Page 40 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

2021 was an eventful year for The Light Dragoons. It saw the successful deploy- ment of HQ and A Sqns on Op Newcombe ROTO 1 (a UN peacekeeping operation) as part of the Long-Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) in Mali. The deploy- ment was one of the first operations since Herrick where British troops deployed out- side the relative safety of a Main Operating Base. Camp Bagnold was the home of the LRRG in GAO and routinely faced hos- tile actors. The Light Dragoons led Task Group proved the concept of operating at reach and sustaining itself for up to 28 days in adverse climatic conditions and arduous terrain. The mission’s ultimate purpose was to re-establish the UK’s position as a good UN partner, and the regiment proved itself as the unit to do it.
Following a period of acclimatisation and bedding into our new home in Gao, January saw the deployment on Op Elwan, the first run-out of the Task Group (TG) to conduct ranges and manoeuvre in areas of interest to build on the success of our mission specific training conducted in the UK and ensure the TG reached its Full Operational Capability (FOC). This was not without its difficulties; heat and the sandy terrain proved detrimental to both our people and vehicles. Elwan proved an invaluable experience, conducting low level engagements and understanding the area in which the TG would be operating.
February saw the deployment of the TG on Op Seka. The LRRG deployed on this operation for 28 days as part of a UN force-directed security operation to provide enhanced and enduring security along the Gao to Labbezanga axis and the surrounding areas. Sustained liaison with partner troop contributing countries (TCC) enabled a persistent presence dur- ing the deployment, deterring terrorist armed group (TAG) activity, protecting key communities and ensuring freedom of movement for friendly forces and local communities.
In March, The LRRG deployed on Op Ratel West to provide an understanding of the physical terrain and routes to the west of the river Niger to inform subsequent Mobile Task Force (MTF) (which we had recently been resubordinated under) operations in Mali. The LRRG conducted reconnaissance of key physical terrain and human terrain in the first MTF-led operation. To note, the temperatures had significantly changed since February, reaching highs of 40 degrees celsius with little respite at night (reaching a balmy 26 degrees celsius). This had a knock-on
effect to our vehicles and time had to be factored in to allow them to cool down in the heat of the day. The open architecture of the Jackal being a double-edged sword, having its own air conditioning system, but no protection from the constant sun. I cannot overstate how significantly the robustness of the soldiers of the LRRG should be celebrated in this context. Their attitude, discipline and hard work was key in achieving mission success. Other signif- icant events saw a fire at a FaMA (Forces Armees Maliennes) ammunition com- pound approximately 1.5km away from Task Group HQ in Camp Bagnold in Gao leaving those not on Ratel in hard cover for several days, with the clear up opera-
tion under-taken by elements of the LRRG over the next couple of months.
For our final deployment of the tour, the LRRG deployed on Op Meerkat, the first Mobile Task Force led operation along with Swedish and German contingents, in the vicinity of Tessit, (150KM SW of GAO) to understand terrorist armed groups pattern of life and their influence on local villages. Within the operation the TG linked up with FAMa in Tessit to distribute 1,000kg of food aid and medicine. The LRRG also supported the first UK media embed visit to the deployed Task Group, enabling greater UK understanding of our com- mitment to MINUSMA. Violent extrem- ist organisations were present throughout
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Operations and Exercises Ops Overview 2021
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