Page 126 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

WE WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY THEIR WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND TAKE THEIR NEW SKILLS TO THE FIGHT AGAINST DA’ESH
OP SHADER
On 19th April, 10 members of 6 RIFLES mobilised to deploy on Op SHADER with 1 RIFLES. The team comprised students, landscape gardeners, remen and bank managers but all Reservists shared the common desire; to experience the Regular Army.
Where the British Army is concerned, the mission has been to train both the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Kurdish Security Forces (KSF) in order to assist their mission of defeating Da’esh; an Iraqi solution to an Iraqi problem. The roles of the Reservists varied from teaching methods of countering Impro- vised Explosive Devises (IEDs) to providing Force Protection (FP).
IRAQ
Iraq certainly is a country steeped in history, in which the UK has featured strongly; from the Sykes-Picot Agreement, to the Invasion, to the support we are now giving in countering a formidable enemy. Split between four locations, in two very distinct areas of Iraq, the Reservists have worked to maintain the history and culture of the region, from the destruction of Da’esh. In the North, British forces have worked alongside the KSF (also known as the Peshmerga), the military forces of Iraqi Kurdistan, whilst in the south they worked with the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), loyal to the Iraqi Government.
Ri eman Bennett, T (A Coy): I have been employed as both a Guardian Angel (GA) within Force Protection (FP), as well as assisting the instruction of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). The reality hit me when we stepped onto the Iraq
runway in 50+ degrees centigrade. I was pleasantly surprised I was to teach such receptive soldiers who
in turn imparted stories of their efforts in Ramadi and Fallujah. Another highlight was escorting US demoli- tions personnel, who were always overzealous with the amount of ordnance used.
Ri eman Bennett, S (A Coy): I was deployed to the North of Iraq as a member of the Force Protection team. This involved providing security, maintaining readiness in case of emergency, and manning communica-
tions within the Ops Room. The security we provided often extended to vehicle movements around Erbil and the surrounding area. I was fortunate to have the chance to deploy, especially in an era where deployments are less frequent.
Ri eman Fenwick (A Coy): Leaving the UK and my job as a re ghter, I deployed to Manila Training Centre (MTC) in the North of Iraq, an outpost two hours drive to Erbil, the next closest UK contingent. I was part of the training team whose role was to provide the Peshmerga with basic infantry skills, First Aid and countering IEDs. We expected battle- hardened soldiers who, as a result, would be fairly disengaged with the training; we were pleasantly surprised by their willingness to learn and take their new skills to the ght against Da’esh.
Ri eman Mills (A Coy): I deployed to theatre as Force Protection. Leaving my job in the UK as a driver, I was immersed into the Regulars and the enjoyment of deploying on Op SHADER. The reality has lived up to my expectations – daily Force Protection details, providing security for the British trainers as they train the Iraqi Security Forces.
6 RIFLES Op SHADER team