Page 508 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
Force Elements throughout the HERRICK Joint Area of Operations.
During this time, Task Force Helmand (TFH) conducted a series of kinetic operations across the AO. All classifications of MWDs were being used effectively and were in high demand; busiest of all being those in the VS role posted at the entry points to Bastion. The unprecedented numbers of vehicles required to be searched to ensure the security of BSN Joint Operating Base continued through the tour and put immense pressure on the VS dogs. It is testament to the handlers that the teams were able to maintain their work rate in spite of the heat in the summer months. Additional VS teams were requested to cope with the workload.
AES dogs continued to prove successful and offered a valuable, versatile and agile level of assurance in the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) battle. The Victim Operated (VO) IED threat remained potent, particularly the Low and No-Metal Content (LMC and NMC) IEDs during the tour. AES dogs were employed on deliberate ops throughout Helmand, with significant success; the existing AES capability enhancing its detection of buried devices in a more controlled search pattern. During this tour, AES dogs also provided a route-proving capability to the Combat Logistic Patrols, a duty that only subsided with the introduction of TALISMAN.54
Protection dog teams augmented the Force Protection Wing perimeter security at BSN and KBL and forward locations, as well as in specific areas during the heated time of the local elections. Assistance to the Temporary Handling Facility was also provided on certain occasions.
Summary of Tasks
A summary of the tasks completed by classification for the period April – September 2010 is as follows:
TOTALS 1st April – 30th September 2010
TMWDSU Kennel Capacity: As mentioned previously, the Unit relocated its site from BSN 1 to BSN 2 during Op HERRICK 9. The current site at Camp Bastion 3 increased its capacity from 48 to 56 MWDs; with additional space at the MEP for a further eight dogs. Op MERGE provided a new training compound to the southern boundary of the existing TMWDSU compound.
Search Capability for Battle Groups: LMC and NMC IEDs continued to represent the emerging threat, leading to the decision that AES training needed to adapt in order to counter the VO-IED threat. The incoming Unit would adopt an interim measure to enhance AES search capability.
Op HERRICK 12 proved to be another highly successful deployment for 105 MWD Sqn. Although the Unit was integrated into the BG environment early during CFX and MRX it was seriously under-utilised during Exercise play and there were too few serials designed to test MWD capabilities.
Despite the initial reservations by some BGs about MWDs being used behind handheld detectors; there was a steady pull on AES assets to deploy forward. Revised SOPs ensured the continued use of AES dogs as the dog of choice in the future, however, at the time, the high incidence of MC IEDs looked likely to drive the development of future SOPs that will utilise a coordinated MWD and VALLON relationship. Again, at the time, it was noted how there were opportunities for the RAVC to show its ability to be in the forefront of key developments as the CIED capability continued to be developed. Further to that, the involvement of the VO in Veterinary Engagements contributed to wider campaign effect to be carried forward during HERRICK 13 and beyond. The full-time application of this capability would be undertaken by an uplifted VO and VT, under the management of MSST (Military Stabilisation Support Team). That was after adequate preparation by the Sqn responsible for Force Generation of the team.
Op HERRICK 13
Lest we forget
Sadly, on 1st March 2011 the Corps lost its second young soldier – KIA in Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker deployed to Afghanistan on 8th September 2010 as part of 104 Sqn, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment (RAVC). Having trained as an Arms and Explosives Search dog handler, LCpl Tasker was attached to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards on 19th February 2011.
Ser
Classification
Tasks
Ops Hours
Vehicles
Finds
01
AES
311
4341 hrs 44 mins
952
6
02
VS
1386
13648 hrs
46308
19
03
PROT
1080
10890 hrs
04
TOTALS
2777
28879 hrs 44 mins
47260
25
54 Talisman comprised of armoured vehicles, optical cameras and remote-controlled vehicles.
500