The Bear Necessities

Inside this issue:

Welcome 2

7 Hq & Sp Sqn

Resources

Support Troop

REME

3

4

5

6

1st AES

11 Troop

Talisman Premier-

ship

2IC’s Thoughts

7

8

9

10

4 AES

PB Sparta

Jerboas Endurance

11

11

11

73 AES

New Home

Fiji Day

Golden Egg

Training Week

Modern Equipment

Importance of Transi-

tion

A month into Hel-

mand

Maintenance of Mo-

rale

12

12

13

14

15

16

16

17

18

A day in life of SSgt

Hill

Work hard, play hard

Glossary

19

20

21

19

Page 1

Commanding Officer’s Foreword (Lt Col PB Nicholson)

THE BEAR NECESSITIES EDITION 1

Time has really flown and it is hard to believe that we have already reached the 2 month point in our tour. Work continues apace and the Regiment finds itself at the forefront of most of the ongoing operations. The preparation of the many bases for winter is occupying much of our time at present as we steel ourselves for the bad weather that starts in late November and goes all the way through to February. You will get a feel from the attached articles just what we have been up to - and to be honest, it will only get busier over the coming months. The boys and girls have done me proud and have built up a creaking reputa-tion amongst the remainder of Task Force Helmand - long may it con-tinue. We have also seen the first people going back to the UK and Germany on their Rest & Recuperation (R&R). Please be gentle with them - they really do need the rest! I hope you enjoy the Newsletter & continue to fol-low us on the Regiment's Facebook site. Please look after yourselves and it won't be long before we are on the way home! Best wishes, Colonel Jack


Page 2

Welcome Welcome to the Bear Necessities, the monthly Newsletter from 21 Engineer Regiment and 42 Field

Squadron (28 Engineer Regiment). While the Regiment is deployed the Newsletter will give you the news

from all over Helmand province to tell you what your husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter is up

to. It will be broken down by squadron so you will get an idea of what type of tasks each of the sub-units

are up to. The Bear Necessities will be used in conjunction with other media sources such as Facebook

and hopefully regional newspapers.

The Bear Necessities will be published around the first of each month. If it’s late, bear with us as IT out

here is unreliable.

If there is anything in particular you think should be included in the newsletter let the Welfare Office know

and we will see what we can do. There will

also be a section called ‘Ask the Sapper’. If

there are questions that you have about the

tour, pass them to the Welfare Office and if we

can answer them you will see the answers in

the next edition.

Significance of the Bear’s

Fist...

21 Engineer Regiment used to be based in Nienburg from approximately 1961-1996, and was presented

the Bear’s Fist as part of the Freedom of the City. Since then it has remained on display in the Regimental

Headquarters and it was later adopted as the Regiment’s emblem.

The Regiment was also based in Nienburg before this time in various different guises, initially with 1st

Field Squadron, now known as 1st Armoured Engineer Squadron (or Talisman Squadron, or affection-

ately known as ‘Dog’ Squadron). The Regiment officially became 21 Engineer Regiment in April 1969,

having formerly been known as 1st Division Engineer Regiment.

Make sure you ‘like’ our Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/21engineerregiment

FACEBOOK

Christmas Post

To ensure that your post gets to your loved ones in time for Christmas, please be aware of the following

dates for this coming festive season:

19 Nov 12 – Latest date recommended for post from UK to reach CPs/PBs.

03 Dec 12 – Latest date recommended for post from UK to reach MOBs and Camp Bastion.

The maximum weight of parcels eligible for free postage is 2kg. All parcels and letters must be ad-

dressed to named service personnel.

To ensure that your post gets to your friends/ family out in Afghanistan, please ensure you address it

correctly with the service person’s Army number, rank, name and sub unit details.


Page 3

7HQ & SP SQN

Special Forces Resources Generation Game Night -

LCpl“Ash” Wilson Saturday was rapidly approaching and, as the losing team from the previous weeks “Quiz for Einstein”, it was the

task of the Sprs and JNCOs of the Engineer Logistic Node to lay on the entertainment.

Plenty of ideas were laid on the table ranging form the simple to the sublime, however we agreed on Spr “Jacko” Jackson’s idea of a Generation Game theme night. This would consist of 6 random games which would test individ-ual’s strengths & weaknesses, varying from skill, memory, strength and other games designed to test all levels of

age and ability.

However, before the night could happen there was plenty of work to be done, this would require a team of consum-mate professionals that had an eye for detail and flare for showbiz, but alas, the X Factor judges were not available. No worries, we soon got volunteers, Cpl “Tiger” Fields was in charge of promotion and set about making flyers adver-

tising the night, he also compiled a vast array of questions that he would later use on the teams.

Spr Jackson and I would be free to construct the set required to pull of this work of genius. So using scrap wood and turning the clock back to gives us time to work, we cracked on. In no time we had what was need and all completed in total secrecy, this secrecy was to prove important, especially as everyone was asking questions. Trying to keep aspects of the night secret was proving harder than the three of us thought, but with help from Capt Walker, the Troop Commander,

we succeeded.

Saturday was upon us and now the rush was on to get everything in place ready for the evening, who would have thought a running machine would be so heavy? Everything was in place and looking the part, we even had to place an armed guard on to deter those inquisitive individuals. As it drew closer to time it was good to see

everyone talking and worrying about what the night held.

With Spr “Jacko” Jackson playing ‘Master of Ceremonies’, the en-tertainment began. The first game was for the artistic, Pictionary. Up stepped the budding Rolf Harris’s, who had just 3 mins to draw as many of the given items as they could for their team to guess. Most teams managed a modest amount, however, up stepped none other than Capt “Monet” McCracken, who was given his first

item to draw, which was a piano. To be honest it was a very poor effort that gave his team no chance of guessing.

Next was a game for the Beckhams, getting as many footballs through the scored holes in 3 mins. A star of this was none other than SSgt “Can’t Bend It Like Beckham” Gibson from the Resources Troop Massive. The footballs were

flying everywhere apart from the direction of the score board; I think he should stick to ISO containers.

No sooner had the balls stopped moving than the next game was on them. Block Bridging. This required strength and cunning to place a block of wood a far as possible and recover yourself on the remaining block without touching the ground. There were some stars here; Lt “Rosie” Brooks proved that intelligence over strength was the way for-ward, producing a credible distance over the REME boys. Although the star was Spr “Freddy” Fredrick, who not only managed to place his block the furthest but held his body off the ground and recover, when Ninjas and Titans would

fail.

A short break, scores added then BANG, back into it. This time it was the mysterious “Touchy, Feelie” game, Jacko’s brain child. Eight members of each team were blindfolded, positioned in front of a box with hand holes, then had 3 mins to guess as many objects they could feel. Let the chaos begin, cold noodles were flicked, boiled eggs were squeezed and the fly paper stuck, the Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) felt that he had guessed them all, as

well as worn most of it.

The weighted quiz came and went with Sgt “Chief” Robertson spending the least amount of time out of anyone hold-ing the weights due to ‘the brain’ (that is the Officer Commanding the Squadron – Major McGhee); I think Spr “High

Tower” Bingham was just there for effect.

Page 3

Sgt Gaynor on the ‘blocks’


Page 4

ing the weights due to ‘the brain’ (that is the Officer Commanding (OC) the Squad-

ron – Maj McGhee); I think Spr “ Tower” Bingham was just there for effect.

With the scores being added and everything to play for, the final game was on. This was the generation game conveyor belt. Cpl “Tiger” Fields and myself took our positions placing items on the running machine, whilst the contestants tried to remember what they saw. The speed was a nice steady number, similar to that of the SSM’s running pace. With all the items through the team members were taken to the “booth” (or Welfare Room) to write down what they saw. Some interesting items where remembered, from where we are still not sure, especially when SSgt Neve said he wrote a fridge down……With the scores of the final game in, all that

was left to do was announce the winners:

Resources Troop Massive.

With the Cone Heads (Construction Supervision Cell) last and the ever vocal REME Light Aid Detachment close to the bottom as well. Just goes to show the

intellect can only go so far.

A Day of Adventures in the Resources Troop - Spr High No day is ever the same, and in the words of Sir Winston Churchill “Everyone has his day and some days last longer

than others”, this was to be one of those days.

The day started as every other would, a bit of physical training, shower; breakfast then off to the Log Park for a day of resourcing. This day I was tasked with operating the RTCH, which is a 53 Tonne ISO container moving machine, which due to its shear size requires concentration and skill, and dependant on location of the ISO that need moving

can be quite difficult. But as the ever ready Sapper I am, I prepared for the day’s tasks.

The tasks came thick and fast, especially as we (Logistics Node) were reducing the size of our yard, the ISOs that were used to make the perimeter had to be moved to their new location and the perimeter had to be in place before nightfall. This we achieved just before the sun dipped its orange glowing head behind the perimeter fence, leaving

an orange yellow hue that spreads across the sky. A sunset worthy of an Artist’s eye.

As myself and Spr “Big Nose” Scouse Range were about to park up and close down the RTCH, dreaming of the lovely soft chocolaty taste of the cookhouse brownies smothered in ice cream, came the news “its going to be a late

one lads”, good old Troopy, Captain Walker. You could hear the eyeballs hit the floor.

However, being the consummate professional Squadron, we awaited the tasks. One of the Squadron’s had been tasked to construct two Temporary Check Points (TCP) in support of the Afghan National Security Forces, and it was happening quickly. That was it, jobs were given and the lads cracked on, scurrying around to locate the resources. Once identified we then had to pack them into ISOs, not as easy as you may think, there are a lot of considerations when packing resources. Firstly, we have to consider the situation on the ground and whether the guys have the

same equipment as us to move the large loads, if not we pack so they can handle this with the minimum of trouble.

Being resources, we are producing amazing efforts to ensure that missions go ahead and any task that comes our way is completed to a high standard; ensuring vital resources are

dispatched to the Sqns in a timely manner.

The task continued into the night with everyone playing a part, including the troop management, depends on what they deem to be help. In all seriousness, time flew, with a fine balance of Squaddie humour, Spr “Porky” Blake, looks like he should be fat but isn’t, and his bad jockeying with the fork lift trucks, and the

swiftness and professionalism of a finely tuned resources troop.

All this was completed and by 0230, a job well done. As I walked back to my tent ready to maximise as much sleep as I could with what was left of the night, I knew that in a few hours there would

be a different day with different tasks and challenges.

Spr Jackson and Cfn Ivinson

The RTCH in action at the ISO park


Page 5

Life in the Support Troop—Spr Rakabu

I am Spr Rakabu and I’m on my second tour of Afghanistan. Previously, I was here on Operation Herrick 12. A lot has changed since the last time we were out here, so has the training and equipment we use.

I am with 7 HQ and Spt Sqn and my role on this tour is in the Escort Multiple. Despite being on a winter tour it’s still hot. It takes about one to two weeks to acclimatize out here, but with the physical training we went through during our Mission Specific Training in the UK, we were pre-pared to work through this kind of weather.

Most of the guys are looking forward to going out on the ground because they have confidence in the kit and equipment we have now.

I have recently got back from being out on the ground with the Talisman boys and girls (Dog Squadron), who were supporting the Scots Guards at a FOB to the North-East of Camp Bastion, the area had a high threat of IEDs.

It was a days drive to the FOB from Camp Bastion, driving through Gereshk took the longest with all of the kids running alongside the vehicles, curious as to what we were doing and trying to talk to us. The task went well though and I’m looking forward now to getting out on the ground again.

Spr Mustart in action with Abacot—a remote control IED clearing piece

of machinery

ATTACHED ARMS

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Light Aid Detachment

Another week of fun and frolics - Cfn Yeomans

Another week down in Camp Bastion which has again been very productive for the LAD, was it a coincidence LCpl Millray spent the week on guard? I think not! We even managed to find time to paint the production office in REME

colours to make Sgt ‘Pirlo’ Francis happy.

The week started with the LAD hosting a games night with teams from 7 HQ & Sp Sqn taking part. The games consisted of soldiers and officer from the Sqn completing various challenges, some of which included the surprise sandwich (filled with hot chilli sauce), drinking a bottle of cold coffee with a hint of salt, as well as a few physical challenges. The combination of these activities led to many Engineers feeling ill and served as just revenge for cheating us out of the quiz and football! The event was ably hosted by LCpl ‘ISI’ Collier covering for Cpl ‘Cancal’

Pat Redmond who got on the first flight to anywhere when he found out he had to speak in public.

Cfn ‘Handsome’ Gregson finally deployed forward this week on his third attempt after finding some confidence and overcoming his fear of helicopters. Also this week LCpl ‘ Why am I not a Cpl’ Millray got quite a sweat on after eating a plate of about 50 mildly hot meatballs, with thanks

to Cfn Irlam who added a full bottle of hot sauce to the meal.

Cfn Dan ‘The Fridge’ Yeomans decided to run a game of footy for PT Thursday morning between the juniors and seniors to decide bragging rights. From the start Sgt ‘Pirlo’ Francis dominated proceedings with Capt Tom ‘he scores when he likes’ Holdsworth bagging a fine brace. The match was to take a controversial turn when for a no apparent reason the scores level at 2-2 and JNCOs on their knees, the refe-

ree decided to score the winning goal.

Page 6


Capt Holdsworth

Cfn King & LCpl Collier LCpl Balding & LCpl

Miller LCpl Byrne & Cfn Tho-

mas

LCpl Smith & LCpl Hindle


Page 7

1st Armoured Engineer Squadron

A word from the OC—Maj Young

A steady workload and strong camaraderie is helping time in Afghanistan pass quickly. Recent tasks have seen 1st Armoured Engineer Squadron clearing safe routes for a range of UK Forces across terrains of varying complexities. Our sol-diers are standing up to the challenges of maintaining their focus through long tire-some days and draw motivation from the fact that little moves in Helmand unless

Dog Squadron has cleared the way!

A starter for ten—SSM Aldridge The Sqn have now been in theatre for a month and already we have made a prestigious start. Each of the three troops have already rotated through their operations and reserve phases and have had an effect around the Area of Operations (AO) already. Although only a short way into the tour, the Sqn has been heavily integrating with our Search Task Force neighbours with the aim of maintaining and honing our search skill set. The vehicle fleet is showing signs of wear and tear, primarily down to this being the sixth tour the equipment has conducted, however the indi-

vidual crews and our excellent REME LAD are keeping the wheels rolling.

Our efforts so far have been towards clearing and proving routes around the Province for ISAF logistics patrols to transit on safely. This vital task has ensured that vital stores and equipment are being regularly delivered to outlying FOBs and PBs around the AO. Our troops have also deployed on a number of deliberate strike operations as part of an enabling capability. The Talisman lines have proved and cleared routes allowing ISAF troops to move into locations to conduct strikes on the insurgency. A number of these strikes have captured both insurgents and seized large caches of weapons and lethal IED component parts, disrupting insurgent activity for long periods of time. The Sqn’s work so far has provided safe, freedom of movement around areas of the

province for ISAF, ANSF and local nationals and in turn is creating the grounds for a successful and swift transition.

The Talisman Dogs—Spr Borwell

I am Spr Borwell, currently serving with 1st Armoured Engineer Squadron, it’s been an absolute roller coaster in the

first month in country but the results have been as exemplary as ever.

Our structure is comprised of three troops on varying notices to move and a reserve Troop that very rarely moves! It’s a pretty busy time for us, I spoke to Spr Watton a crucial member of one of the search teams and I asked him

how he was coping so far, he summed it up as fol-lows “It’s a hard job but Talisman battles on in these turbulent times”. What a hero, but then again he is a

Sapper, and a Dog Sqn Sapper at that.

With regular involvement on Brigade Operations, we have been clearing and securing the path for the In-fantry and Cavalry to move into the green zone safely. As well as guiding the infamous long convoys of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) or “ROAD WARRI-ORS”, I’m not sure how they’ve earned this name, I can only presume it has something to do with their regular incursions into the various Afghan ditches out on the ground! We enjoy the variety the job brings and the different units we find ourselves working with, including the Cavalry with their officers and their col-

ourful Downton Abbey style names.

The Talisman Line


Page 8

A big shout out is required to the REME lads here on Camp 603, as the vehicles are now into their 6th tour and showing the signs of wear and tear, however, slowly but surely they’ve bashed knuckles and grafted them back into some sort of order. My employment status out here is as a .50 cal gunner specialist, my main roles comprise of providing cover for any search teams on the ground and delivering a blanket search of the whole area in which our vehicles are deployed, it’s a hard job but someone’s got to do it. If I wasn’t so vital to these fine young men’s safety on the ground I’d struggle to get up in the morning but I leap up

and wait patiently for every tasking.

Joking aside, each man digs deep to work for his mates and his Troop. We are in fine morale and our spirits are high although we miss our loved ones. We take great pride in the job we are doing and our role is

an important one. When we are deployed we are extremely busy on the ground with some long days already under our belts, however, in camp the facilities are good, the food is spot on and there is plenty to keep us entertained.

Thanks for reading and sleep soundly knowing that DOG SQN are steering this ship and we never come off course.

An Afghan Welcome—11 Troop

Training started the day we joined the army, we all knew what we were getting ourselves into when we sign on the dotted line….. and now here we are ready to deploy. The Mission Specific Training was intense, mentally and physically, losing many souls on the way the brave lads that made it through thick and thin stood together tall and

proud ready to take on 6 months on our tour of Afghanistan - Op Herrick 17.

Training consisted of many physical challenges instigated by LCpl Lavin, such as the operational fitness tests aimed at bringing us up to speed. The ones lucky enough to pass moved on to the more rigorous feats, like the ‘7 bridges’ and Jordan mountain runs with WO2 (SSM) Joe Aldridge leading the ‘Wolf Pack’ as he likes to call us, his boys. Many challenging hills were thrown at us, left, right and Chelsea, all of which the lads overpowered and came away smil-ing ready and eager for the next task. Not only was this given to us, but there were also many mental tasks to pass, such as SSgt Andy Pearson’s Monday morning parades and the battle of the ‘G10’ store led by big Sunderland fan, LCpl Mikey Dryden, who also doubled up as our weapons training instructor. He made it his mission to insure that we were at the top standard with all the

weapon systems that we would use out in Helmand Province.

Typical of a soldier from the Corps of Royal Engineers, we worked hard but played harder. The lads of 11 troop got together to let off some steam at the Ripon races prior to departing. Our glorious leader, Lt Thomas Waite, stood there in his tweed hunting jacket, blending in perfectly and barely discernible from the locals. He placed a free £2 bet on the horse with the biggest odds and came away with £200, clearly a sign of the clear and thoughtful judgement that would be required in the days ahead. He didn’t buy his men a drink with his new found fortune, choosing instead to keep them lean and able, in turn helping them to adapt to the austere conditions that lay ahead and the need to find their own entertainment and sources of fluid. Always up to the task, the lads contin-ued their training in downtown Ripon, finding several watering-holes and later

tested their ability to forage for food and navigate whilst severely disorientated.

The day of deployment was soon upon us. The journey to theatre was long, but the lads never lost focus. While awaiting our flight in Teesside airport Bastion was attacked. This really got the lads raring to go but there were 48 long hours of delay due to the damage to Bastion’s main airstrip (Little Heathrow). We got to spend a day in RAF Brize Norton’s finest hotel, the ‘Gateway’, which had a great families day event happening on camp. Even Robbie Williams (or the best sound-a-like this side of Stoke) was singing! We finally landed in Bastion and progressed straight onto RSOI (Reception, Staging and Onward Integration) which adapted us to the true life of Afghanistan

Casualty evacuation and first

aid training—3 Tp

The Talisman Line

Spr Walters


Page 9

but we all know training is never truly over. This Powerpoint extrava-ganza was obviously a covert test designed to assess our ability to stay

awake and alert in the face of adversity and sleep deprivation.

The 1st AES was faced with the notorious task of Talisman Route Prov-ing and Clearance, a task which involves protecting other theatre assets in their Combat Logistic Patrols (CLP) and other tasks, such as proving and clearing treacherous roads which are riddled with improvised explo-sive devices strategically placed to take innocent lives. We have a motto that goes ‘Talisman - nerves of steel’ - we are modern day he-

roes.

It wasn’t long until 11 Troop had been called on to deliver a CLP safely to PB Folad. Cpl Sean Storey wanted to show Lt Waite what he was all about and ensured that all the lads were in tip top condition to get boots on the ground, with Cpl Jay Tyrie backing him up all the way and working as one solid unit. After an early start, Sgt ‘Wild’ Bill Dalby was leading the pack, trail-blazing a clear proven path for the CLP to follow and SSgt Pearson was at the rear linking up with the CLP ensuring they followed our tracks. We made our way down the route preparing ourselves for anything that was to be thrown at us. Thankfully, we reached Folad without any IED strikes or small arms attacks. Upon return to our base location, fleet manager Cpl John Curphey was all over the wagons with his slick communication skills, hand in hand with LCpl Roy Wallbank (REME). We got all the vehicles squared away, ready to go and do it all again. Mission 1 complete.

Reported from the lads on the ground.

The Talisman Premiership: First Match Report—Sgt Burke, 12 Tp

The Talisman Sqn are not all work and no play, when were not clearing and proving routes around the AO were a dab hand on the pitch. Throughout the tour the Sqn will be conducting a football league between the troops. Read

on for the first instalment of our match reports.

It was a late “Post Operation” afternoon at a time when dinner was nearly upon us when LCpl Gaz “Mac Attack” McNamara asked if I would like to referee 12 Troop’s opening game in the Talisman Premier League. Well, as my wife Louise knows very well, it takes a lot to get in between me and my stomach, but I couldn’t bring myself to turn such a privilege down. After all it isn’t very often these opportunities come along is it? Plus I don’t think anyone neu-tral was available. So when the match ball was finally tracked down the match between 12 Tp’s A & B Teams could begin, a fixture that was hotly anticipated, within the troop anyway. So with a quick message from myself to the two

team captains, LCpl McNamara (B Team) & Spr “Lionel Messi idolises me” Walters (A Team), the match kicked off.

Early on it was obvious which team had the mentality and skill and which team had the overall fitness & prowess on the pitch. It was end to end stuff with both teams testing the keepers and Spr “All Lungs But No Feet” Tetlow proving you don’t need skill to play football. Finally, the dead lock was broken by a sublime strike by “Mac Attack” himself. The team captain finishing with a screamer of a shot that not even the best keeper in the world could stop (helped

with a deflection from Spr Caldecourt). Game On!

Not to be out done and after some inspirational motivation to his team mates, Spr Walters equalised after an excel-lent team move. The game was hotting up nicely. This was then quickly followed up with a second individual effort from Spr Walters. This player had a point to prove! It wasn’t long until Spr “Joey Essex” Drinkwater added a third. The game was beginning to prove a one sided fixture until Spr Andy “Auburn Sunset” Lauder pulled a goal back with a thunderous shot that left Cpl Trish “All feet but no lungs” Hughes without a chance in goal, proving her prowess was in the centre of the park and not in between the sticks. The first half was then finished with a “Toe Poke” from Spr “I’m a Geordie, of course I can play footy”

Ward. 4 – 2 to 12 Tp A Team.

The Talisman line

Spr’s Drinkwater, Caldecourt, Wal-

ters, Ward & LCpl Green

11 Tp enjoy post match refresh-

ments


Page 10

with a “Toe Poke” from Spr “I’m a Geordie, of course I can play footy”

Ward. 4 – 2 to 12 Tp A Team.

The second half was what 12 Troop is all about; hard work, fitness, team work and lots of good luck. The “Mac Attack” leading from the front with 2 well worked goals. A Hat Trick! 4 – 4 with 5 minutes to go. It was make or break time with the A team defending with pride and determination. It was then, with only 40 seconds on the clock after an inch perfect ball

from Spr “ I’d be great in a Gay Dance Off” Caldecourt , that Spr “I should have signed for Barcelona, but joined the Army instead” Wal-ters capped off a “Man Of The Match” display with a sublime strike that sent shock waves across the vehicle park. The B Team after all their perseverance could not respond and the points went to the A Team after a great team performance. What an honour to refe-

ree such a spectacle of our national game!

To finish off, all of 12 Tp would like to thank both Cpl “Stozzer” Sto-rey and LCpl “Ads” Wilson for setting up the Talisman Premier League. If this game is anything to go by it’s going to be a great

season!

21C’s Thoughts—Capt Baines

The soldiers of 1st Armoured Engineer Squadron are providing a valuable service to the forces based around the Helmand area of operations. A constant flow of tasks is keeping everyone busy ensuring that freedom of movement across the area of operations remains high. Squadron morale continues to be elevated as a number of individuals

look forward to returning to the UK for their Rest & Recuperation in the coming weeks.

Spr Drinkwater & LCpl McNamara

Spr Drinkwater watches his header narrowly

miss

Dog Sqn take over the Talisman line


Page 11

4 Armoured Engineer Squadron

PB Sparta Force Protection Upgrade and Winterisation:

11 – 17 Oct 2012 5 Troop were recently tasked with some works at PB Sparta which included the provision of a new Main Entry Point barrier, a new back gate barrier, some drainage works to remove standing

water from the shower area and the re-construction of three burns pits. This task fell to Phil Jacobs and his section.

The first task they tackled was the re-construction of three burns pits so they would not become a health and safety issue. After a period of cooling-off for the waste in the pits, they were emptied with the Medium Wheeled Tractor and then re-defined. The side walls were then strengthened to prevent them from collapsing in. Whilst this was being done, some baskets were being made to provide a better platform for the rubbish to be burnt on, instead

of burning it on the floor. That way it is easier to maintain, remove the ashes and

remaining waste separately.

Moving on to the barriers and it was Spr ‘Stockers’ Stockdales’ turn to shine, being the duty Bricklayer and Concreter in the section. The holes were dug by Spr ‘Rolo’ Rowley in the Light Wheeled Tractor. Then a Hesco basket was used in each hole as a kind of formwork in which to pour the concrete. So Stockers cranked the mixer up and cracked on with mixing and batching the concrete and getting it straight in the holes, with the posts being held in place by some 6 foot pickets to keep them at the right level to form

a good barrier.

Unfortunately, as the task stores had been stored outside for the last few months, the pins needed to fit the actual barrier bar to the posts had gone walkies, so the Section Com-mander is currently on stand by to go and fit them as soon as they have been made in the Deploy-

able Engineer Workshop in Bastion.

All done and it was time to head back to PB Attal

for a proper shower and some time to reset ready for the next tasking....

Exercise Jeboas Endurance - Cpl Griffiths We arrived in Afghanistan on the 11th of September and completed our familiarisation training and settled into our respective jobs and slowly conducted our build up training for our chosen charity, the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The goal is to raise £3565, whilst deployed on Op Herrick 17.

Our team of six, from 4 AES consists of Maj Dent (the OC), WO2 Barnett (SSM), SSgt Everett (SQMS), myself, Cpl Major and Spr Jones. The spirits are high as we carry out our training between 3 and 5 days a week, mostly done

in the mornings before we start work and then finally in the evenings when we finish work.

The start date for our event is the 5th of November and to be completed by the 17th December all depending on our work commitments. The main emphasis is on raising money for a worthwhile charity, but that doesn’t make you forget how trying this event is going to be. All of us involved are fully aware of how time consuming this is going to

be, but also be aware of how much this will mean to the people who suffer from MS.

Cpl English leads the section

rolling the fascines

Cpl Strickland

Page 12


73 Armoured Engineer Squadron The New Home of 4 Troop - SSgt Graham

With a swift and thorough takeover, 4 troop have now gained the responsibility for engineer works in Nahr-e Sarej, facilitating the transition process and helping the ANSF achieve secu-rity. Our new home with the Yorkshire Regiment will be in the shrinking HQ location of Patrol

Base Two (PB2).

Situated in the heart of the green zone, PB2 has been a long standing base used by ISAF troops for many Herrick tours. Initial reports suggested this was going to be a rather austere place to live, but arriving by helicopter we were pleasantly surprised. Although basic, as rumours suggested, the layout and morale of the camp are very good. A small shop provides drinks, snacks and phone cards but most importantly the Yorkshire Regiment’s take on ‘the Af-ghan slush puppy’, which is especially refreshing after a hard day. The gym is well stocked with free weights and cardio machines and many of the guys, including Spr Evans have started ‘Op Massive’ aiming to achieve some sub-

stantial guns!!

Within days of our arrival the lads set to task with the aim of improving our facilities. I was especially pleased with my new open air office in which Spr

Farrington clearly demonstrated his innate carpentry skills with new tables, benches and filing facility. The lads have many plans to make this their

home and the on going welfare suite is starting to take shape.

Overall morale is good, the guys have settled in well and looking at the task

lines we are definitely going to be busy!!

Transforming the face of PB2; a force protection upgrade - Lt Graham

Patrol Base two is a key supportive node in the patrol base line offering both

mutual support and depth to the string of newly handed over ALP and AUP

Check Points (CPs) dotted around the Area of Operations. 4 Troop have been

critical in this process and have facilitated both the transfer and remediation of key CPs such as Tora, Perkha and

Jeker, allowing the locals to take control of their village areas and manage their own security.

Until recently PB2, like many of the PBs and CPs in the area was also a partnered location housing both ISAF troops

and the HQ element of the 2nd Kandak Afghan National Army (ANA). Increasingly though as we now transition to an

ANSF lead security plan the ANA are moving into their own

purpose built patrol bases, where they can not only support the

recently handed over ALP and AUP CPs but also strike deep

into the insurgent network and secure key lines of communica-

tion.

This relocation of the Afghan Forces out of several key ISAF

patrol bases has had its challenges meaning that ISAF troops

are now required to re-man these legacy areas and in some

cases for the first time see the extent of the ANA security im-

provisations. In the case of PB2 and indeed the newly recced

PB5 it was realised after a rapid structural assessment that

significant engineering improvements would have to be con-

ducted in order to improve force protection and increase overall

SSgt Graham and SSgt Williams

Lt Graham & SSgt Graham

Spr Farrington


Page 13

In true engineer fashion the adage, ‘design, resource, construct’ which has been extensively taught throughout engi-

neer training significantly applied. The Graham Team comprising of Lt Graham and SSgt Graham decided on a com-

plete security upgrade and after a detailed discussion with the infantry concluded that as PB2 would be an enduring

ISAF location, the upgrade would be extensive.

The main entry point was re-thought and designed taking into consideration the key logistical vehicles that would be

re-supplying the PB as well as both the infantry tactical plan and overall security threat. It was also decided that as

the PB had only one entry and exit point that a secondary exit would have to be designed into the force protection

upgrade, whilst rebuilding one of the key sangar positions.

The section competition was on with each section commander allocated a task line with a full complement of plant

and vehicles meticulously maintained by Cfn Robinson and Cfn Parry. Cpl Clements and Cpl Scott combined and

their respective sections worked tirelessly over a week in order to achieve very impressive results which they are not

only very proud of but also massively improve PB’s critical security, ultimately protecting ISAF lives. This would also

prove great practice for the sections as one of their next tasks will be to upgrade the old ANA area of PB5.

DESIGNED, RESOURED, CONSTRUCTED.

Fiji Day 2012 - LCpl Caniogo

Although thousands of miles away from our families and friends back home, our Fiji Day Celebrations this year was

still remembered with great success and meaning.

Amidst all the tasks that still had to be completed, 1 Troop managed to put in a sterling effort to help commemorate a

historic day on the Fijian calendar. The idea was borne out from last year’s celebrations in 28 Engr Regt and the

positive feedback that we received. This year, although currently deployed on HERRICK 17, we were able to cele-

brate our country’s independence but in a slightly different way.

A delicious BBQ organised by SSgt Sean Eaton substituted the traditional Fijian ‘lovo’, and soft drinks and water

was readily available instead of the stronger yet tantalising ‘grog’.

Cpl Tuilovoni began the evening with a prayer and a brief outline of

the events to follow.

With the social area re-arranged to form a column of chairs facing

the volleyball court, the floodlights completed the scene to what

was to be a thrilling climax. School was in session as the avid lis-

teners were ‘ taken on a journey’ from the discovery of the Fiji is-

lands right through to its history, culture and traditions.

Major Plimmer and Sgt ‘Chief’ Mardling who joined us for the eve-

ning were particularly interested as the talk covered the days of

fierce fighting to powers held by the Fijian Chiefs who were known

to be ruthless in their approach to early missionaries by eating

them, as cannabolism was practised back then.

Meanwhile, questions came ‘firing in’ as I explained how Fiji had emerged from being a hostile country to one of the

world’s top tourist destinations. Cpl Tuilovoni summarised the rest of the lesson. It was time to set the stage alight.

As the lights were suddenly turned low, 5 fierce looking ‘Fijian’ warriors and Troopy Eadie, led by Lcpl ‘Kingy’ King

burst onto the arena ready for ‘battle. Wearing a similar pattern to the traditional Fijian war dress, faces painted to

intimidate the enemy and bodies shining bright with oil, we rein acted the pre war ritual of ‘meke’ or war dance.

The 6 ‘Fijian’ warriors of Sprs’ Iles, Matongo and Roberts who had all volunteered themselves for the role, put on

Cpl Tuilovoni


Page 14

such a display that the OC, Chief Clerk and SSgt Eaton could not

turn down the invitation to join them for one last performance.

Mortan a volunteer from the Danish YMCA on MOB Price, pro-

duced 2 delicious cakes, one with the Fijian coat of arms. ‘Fear

God and Honour the Queen’ designed onto it.

The OC was invited to cut the cakes as customary on any celebra-tions as the evening came to a close.

Personally, a big thank you must be mentioned to all of 1 Troop in

making this day both meaningful and memorable.

Finally, the importance of this event cannot be overlooked:

Fiji Day reminds us what the country has been through and what it has achieved, making us proud of our country.

We learn from the past, reflect on the present and plan for the future.

Always striving to try and build a stronger and better Fiji.

Happy Fiji Day.

The Golden Egg—Spr Crawley 8 Troop, 73 AES construct an Afghan enduring solution to a canal crossing in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

8 Troop, 73 AES over the last week has been constructing the longest Non-Equipment Bridge the Royal Engineers have ever constructed in Afghanistan. Now the bridge is constructed it plays an integral part of a busy route, just down from an ANA checkpoint and will be a great help to the local community now with a safe route to cross the

DAK Canal.

The task began on the 18 October under SSgt Mason with the strip out of a 7 Bay Single Story Medium Girder Bridge (MGB), which was in place on the crossing point. The lads of 8 Troop striped out the bridge and then rebuilt in a new position to the side of its current location, under extreme conditions wearing full body armour and dealing with the hot conditions. Never-the-less the lads managed to get it constructed in record breaking time to keep the

route open to traffic.

The repositioning of the MGB then allowed the start of the construction of the NEB (Non Equipment Bridge) under the supervision of Cpl Chilton. We began with the ground works, levelling the site with the plant so the concrete abutments had a level and firm surface to sit on, Spr Crawley had the crucial task of using the ‘Lica’ level to monitor spot heights of the site. Once the groundwork was complete six pre-cast concrete abutments were lowered into position to form the

foundations of the bridge.

We then started lifting the I-beams into position using an Afghan civilian contrac-tor on his crane, which at times presented its own problems due to the language barrier but he proved to be a very competent operator and everything was lifted into position successfully. With the I-beams in position the spacers and spiking

rails could be installed, as the deck progressed the bridge began to take shape.

The final day of the job took place on the 22 October with the finishing of the wearing surface and the placing of the kerbs which made it really look very im-pressive. The last piece of the wearing surface was laid by Cpl Chilton and the last nail hammered by Cfn Hemming. Whilst this was happening the lads of 8 Troop were stripping out the MGB for the last time which was completed in even quicker time than the first attempt.

Maj Plimmer, Spr Roberts, LCpl King, Spr

Iles, Lt Eadie and Spr Mantongo

Spr Lees


Page 18

Troop were stripping out the MGB for the last time which was completed in

even quicker time than the first attempt.

That was it; the lads had completed a very successful task which they had smashed out in a very impressive 5 days with 2 days to spare from the origi-nal estimate. The completion of the task increased 8 Troop’s morale to a new

high.

Training Week: 18-21 October 2012 - Spr Jimenez-Suarez

Over the past few days the troop has taken part in some monthly training to ensure our essential skills and drills are at the best they can be whilst on operational tour. We have also been blessed with a gracious visit from WO1 Galli-

more, RSM of 21 Engineer Regiment.

On the first day of training we practiced our casualty evacuation drills in the vehicles we currently have out here in FOB Ouellette, which are: Mastiff 2, Wolfhound, Light wheeled and Medium Wheeled Tractors. Everyone had al-ready been through the practices so it was just a case of speeding up our drills to make sure the casualty is out of the vehicle and seen to by the medical team in as little time as possible. During the Wolfhound training the JNCO taking the lesson, LCpl Davidson, introduced a forfeit for the team that evacuated their casualty in the longest time. The first team managed it in 29.70 seconds, my team was 30.75 seconds and the losing team was over a minute longer, which is in no means acceptable. However this forfeit has not been placed yet and I will be sure to bring it up

very soon.

Later that morning we also took part in some Signals Training, which everyone found beneficial as no one, except the Signallers, knew some of the things we had gone through, such as, changing the more technical settings on the radios and going through how to control the whole radio system from the Commander’s seat in a vehicle - it then

eliminates you from having to move around the vehicle whilst it is in motion.

After lunch we went over to the Medical Centre and recapped the immediate action First Aid Drills. Due to the vast majority of the troop being ‘Team Medics’, it was a fairly easy lesson but it’s always good to go over it and freshen up on what you already know but may be a little sketchy about. We drew all over one person in the group as well, so

it wasn’t that bad.

The next day we made our way down to the range at FOB Ouellette and did some practise shoots on our rifles and on the GMPGs and for the people who had them, pistols were also fired. It didn’t take very long to get everyone through but it was good to get a few rounds off, after having to haul it around with you for

the past 7 weeks.

Later on that evening going on into the morning, the RSM left to go back to Camp Bastion, in which I can only imagine he has great things to say about the troop and how, due to us working so hard, we deserve an extra weeks post operational tour leave when we

get back to the UK!!!

8 Tp on the finished bridge

Spr Harrison and Spr Crawley

Cpl Whitehead Junior leads the training


The Modern Equipment of the British Soldier—Lt Graham

The soldiers of 21 Engineer Regiment currently deployed in Helmand Province are better trained and better

equipped than ever before. Only a month into their operational deployment their new kit is being put to the test on

front line operations. Lessons learnt in previous Op Herrick tours have been recorded, understood and implemented

leading to the upgrade of the standard issue equipment of the modern soldier.

Adapting to the threat posed by the insurgency in Afghanistan has

led to the development of the best protection in the world. The

new helmet is lighter, more comfortable and more robust than

previous ones issued and easily lives up to the task demanded in

Helmand Province. Likewise the new body armour affords very

high levels of protection to the critical organs in the body and over

time has become much more technical and sophisticated. The

new tiered protection system also is very good, allowing the com-

mander the ability to upgrade the protection level as the threat

increases or decreases. Moreover the basics like boots, shirts

and even socks have all massively improved helping support the

soldiers on the ground allowing them to do their job more effec-

tively.

Returning to PB2 by infantry foot patrol after a week of engineering tasks during the handover of CP Perkha, Cpl

Scott, an experienced Section Commander with several tours under his belt commented on the effectiveness of the

kit. “The boots are great, the shirts are comfortable and the weapon system has never been better, the lads are very

lucky to have this kit.”

Like the clothing and protective equipment, the SA80 assault rifle, as Cpl Scott suggested, has also dramatically im-

proved with new optical sighting systems, a protective hand rail and bipod all helping improve accuracy and stability

whilst transiting and firing the weapon system. The rifle has proved itself time and time again as a reliable and robust

weapon system, more than capable for the demanding conditions and environment in Afghanistan.

Although the weight burden on the modern soldier has increased with this new high level equipment so too has the

robust nature of training and testing in order to better prepare soldiers for both the physical and mental rigours they

will face on operations.

The importance of transition in CP Perkha—Cpl Scott

The importance and speed of transition in Afghanistan cannot be underestimated. The timeline is now set and em-

powering and enabling the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to take lead in maintaining their own security is

critical for the future of Afghanistan. As Royal Engineers we can shape this transition providing the ANSF with the

necessary infrastructure and force protection in key areas allowing them to dominate the ground and build essential

relationships with the local people.

Soon after 73 AES arrival into Nehr-e Seraj this wave of transition soon had the

troop on the ground handing over and upgrading key force protection structures

for the AUP. The first of many key handovers would be CP Perkha located in

the heart of Nehr-e Seraj in the small village of Hadezai. Cpl Scott, an experi-

enced Section Commander, prepared his men and joined the 3 Yorks infantry

patrol through the green zone down to the village. The reality of carrying all es-

sential tools in their bergans combined with the summer Afghan temperatures

opened the eyes of some of the more junior sappers but they were ready for

Page 16

Local Interest from the Hadezai

area


Page 17

the challenge.

Increased Coalition Force (CF) activity combined with

greater Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) patrolling heightened

the threat level in the area, therefore inserting the critical

‘skidsteer’ plant for the task posed several key challenges

especially as helicopter lift was unavailable. It was decided a

secure road move was necessary; and after meticulous plan-

ning the insertion was executed. The team worked hard and

despite a grenade attack on the CF security cordon as well

as finding and destroying an IED en-route the plant was in-

serted to assist the Engineer section on the ground proving

critical for the task.

The complexity of handing over check points combined with

local politics meant that Cpl Scott’s section stayed at the Check Point (CP) for eight days. But after an infantry led re

-assurance shura and further negotiations the CP has now been passed over to the local AUP commander and will

be an essential node in the AUP’s domination of the ground.

A Month into Helmand —Cpl Tilovoni.

Someone once said 'another day and another dollar' and that is why the days are flying past already. Everyone has

recovered now and ready for the new tasks lined up for our troop. But before we could carry on again, the troop

went through continuation training that keep us on top of our drills and awareness.

We have had our mission/tasks confirmed and it was three different

places in our Area of Operation (AO). The places are: Patrol Base

(PB) Hazrat, Afghanistan Uniform Police Head Quarters (AUP HQ)

and back in Main Operating Base (MOB) Price. Reconnaissance

was conducted and not all of the tasks can go ahead just yet, due

to stores needed. PB Hazrat has been put on hold while the other

two tasks are started.

The task line for the AUP HQ was to be completed by Cpl Jobson;

his section was given three days to finish their task but they man-

age to work hard and cut it down to two. They drove to their task

location daily and back to MOB 'NICE' in the evening. My section

LCpl Caniogo

The pivotal role of the skidsteer

Remediation works by Spr Davies

The HESCO has turned to concrete!


Page 18

has been making a Mastiff ramp with Hesco and LCpl Fox has been

making sure all ISO containers with stores in are correct and docu-

mented.

We have also had the Officer Commanding, Major Plimmer, the

Squadron Sergeant Major, WO2 Render and Chief Clerk, Sergeant

Mardling all visit us in MOB 'NICE' to see the blokes and experi-

ence the night life here, which they very much enjoyed. Now every-

one is on a steady routine with work and getting along with anything

that comes up. We hope everyone is doing well at home and God

Bless you all.

The Maintenance of Morale on Operations—Lt Graham

The importance of maintaining morale on operations cannot be underestimated. It is one of the key driving forces

underpinning determination and ‘the will’ of the individual soldier to not only give his all but also to keep doing it time

and again. There are many critical components to understanding an individual’s morale and although they will differ

from person to person there are general themes or requirements that need to be embraced in order to succeed.

4 Troop are an extremely busy bunch and maintaining this momentum is critical to mission success. Within only a

month of their operational tour, we have had many successes including handing over two check points to the Afghan

Local Police and Afghan Uniformed Police facilitating transition but also re-building and upgraded critical areas of

force protection required for the security of Patrol Base Two. Ensuring this productivity and momentum is main-

tained is an on-going and ever present challenge.

Firstly living conditions, although living an ‘austere’ environment with mini-

mal facilities, the lads have made PB2 their home; creating communal

areas and basic structures as well as accepting and dealing with hard-

ships. They have supported each other, helped each other and their co-

hesion as a bonded troop grows daily. Supporting this by regular and en-

tertaining small functions such as birthday parties and troop film nights

have proved a key way to get everyone together to enjoy our limited free

time.

Also the significance of mail, correspondence and the ability to communi-

cate with love ones at Patrol Base Two should not be underestimated with

welfare telephones to the United Kingdom, slow but manageable internet

and an excellent e-bluey-fax system. Combine these small luxuries with the new very competent Royal Marine chefs

and the lads general standard of living is very good, directly contributing to their high spirits, strong morale and ex-

cellent work ethic.

With well over five months left of

Op Herrick 17 ensuring this morale

and thus momentum is maintained

will be very high on my agenda.

Sgt Woodhall, SSgt Graham, Capt

Sharrock and Lt Graham enjoying non

-alcoholic Becks—all the rage in Hel-

mand

Spr Robbie

XXI

A Day in the Life of SSgt Hill

Page 19

SSgt Hill’s bed-space

The 7 Sqn ‘Welfare Area’

7 Sqn’s Camp

Another day at the office....

Where SSgt Hill spends the majority

of his day..

The view from his office

Posing by the dive tank

Page 20

Work hard, play

hard...

4 Tp, Naiadullah

4 Tp, Naidullah

Afghan Engineer Tolay

Talisman Sqn playing volleyball Engr Tolay delivering counter-IED training

Spr Blake

SSgt McKee

LCpl Haynes overseeing the HESCO build

with Spr Chapmand and Spr Farndon

SSgt McKee

Lt Eadie


Page 21

Glossary Ranks

Cfn—Craftsman

Spr - Sapper

LCpl - Lance Corporal

Cpl - Corporal

Sgt - Sergeant

SSgt - Staff Sergeant

WO2 - Warrant Officer Second Class

WO1 - Warrant Officer First Class

Lt - Lieutenant

Capt - Captain

Maj - Major

Lt Col - Lieutenant Colonel

Formations

AES - Armoured Engineer Squadron

Fd Engr Sqn - Field Engineer Squadron

Hq & Sp Sqn - Headquarters and Support Squad-

ron

LAD—Light Aid Detachment

REME—Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers

Sect - Section

Sqn—Squadron

Tp - Troop

Afghanistan specific terms

ANA - Afghan National Army

ALP - Afghan Local Police

ANP - Afghan National Police

ANSF - Afghanistan National Security Force

AUP - Afghan Uniformed Police

CP - Check Point

FOB - Forward Operating Base

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

IED - Improvised Explosive Device

ISAF - International Security Assistance Force

JOB - Joint Operating Base

Op - Operation, mission, task (not surgery)

NES (S) - Nahr-e Saraj South

NES (N) - Nahr-e Saraj North

Jobs

OC—Officer Commanding

SSM—Squadron Sergeant Major


Page 22

NDA - Nad-e Ali

PB - Patrol Base

SAF - Small Arms Fire

SANGAR - A watch tower which is manned 24 hours a day to provide protection to a base

SOP - Standard Operating procedure

Stag - standing in the sangar keeping watch and providing protection

TFH - Task Force Helmand

Equipment

Apache - Attack helicopter

Chinook - Troop carrying helicopter

HUSKY - Large armoured vehicle

MASTIFF - Large armoured vehicle with a with a heavy machine gun for protection

Merlin - Medium Royal Air Force and Navy helicopter used to move Troops around from base to base

MWT - Medium wheeled tractor

SLDT(P) - Self Loading Dump Truck (Protected)

Sea-king - Royal Navy helicopter used as search and rescue in the UK

TALISMAN - A series of vehicles used to clear a route of improvised explosive devices

Documents

The Bear Necessities