Page 525 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
AES Section as a whole licensed quicker than any other Op HERRICK to date, proving that MST in Jordan was invaluable and that our training team delivered to the highest of standards. A job well done all round.
So here we were, Maya and I operationally effective and ready for tasking. In total, the Squadron deployed on over 4,407 task lines. The Ops ranged from internal force protection, working with the Brigade Recog- nisance Force and Armoured Infantry Company on deliberate operations, and contributing to the drawdown of the bases across Task Force Helmand. The pace of operations overall was considered slower than previous HERRICKs; however, this was entwined with the overall mission to extract all combat troops from Afghanistan by Dec 2014.
The Force Protection Ops within Bastion mainly consisted of searching Locally Employed Contractors accommodation and places of work. Pre-deployment we were all fully aware of the insider threat and these searches were to help combat this threat. We were tasked with denying lethal aid and prohibited items from the LECs. The AES teams conducting these (often daily) tasks worked side-by-side with our Drugs Detection team of Sgt John Tanner RAFP and MWD “Hertz”. That team proved to be extremely successful, with a total of twenty-two finds over the tour which justified the need for internal searches.
Although the internal searches were necessary I, like all AES handlers, wanted the more role specific jobs with the BRF. These usually consisted of a helicopter assault force in the early hours of the morning, targeting areas that are known to be hostile, or known to be holding lethal aid. These were the jobs we all trained for and wanted the most. One job in particular sticks in my mind. On an early morning mid-winter patrol, Maya having the alertness of a dog decided to jump over a rather cold looking puddle. I however thought it would be ok to get my feet wet; I underestimated this puddle, and within seconds I was up to my chest in ice cold water. I can still remember Maya’s look of disgust, and the soldiers laughing behind me as I let out a loud screech as the water took the breath out of me. Thankfully the guys fished me out and we continued with my face like thunder.
The harsh realities of Operations hit me most during a task with the AI Company which Maya and I deployed on. In November 2013, we were on task during which a mass casualty situation arose. Conducting searches of the surrounding areas, a large explosion was heard around the vicinity of my callsign. After completing our immediate action drills, I helped with the casualties, and was instantly impressed by how efficiently and collectively the remainder of the callsign reacted. On reflection it dawned on me that the training we receive really does pay dividends in times of need, and I can look back to this event knowing our callsign did all it could.
The Army prepared us as best it could for such an event, and for that I am thankful.
Op HERRICK 19 will probably always be remembered as the tour that oversaw the closure of all locations outside of Bastion which Maya and I played our part in. At the peak of locations across TFH the UK had one hundred and thirty-seven, and as I write this we only have Camp Bastion remaining in the Helmand Province. We have seen the draw down happen rapidly, and it was with some relief when we heard the news of another closure. Maya and I were tasked to search LKG before it was handed over to the Afghan National Army.
As this tour draws to a close, I have now had time to look back and reflect. The most pertinent point for me has to be the length of tour – nine months is a long time. Lots of people say that it is only three months longer; however, until you actually experience the difference you cannot fully appreciate it. This was made even harder considering that we were initially informed that we would receive two periods of R&R, this was subse- quently rescinded, and we were only given one. I had actually completed six months before I went on my much-needed break.
However, looking back, the tour has been an enjoyable experience and I have learnt valuable life lessons, and have developed as both a soldier and a person. My dog handling skills have improved, and I could not have asked for a better MWD than Maya. She was an absolute pleasure to work with, and it was with a heavy heart that I handed her over to 102 Military Working Dog Squadron, however, as we all appreciate as MWD handlers, operational capability must and will always be the primary objective. The best MWDs stay on Operations and Maya is certainly in that bracket.
Yet again 103 Military Working Dog Squadron has proved its worth on operations with a total of seven- ty-three finds consisting of one hundred and sixty-eight separate items of Lethal Aid being removed from the battlefield. The AES Section’s part in this was thirty- eight finds, and it is immeasurable the effect that MWDs have had during the twelve years of Op HERRICK. The MWD Teams did not go unnoticed; in total we received twenty-one Commendations recognising the commitment and dedication in support of Op HERRICK 19:
Commander Task Force Helmand Commen- dation x two.
Commanding General RC(SW) Commendation x ten.
Commanding Officer Engineer Regimental Group Commendation x nine.
I leave this country for the final time immensely proud to have served with 103 Military Working Dog Squadron on Op HERRICK 19 and wish 102 Military Working Dog Squadron a safe tour on Op HERRICK 20, the final chapter.
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