Page 24 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

OP ELGIN
Op ELGIN is the UK’s contribution to Op ALTHEA – the EU stabilization mission (EUFOR) in Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH). The ISR-TU comprised of 16 members, two teams of 4 operators, 3 intelligence analysists supported and lead by a small HQ element. The task remained with MAB4 until Oct 2019, when 3 RIFLES were task as the first UK LAND component to take on the mission.
As the first regular unit on task, 3 RIFLES paved the way for future rotations. From Jun – Sep 2019 the TU helped to develop the force generation process, conducting live range packages, MATTS, and courses in signals, navigation and vehicle proficiency; all culmi- nating in a Human Terrain Reconnaissance package run by MAB. The first elements of the TU deployed in early Oct 19, conducting an in theatre HOTO with MAB 4 elements.
Whilst on task the TU formed a key element of the COM EUFOR Situational Awareness Matrix, primarily gathering key intelligence from across the region. For simplicity the TU broke this down into five major categories; Political, Economic, Organised Criminal Gangs (OCG’s), Returning Terrorist Fighters (RTF) and Migration, each posing a unique challenge and threat.
Some collection tasks saw small teams operating at reach from the HQ element.
They were expected to plan and orchestrate official meetings with members of BiH security forces, NGO’s, civil and non-civil entities, religious leaders and commercial business leaders (OFCONs). Others required teams to conduct casual conversations with members of the public, whether in restaurants, cafes, shopping centres or on the street (CASCONs). The TU was able to complete over 250 of these throughout their deployment, also aiding in
24 RIFLES The Bugle
the implementation of a new collection tasking matrix to aid deconfliction with key EUFOR assets and J2/J5 plans.
Between demanding taskings the TU managed to make the most of their time
in BiH. Historical visits were made to Tito’s bunker complex, the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide and Mostar Bridge among many others. BiH is also rapidly becoming one of the top budget winter sports destinations in Europe, offering high quality ski and snowboarding opportunities which everyone got stuck into. Members of the TU also competed in several EUFOR physical
Braving the Balkan Winter
competitions, most notably the EUFOR Open CrossFit event with the TU claiming 1st in the female category and 2nd in the male category.
Op ELGIN remains an extremely rewarding opportunity to conduct tasks and operations that stand apart from the current UK opera- tions cycle. The deployed Riflemen rose to this unique challenge with exceptional profession- alism, greatly contributing to the success of the mission.
Una Sana Canton
The deployed Riflemen rose to this unique challenge