Page 60 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

The Fire Support Group
The Javelin Pl has had an extremely busy year with the conversion to the Fire Support Group (FSG) and Pre-deployment Training for Herrick 14. On the run up to PDT, we had the mammoth task of getting all the drivers and commanders qualified in the JACKAL and the rest of the blokes current and competent in the HMG and GMG weapon systems, ready for
a week of live firing in Sennelager. During the build up to Op Herrick, the role of the FSG was still to be confirmed. The final ORBAT was finally set as 2 eight men teams attached to A and C Companies commanded by Sgt Lennon and Sgt Williams and a 10 man multiple commanded by Sgt Bowles allocated to the Brigade Advisory Group.
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OC Maj M Harris CSM WO2 K Chappelle
Dragon Company
The last year has seen Dragon Company focused on preparing for and conducting Op HERRICK 14. The Company has
been key to the Bn’s success providing FSGs, Snipers and Mortar capability to
the Rifle Companies and soon established themselves as key elements in some cases offering the only mobile and dedicated
OS ability. The Mortar lines in PB RAHIM (with A Coy) and PB KHAR NIKAR (with C Coy) were the busiest in theatre with one memorable contact, in Khar Nikar, being supported by 400 mortar rounds.
The FSGs mounted in JACKAL 2, were
A and C Companies only mobility and as such, became critical to the success of
the their operations, by providing JACKAL mounted Fire Support and carrying JAVELIN forward to support the ISTAR matrix. The Sniper Pl were also deployed with the Rifle Companies and proved another layer to
the ISTAR matrix, as well a precision strike capability. Our Support to B Company was slightly different to A and C Company and consisted of providing a a small number of Mortarmen, Snipers and some training on support weapons systems.
The Coy HQ formed an advisor team to the ANA and comprised of the Maj Harris and WO2 Chappelle, who was replaced by WO2 Hughes after an injury sustained on RSOI. Sgt Dawson (MT), Cpl Barnaby (R Signals (IST)), and Cpl Jackson were also key members of the HQ, bringing a broad range of skills sets that were required to help develop the ANA. Our force protection was provided by the JAVELIN Pl. Capt Hickmott, WO2 Dearden, WO2 Long and CSgt Flint. QMSI Latta (SASC and Bn
Gunnery WO) and the newly promoted Capt Whillock, were all deployed forward to work alongside ANA companies. The Team also benefited from a number of attachments spanning across the Army; including CSgt Walker from 4 MERCIAN, Royal Engineers, REME, PC and of courses medics. In addition, as we were deployed in Danish Battlespace, we also gained the experience of three Danish Officers and a Danish Soldier. In short a real mixed bag.
We deployed a small HQ element which lived in an ANA Camp
and then pushed teams
forward. Generally these
to the size of the team, generally, they only moved with six men and our supporting ANGLICO (USMC JTACs). As a result of this every patrol member had to be totally reliable, which I am proud to say they were. The HQ also deployed on OMID HAFT - an ANA Bde operation to clear and secure key routes between GERESHK and LASHKAR GAR. C/Sgt Coleman had the difficult
task of supporting seven different forward locations from TOMBSTONE, this task was
made more difficult
as his only method of travel was by helicopter.
In a similar manner
to the Company Headquarters, the Recce Pl formed an Advisor Team to provide support and advice to the ANA Bde Recce
Company and although the tour started off slowly, it soon picked up, following OMID HAFT and the move to assist the ANA in the security of LASHKAR GAR.
All of the Advisors spent the majority
of their time deployed, patrolling or on operations acting as a link between the ANA and ISAF, a significantly demanding and stressful task. I can proudly say that the entire team performed to the very highest standard and managed to maintain their enthusiasm and morale right up until the last day of the tour. This is a credit to them all as they endured not only the daily patrols, but significant friction from the ANA and occasionally ISAF and suffered more than their fair share of ‘close calls’, as a result of spending so much time on the ground!
Sgt Webster and his team
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
teams consisted of an
Officer and a SNCO
and were supported
by the ISAF Company
alongside which they
worked. Their primary role was to Advise the ANA during operations and patrols and to develop their independent capability, unfortunately much time was taken up easing the significant friction between the ISAF and ANA Companies in the forward locations. There were two exceptions to this usual model. WO2 Long who had a Danish Officer and small force protection team and was deployed in PB SHIA AGHA on the outskirts of GERESHK and CSgt Flint who worked independently in RAHIM and was well supported by A Coy.
The HQ element was commanded
by myself, Maj Mark Harris and, like the forward teams, we spent much of the time deployed forward, moving around the Upper GERSESHK Valley in JACKALs, supporting operations with A and C Companies. Due
every patrol member had to be totally reliable
A Coy FSG (40A) Sgt Lennon
During our tour of Op HERRICK 14, I commanded a multiple of FSG attached to A Coy, which was stationed in PB Rahim in the north of the Upper Gereshk Valley. Whilst with A Coy we utilised 2 JACKALs with mounted heavy weapons, JAVELIN and a Sniper pair in the rear of the vehicle. We had a number of taskings as FSG, permanent QRF for fire support taskings and casualty evacuation. We also conducted vehicles patrols to resupply out stations, as well as conventional mounted FSG taskings such as providing ISTAR
to foot patrols in the green zone, fire support and a deterrent to the enemy. We were often referred to as ‘tanks’ by the enemy and this alone could end any enemy movement. The introduction of snipers into the FSG proved very successful, as they added to our ISTAR element and precision strike. Also when possible, we would deploy a Mortar MFC with our patrols so that we had the extra fire power of mortars if it was needed.