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Op Shader – Pte Law
I served as part of the Force Protection
element during the 2nd Battalion’s deployment on Op SHADER in Iraq. There were three different rotations that I was involved in while deployed, each with their own challenges.
The first rotation was the day guard.
Our job was to maintain communications with the vehicle call signs on the ground and to assist with coordinating the QRF
if needed. During the day, we were also responsible for the security of our location and would man the defensive positions if necessary. We worked in three- or four-man teams. Our mission was to ensure constant communication between call signs on the ground and the camp. We also manned camp security. We worked 12-hour shifts.
The night guard was like the day guard but with the additional responsibility of helping to prepare the training teams for the following day. This was achieved by deconflicting the training team’s chosen routes to the various
locations around Erbil and liaising with the American lead CJOC, who would provide the QRF and CASEVAC assets if required. It also meant we could deconflict with US assets when out on the ground.
The final rotation was driving. This was by far the best rotation as we could leave the comfort of the base location and experience Iraq through our own
Our downtime was productive. Everyone made use of the gym facilities and the US café. It was also nice to sit down and relax after a long but busy day. As Christmas approached it was nice to know we would be with our families for the festive period and celebrate the Tour’s success too.
Iraq was a great experience and I am lucky to have been
eyes. As the lead call sign, we would take VIPs to meetings with the Kurdish forces and provide force protection for the duration of these meetings and
part of the Company that was chosen to be part of Op SHADER.
I gained a lot of confidence throughout the deployment
and enjoyed driving
and occasionally commanding the Civilian
Armoured Vehicles through the towns and cities of Iraq. As a Private Soldier I was given responsibility and really enjoyed being a vehicle commander too. We all gained a lot from the tour.
Everyone made use of the gym facilities and the US café.
the moves to and
from the locations. It
was invaluable to get a sense of the larger picture and see the wider operation in motion. It gave us a pronounced sense of job worthwhileness. We also aided troop movement between camps.
C (Kohima) Company
OC’s Foreword – Maj Andy Bell
The Battalion’s move to Cyprus has imposed significant changes on
the Company, as it did for all members
of 2 MERCIAN. This was emphasised by
an almost complete change of Company staff within three months of the move. A new CSM, OC, CQMS and three Platoon Commanders less than a year out of training meant that the responsibility for continuity was placed squarely on the shoulders of the
JNCOs. They rose to the task magnificently and have ensured that there has been no drop in capability or output. I must take the opportunity to thank those key personalities who have departed; Maj Lygo, WO2
(CSM) Frost, CSgt Brown, Lt Greenway, Capt England, Lt O’Connell and Sgt Yeates have all departed for pastures new. The Company has been left in good health and this is down to their hard work.
CSM Howard recieving LSGC from COS
Maj Andy Bell
My predecessor spoke this time last
year of the high tempo of Battalion life and it should go without saying that an Arms Plot Move, a short-notice change of role
to take over the Lead Company Group (LCG) (due to the D Company deployment), preparing for Cyprus operational tasks and challenging on island training mean that the pace of life has not dropped off much. At the time of writing Kohima Company have just returned from a four-week stint as the Akrotiri Flight Line Force Protection task for the Christmas period before another switch in focus to security of the retained sites
on island. A change may be as good as a rest, but every leave opportunity has been well earned and the regular trips back to UK, making maximum use of nearby RAF Akrotiri, are much appreciated.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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