working environment for UK forces whilst specialists developed the infrastructure at Camp Bastion and the Royal Marines also helped protect a forward observation post in readiness for the arrival of the main body of the UK task force. They worked with the Afghan National Army, Royal Engineers and US Army.
Foot and vehicle patrols were established to keep insurgents from possibly harassing workers. As a result, the work continued uninterrupted and the Royal Marines’ mission was therefore, deemed a success.
Company Commander Major Steve Lee said: “Helping co-ordinate security was my main concern to protect coalition forces and contractors. There were about 3,000 local contractor workers on site building Camp Bastion and local workers at the Afghan National Army base.
“The main threats we were guarding against included insurgents who have in the past have harassed workers on other projects and tried to stop them turning up for work. Improvised explosives devices and mines were the biggest potential danger while the insurgents also had mortars and there were thought to be anti-aircraft missiles present.”
A feature of the foot patrols was the interaction with Afghans who were surprised to be spoken to by military in a way they had never experienced. “It was the typical British way that the UK Armed Forces are now well known for and helped the locals feel more secure and helped them realise why we were there.”
The Royal Marines have handed over responsibility for the force protection task to 16 Air Assault Brigade.
