Page 520 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
long way from the original three personnel that deployed in 2006.
Despite the challenges faced, the Sqn is in fine fettle, and I am extremely grateful to the excellent support provided by RHQ, the QM’s dept and our sister Sqns in helping us on our pathway to deployment. I would particularly like to thank Capt Laura Riley, WO2 Blacky Blackmore, CSgt Malcolm McLoughlin, Sgts Charlie Bates, Tony Bryson and Jenny Jacques for their sterling efforts in the preparation of the Sqn for deployment – it has not been without its challenges, the most significant being the continued support of a UK based Brigade from Germany.
The soldiers remain the most important part of the team though and they have equally risen to the challenge, and it is most rewarding to see the future Sgt’s, SSMs, RSMs and VSOs of the future taking shape. The uncertainty that Army 2020 has brought, linked to an immature basing plan places an additional strain on the modern RAVC soldier. They are typically stoic about life though and I wouldn’t wish to swap any of them. Mission Specific Training has been demanding, HERRICK 17 will be equally demanding, probably in a more refined role. MWD numbers in Afghanistan will also have probably peaked, 105 MWD Sqn is in a good place though and is well placed for the future with whatever that brings.
IE3D Update HERRICK 17.74
By Sgt Charlie Bates
All those deploying on HERRICK 17 have now completed their course in the USA. It is worthy of note that several of those who went to the USA returned with strange accents and in some cases a few pounds heavier. This can be attributed to the copious amounts of steak and “full fat” Coke consumed. Everyone returned feeling that the training they have received from the Americans was of a high standard and they now have full appreciation of what the IE3D capability can offer.
Confirmatory Field Exercise (CFX) was undertaken by members of the Sqn from April-June. These involved two specific phases: The first phase was to carry out further training of Regimental Handlers in North Luffenham at 104 MWD Sqn and then these handlers deployed on the second phase of training with members of the Sqn at STANTA training area near Thetford for one week. The week involved handlers living and working in an environment similar to what they will be doing in Afghanistan. The CFX training weeks were a resounding success for the IE3D handlers and has further enhanced the capability we were expected to
74 Chiron Calling article Autumn 2012 ‘IE3D Update’ by Sgt Charlie Bates RAVC.
75 Only an unreferenced paper copy available.
76 Written testimony by Brigadier Gareth Collett CBE LRLC circa June 2014.
provide in Afghan.
Two IE3D handlers deployed on Ex PASHTUN
LINKS in Jordan to enhance their knowledge of the capability and carry out further training in a hot sandy environment. This Exercise, although based around the HASD capability, proved fruitful with positive feedback received. We now look forward to the first deployment of handlers in early August but rest assured that the remainder of the IE3D handlers left behind are not in for a quiet time.
H17 Top 10 Life Savers – MWDs
The NATO document concluded that the Lesson Identified and Recommendation placed IE3D as one of the top life savers stating: “IE3D are fantastic aids in detecting IEDs, however they should not be used in isolation.75
“I had the privilege of developing and introducing all-arms and high risk MWDs into the HERRICK campaign as the AD DEODs in 2012. Of all the capabilities introduced to save life, MWDs and their handlers were the most capable counter measure to the Taliban industrial use of IEDs.
Many lives were saved thanks to MWDs, allowing UK capacity to increase and improve freedom of manoeuvre. Some dogs sadly made the ultimate sacrifice, but their service meant that we were no longer fixed by the enemy and lives and limbs were saved.
Behind the scenes, the advice, guidance and trust demonstrated by the RAVC capability managers was unprecedented.
Today, the MWD is the unrivalled component in C-IED”.
Brigadier Gareth Collett CBE76
MWD Case Studies Veterinary 105 MWD Sqn de- ployed Op HERRICK 17
A total six hundred and six dogs were seen by the vet during the whole six-month tour – September 2012 until February 2013. Cases consisted of Disease Not Battle Injury (DNBI) an average of just over forty per month. Battle casualties were eighteen cases, including one MWD KIA; one other MWD with fragmentation injury, three others received minor injuries whilst on duty. Four dogs required to be medevac’d and nine cases were resolved by advice offered by radio or telephone commu- nication. The percentage of spread of DNBI was skin or coat related 42%, digestive disorders 37% and 10% musculoskeletal (11% were battle related injuries). The number of reduced working days because of ‘sickness’ or injury amounted to just one hundred and sixty-eight days lost out of a total of twenty thousand, one hundred
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