20140430-Bn Newsletter Edition9 4SCOTS OCLAD-U

4 SCOTS The Blue Hackle

1

‘Disciplined and Ready’

Commanding Officer’s Foreword

The penultimate edition of the Blue Hackle and it is a crackerjack copy. The Battalion now has its largest number of soldiers forward in Afghanistan with 333 deployed. The recent arrival of Major Cameron Law and his team to bolster the RAF Force Protection of the Camp Bastion perimeter is the final piece in our commitment that has covered; RSOI, Force Protection and QRF in Kandahar, the RCBS, the PM Company and the defence of Camp Bastion, in addition to the command of the Manoeuvre Battlegroup. This span of contribution is pretty unique and testament to the high regard in which the Battalion is held, but, I know it takes effort and so thank you again to the ROG for making the deployment and recovery of over 600 individuals, so far this tour, happen. Looking forward to our return, B Company and the RCBS team leave shortly and their successors from the QDG are already in theatre. The remainder of us will return during May and early June, less D Company whose recovery is yet to be decided. However, the majority will return by the end of June, leaving a small party of volunteers here to hand-in their vehicles and return by mid-July. As soon as we have definite dates we will send this information home. Finally, it is a great privilege to have His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh present medals to us on 12 June. Over 200 of the Battalion will be winning their Afghanistan medal and for many this will be their first ‘gong’ – a special day. More details of the occasion will be published nearer the time but please put it in your diaries and come and share in this exceptional event.

Commanding Officer 4 SCOTS: Lt Col J C Roddis MBE


2


Manoeuvre Battlegroup

On 28th March, officers and soldiers from not only 4 SCOTS, but other battalions in The Royal Regiment of Scotland, held a parade in Camp Bastion to mark the 8th anniversary of the formation of the regiment. A role of honour was called and wreaths laid. Following the parade, everyone joined together for a BBQ and to hear stories of how a number of the Regiment’s battle honours were won by our antecedent regiments. These included Gulf War I, for which the Quarter Master, Major Gary Tait, was personally involved.

The end of March also saw the Task Force Helmand Headquarters, run by 7th Armoured Brigade, merge into the Regional Command (South West) Headquarters, headed up by the United States Marine Corps. This change meant that the Manoeuvre Battlegroup now works directly to an American Brigadier, becoming an even greater coalition force than we already were.

Over 350 members of The Royal Regiment of Scotland were on parade.


3


A Danish Leopard II Tank provides support to the Battlegroup during its operations.

With elements of 7th Armoured Brigade completing their tour of duty for Herrick 19, we at the Battlegroup bid farewell to members of 3 MERCIAN from the Armoured Infantry Company and the Price Force Protection Platoon. Having successfully closed Patrol Base Lashkar Gah Durai and Main Operating Base Price, their work in Afghanistan was done and they will now be back with their families and friends having some well-deserved leave. The Danish Tank Platoon and Estonian Protected Mobility Company still remain as part of the Battlegroup, but we have also gained 4 other components. Members of 9/12 Royal Lancers now man the Manoeuvre Battlegroup’s Reconnaissance Company and Warthog Squadron, C Company 2 Royal Anglian are dismounted infantry to work with the Warthogs, and Delta Company are

providing Protected Mobility in the form of Mastiffs. The month has, therefore, been spent conducting numerous operations with all new sub units learning how best to work in and around one another. It is a truly fantastic sight to see soldiers land in the desert in a Chinook, with Estonians, Danish tanks, Warthogs and Mastiffs driving around in support of them.

The UK CH-47, or Chinook, is a fantastic asset to use.

Although there are lots of new faces in the Battlegroup, some stay the same.


4


The Warthogs working in direct support of the Helicopter Assault Force.

Not wanting to be left out, C Company and Delta Company have also been training with helicopters so that they too can deploy and operate out of them should the requirement arise.


5


RSOI gave the jocks an opportunity to zero their rifles and refresh their tactical skills.

Exercise OLIVE GROVE – Jordan Assaye Company has now returned to Fallingbostel after a productive month in Jordan. With the end of Op HERRICK and the drawdown in Afghanistan in sight, Exercise OLIVE GROVE saw one hundred and twenty five members of 4 SCOTS plus attachments deploy into another desert to begin training for contingency operations. The exercise also served to further the UK’s links with the Jordanians, who we would train alongside towards the end our time in their country. Many of the company had recently returned from Afghanistan, and it was confirmed during the exercise that a platoon would be deploying afterwards to support the Task Force Belleau Wood Force Protection Multiple already in theatre.

Arriving in Jordan in mid-February, after being briefed by 2Lt Forbes that it was the ninth driest country in the world, many were shocked to be confronted by two days of wind and torrential rain. Having seen a lot of rain of Afghan winter, it seems the weather follows the Jocks wherever they

go! The weather soon cleared up however, and the company began the RSOI phase, zeroing our rifles, fire and movement training, an opportunity to fire High Explosive rounds from the mortar and lessons on the history and culture of the Middle East from Captain Charlie Dunn of the Royal Marines.

Assaye Company completed Ex OLIVE GROVE in Jordan.


6


The platoons went back to basics, living in a harbour under ponchos.

Having completed their RSOI and refreshed their basic warfighting skills, the three fighting platoons began the exercise in earnest. First was the blank firing, where each platoon got back to basics living in a harbour (albeit a far cry from the miserable wet Brecon woodblocks we’re used to setting up in!), and sending out Observation Posts and recce patrols to identify enemy positions, before launching a dawn attack to destroy them. Moving onto live ammunition, each platoon progressed from fire team attacks up to two extremely challenging platoon level attacks. Before entering the next phase it was then time to reset, with the company collapsing back to their Camp for a well-earned rehab period.

After the short respite, Assaye Company linked up with our Jordanian counterparts; two platoons from the Army and one from the Gendarmes, their specialist police force. We deployed out to a nearby FIBUA village for two days practicing our urban skills and drills together. Both nations were keen to demonstrate their tactics to one another, and it was interesting to see that while at times

our approaches were very similar, at others they were wildly different! Having rehearsed together, we then went ‘tactical’, working together to negotiate a tense Counter Insurgency situation in another urban training centre. The JAF then left until the final attack, with Assaye Company completing a 21km insertion tab and a final two days of reconnaissance. After being re-joined by the Jordanians we then completed our final attack on the FIBUA village, watched over by the Defence Attaché and a Brigadier from the JAF.

The jocks enjoying the Jordanian scenery.


7


Before returning to Germany there was time for a short period of R&R, with the company visiting Wadi Rum, Petra (taking time to pose for a group photo outside the Indiana Jones’ treasury), and finally spending a day on a beach overlooking the Red Sea.

Assaye Company outside Indiana Jones’ Treasury.

Officer Commanding Ex OLIVE GROVE: Major Cameron Law


8


RCBS March and Shoot Competition After seven months of debate as to who were the better soldiers, British Infantry or United States Marines, the RCBS Advisor Team decided to host a competition to put the issue to bed. The banter has been going back and forth throughout the tour, with the Brits saying that the Marines couldn’t run, and the Marines saying that the Brits couldn’t shoot. So a competition was devised to combine both. The ambitious 17.5km route devised by Major Kelmanson was deemed too biased towards the Brits, so a 7.2km course was agreed upon, along with an advanced close-quarters marksmanship shoot, with time taken off for every round on target. Invitations were put out to all of Camp Bastion, allowing teams of four to compete. Four 105mm cartridge casings that had been used in training ANA forward observers were polished and engraved as trophies.

The first team to set off, “The Old and Bald”, consisted of three slightly longer-in-the-tooth Marines, along with Major Kelmanson. It soon became clear that the rumours were true; a pedestrian run

time but an excellent shoot setting the standard for others to chase. Lt Col Roddis turned up with the “A-team” from Manoeuvre Battlegroup and ran one of the fastest times, proving that there’s life in the old legs yet - also showing up Captain Pemberton and his team of young jocks who came in a minute slower! 2Lt Rupasinha’s team from 14 Platoon ran the fastest time of the day and a strong performance on the range had many thinking the competition was wrapped up.

The March and Shoot was extremely well attended by both the British and Americans.

Lt Hill and his team tried to push the pace during the ‘March’ phase.


9


A succession of teams failed to challenge for the title. Too much ‘Op Massive’ saw Captain Challis’ team “This is STERGA” off the pace, but looking fantastic nonetheless, and a number of teams from throughout Camp Bastion couldn’t match the 14 Platoon time. With only one team remaining, 2Lt Rupasinha’s hands were on the trophy; until Corporal Stewart’s team, also from 14 Platoon,

came in only 30 seconds behind. A good shoot would see them take the win. All eyes were on the team as they lined up on the range and once they had finished firing it was clear that they had done well. A tense atmosphere descended on the range as the results were tallied.

Brigadier General Yoo, Commander of Regional Command (South West), arrived to dish out the prizes. Corporal Stewart and his team had won it by a nose, only 8 seconds the difference between the top two

teams. This meant that one round on target had been the only thing separating the two teams. The General was delighted to see that the winning team constituted a young section commander and three soldiers, “exactly how it should be”, and was keen to congratulate Corporal Stewart, Highlander McCraig, Highlander Lavelle and Highlander McLean on a much deserved victory. The smooth running of the competition was down to an enormous effort from a dedicated support team, and Capt Law, WO1 Ingram, MSgt Willenbecher (USMC) and Cpl Botto deserve the highest amount of praise for a flawlessly executed event. As for the debate between US Marines and British Infantry; the top RCBS team consisted of two Marines and two Brits, so the argument continues. It was an excellent day of healthy

rivalries and sportsmanship, and we look forward to running something similar on our return to Fallingbostel.

The Advanced Close Quarter Marksmanship shooting tested each soldier’s ability to effectively use his rifle and pistol.

The winning team of Corporal Stewart and Highlanders McCraig, Lavelle and McLean accept their trophies from Brigadier Yoo.


10


Recce Platoon – CP STERGA 2

This will be the last contribution to the Blue Hackle from STERGA 2 (ST2) as we look towards our return home in the near future. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to a number of people.

OC Recce giving the incoming OC ST2 an introductory tutorial on the ‘Brecon Point’, under the watchful eye of the Camp Sergeant Major.

Members of the Recce Platoon sit in over watch of the River Helmand.


11


Thank you to all of the 4 SCOTS representatives within ST2 for their professionalism, support and continual hard work during our deployment. It only highlights further why they should take huge amounts of pride in being Infantrymen and part of such a well drilled organisation. They have outshone their counterparts here in ST2 in every area and I have been extremely priviledged to have been in command and associated with their successes. Secondly, my thanks go to those back in Fallingbostel and the UK. Your support throughout our tour, and the thought of coming home to you, far outweighs any financial incentive as we near the end of a very long commitment. There are no pictures in the papers of the patience and sacrifices you have made, but without your support I know that the relentless hard work from the jocks here would have undoubtedly ground to a halt months ago.

There has been much achieved in ST2 since our last update. Not only have the scrawniest of jocks remoulded their bodies into what can only be comparibile to Hercules, but operationally focused training competitions have been run to keep the bodies guessing.

Corporal Coleman conducting HORN training. It is all too confusing for some.

The jocks regularly patrol out of STERGA 2.


12


Command of ST2 transferred this month from the IX/XII led ISTAR Battlegroup to the Manoeuvre Battlegroup. It is refreshing to hear the usual commanders at the end of the phone and the reassuring Scottish tone. A team was sent back to Bastion to represent ST2 in the March and Shoot competition organised by Captain Pemberton. Sergeant Verity was the team captain for the ST2 contingent and had us running around the PB and getting our fair share of ‘rounds down the range’ in preparation for the event. The team was not first, but was not last, and it really is the taking part that counts… The current focus in ST2 is the preparation of the base for closure by stripping out the unnecessary luxuries and packing our kit for extraction. Colour Sergeant Campbell has been cutting about like a mad man in a JCB, with work parties aiding in his stirling efforts to keep the camp in the best condition and well ahead of the curve for

whatever the future holds. His plan factors in the importance of Welfare facilities, which he plans to leave in place until the last safe moment. The pace of life will not let up now. The finish line is in sight but the hard work and concentration must continue until we return for normalisation and some well earned leave. Your support will, as ever, be appreciated throughout this time until we are enjoying some refreshing beverages together in the not too distant future.

OC Recce Platoon: Captain Edward Challis

Corporal Charles highlighting his Herculean chest.

A bracing morning jog with the STERGA 2 running club.


13


Op GLANCE Platoon – Kandahar It has been a good few months since the Op GLANCE Platoon last featured in the Blue Hackle. In that time, a number of the jocks have returned back to Germany to deploy with Assaye Company on Exercise OLIVE GROVE in Jordan. The platoon’s liaison officer, Lt Badger, has been replaced by CSgt Hagger who recently returned to the Battalion having finished his posting at the Operational Training and Advisory Group. More recently, Cpl Morell has been replaced by LCpl Anthony as the dismount commander.

During the first couple of months of 2014 there has not been a great variety of work in terms of actual operations for the platoon. However, with a fresh set of faces welcomed to the platoon, we have been able to keep ourselves busy and most importantly out of trouble! Over the winter months the platoon patrolled Highway 4 on a weekly basis, but now that the next

fighting season is just around the corner this will undoubtedly increase. The platoon is limited to what we can actually do during the patrols, but it has, nevertheless, still given the new jocks an opportunity to see what Afghanistan really looks like on the outside.

Highlanders Ferguson, Njorogem, McManus and Shepherd fire the MP5.

Corporal Francis and his new toy.

Highlander Gerrard absolutely loves the rowing machine (right).


14


Sgt Parker and I have been kept busy keeping the platoon entertained. With an abundance of free time on our hands, fitness has been a large focus with most of the platoon managing two gym sessions per day. The platoon has also taken advantage of KAF’s excellent sports facilities; at least once a week playing football on the American-made AstroTurf pitch. LCpls Bearman and Gray found themselves on an in-theatre Spinning qualification held in the British gym. This has allowed them to take Spin classes for the platoon a number of times each week. It is much appreciated by the Jocks as the cool, air-conditioned environment within the gym is far preferred to the hot and dusty conditions outside.

In April the platoon competed in its own Superstars event, similar to that run by the Manoeuvre Battlegroup in Bastion at the beginning of the year. At first, the thought of a 1.5 mile best effort run as the first event raised some eyebrows within the platoon, but as usual, in the end the jocks were swayed and a fun, action packed day was had by all.

Contrary to belief, the platoon doesn’t just ‘phys’ all day long! Since the last update, we have conducted two ‘pre-cadres’ for the jocks. In a two week package the jocks have been able to brush up on their basic military skills as well as gaining an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a junior commander. The first of these was held to the end of last year. The jocks found themselves learning how to give Explain, Demonstrate, Imitate and Practice lessons, PowerPoint presentations and how to guide their way around a navigation exercise. The first cadre was such a success that we ran a second one in March in order to give the new jockery the benefit. Time is now marching on. KAF itself is slowly starting to close down around us as part of the drawdown of forces in the area. With the platoon busy assisting in this drawdown, before we know it; it will be time to return to Germany.

Officer Commanding Op GLANCE FP Platoon: Lt Ross Pearson

Highlander Hackshaw; determined to push out some final reps on the leg phase of SUPERSTARS.

Physical problem solving challenges are an excellent way to demonstrate command and control of your team.


15


Delta Company, The Clan

Delta Company have been fully involved in Battlegroup operations over the last 6 weeks. The company had a short period of rehabilitation in Bastion after the closure of Main Operating Base Price. This enabled us to catch up with ourselves and ensure all management procedures were correctly in place for the vehicles and equipment. Since then we have conducted various operations to protect the freedom of movement along Highway 1, disrupt insurgent activity in the Qasim Bazaar, conduct a link up operation with the BRF, escort a resupply convoy to Sterga 2, and manage an operation to blow up 60 tonnes of unstable ammunition!

Delta Company Group on their way to Sterga 2.

Members of 15 Platoon (left) and 14 Platoon (below) on patrol during recent operations.


16


Through all these operations, the company has been developing its tactics and procedures for working with Mastiffs. The vehicle has proved to be very resilient with few mechanical problems; it has also proved to be exceptionally versatile, able to manoeuvre well in difficult terrain and support a number of different types of operation. This bodes well for the Battalion’s future role. It has not just been operations keeping the company busy. In March, Cpl Stewart and his team won an excellent March and Shoot competition organised by Major Kelmanson and his team. On Easter Sunday, Lt Ross, Lt Hill, Cpl McDermott and Hldr Shayo completed the ‘Warthog Marathon’, a gruelling marathon in the hot and dusty conditions of Bastion. Company fitness also goes from strength to strength with Hldrs Cunniffe and Mackie leading the way on Op MASSIVE.

Officer Commanding Delta Company: Major Will Colquhoun

The Mastiff vehicles are proving to be a real asset to the Battlegroup.

The company conducted Helicopter Assault Force (HAF) training.


17


Assaye Company Life has continued at some pace for Assaye Company throughout April. After a successful Exercise in Jordan, the company’s focus has switched to a number of new tasks on the horizon. Twenty five jocks have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Lt Gourd’s multiple in Bastion. Many of those deploying are doing so for the first time – increasing the number of new medallists in the company.

The remainder of the company have begun to make head roads into their MATTs, a series of annual tests that every soldier must pass in the training year. Drill lessons have also started, though the jocks’ enthusiasm does not seem to match that of the CSM’s! This is in preparation for several parades that will take place in Germany and Scotland over the coming months. The Sikh members of the company have received a visit from the Army’s Sikh Chaplain, Mrs Mandeep Kaur. Based in Shrewsbury, Mrs Kaur has been touring British Forces Germany

The trophies waiting to be won!

The bouts were hard fought; blow for blow.


18


to offer spiritual guidance and a chance for them to discuss religious affairs. The boxing team have gone on leave after a successful night at the Regimental Boxing. We won 3 of 6 bouts and unfortunately had 1 bout cancelled due to time constraints. No doubt we would have won that as well! Post-leave there is an aspiration to enter some of the squad into the Army Individuals. The boxers will also be involved in a new recruiting task that has come our way. Along with 30 Assay Company jocks, under the command of Captain Stark, they will deploy to Scotland for the next few months. They will be responsible for 1/3 of Scotland’s entire landmass in an attempt to recruit from our traditional antecedent areas in the Highlands and Island, Moray and Aberdeenshire. They will be based out of Fort George in Inverness and Peterhead in Aberdeenshire. This is part of an overall drive to recruit more young men into the Regiment across Scotland.

Company Second in Command:

Captain Frazer Stark

Seeing stars…


19


4 SCOTS in the Media The Duke of Edinburgh is to travel to Fallingbostel on 12th June to present medals to the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, it was announced this month. Prince Philip, who will have celebrated his 93rd birthday just two days before the trip, has been royal colonel of the battalion since 2006 when the regiment known as the Highlanders was amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Duke of Edinburgh will present our medals

The Highlanders have been receiving a large amount of coverage this month on the UK Forces in Afghanistan’s Facebook page. Run by the Combat Camera Team here in Helmand, members of 4 SCOTS have been the ‘Photograph of the day’ at least twice each week. Like the page so you don’t miss out!

UK Forces in Afghanistan Facebook Page At the end of March, all six Battalions of the Royal Regiment of Scotland gathered at Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh for the biggest boxing event in our history. It has been eight years since the Scottish infantry regiments amalgamated and there was much unit pride at stake. The Highlanders’ Boxing Team had spent weeks preparing for the bouts and 4 SCOTS had an amazing contribution to the event; with a fighter in every bout.

Boxing History for Royal Regiment of Scotland Although the Manoeuvre Battlegroup bids farewell to the Estonian Company this month, BFBS have spent some time with them to see how well they work as part of the coalition. Despite having a population of just 1.3 million, Estonia has around 200 soldiers serving alongside the British in Helmand Province.

Estonians Serving with the British in Afghanistan

To keep fully up to date with all that’s happening in theatre follow us on Hector’s Welfare

Facebook page, The Royal Regiment of Scotland Facebook page and the 4 SCOTS JustGiving site. All links must be accessed through open source internet. They will not work on Dii, RLI or MS.

http://www.royalcentral.co.uk/dukeofedinburgh/prince-philip-set-to-attend-medals-parade-in-germany-28185

https://www.facebook.com/ukforcesafghanistan

https://www.facebook.com/ukforcesafghanistan

http://web202.ssvc.com/news/articles/army/2492

http://web202.ssvc.com/news/articles/army/2488

https://www.facebook.com/hectors.welfarestaff?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/royalregimentofscotland?ref=ts&fref=ts

http://www.justgiving.com/4scots

http://www.justgiving.com/4scots


20


Other Photographs This Month


21



22


20140430-Bn Newsletter Edition9 4SCOTS OCLAD-U

Documents

Transcript of 20140430-Bn Newsletter Edition9 4SCOTS OCLAD-U