Page 6 - Example Journals

4 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Commanding Of cer’s Foreword
From professionalism, consistency and attitude comes opportunity. From opportunity comes reputation, in uence and operational experience. QDG had a great opportunity in 2014 to deploy on the nal combat deployment to Helmand Province in Afghanistan, Operation Herrick 20, which allowed us to top-up our well-established, decade-long reputation as one of the most operationally experienced and versatile units in the British Army. To be one of the rst combat units into Iraq in 2003 and the last combat unit in Helmand in 2014 is a unique and privileged position indeed.
Deploying the majority of the Regiment in a range of diverse and challenging roles was an unexpected bonus after an initial order to deploy only a single squadron. This gave the Regiment a single focus – Afghanistan – and allowed us to concentrate effort for greater effect. Another swathe of QDG of cers and soldiers gained experience of operations – the standards expected and the meticulous planning required, the complex and chaotic nature of events, the politics in a coalition, unparalleled relief at the avoidance of casualties. Our soldiers are well-prepared for the future.
Herrick 20 was forecasted to be different and different it proved to be. The principal focus was now Camp Bastion, its protection and handover to the Afghans, and the movement home of dizzying quantities of men and equipment with ever-diminishing time. Situational awareness of what both the Taliban and the Afghan Army were doing in Helmand was vastly diminished as our ground presence and technical sensors were withdrawn. Unnervingly, we now relied on the Afghan Army for much of our information. Our in uence with them was potentially waning at the very time we needed them to help us get out. Our soldiers were operating in an unusual, politically-charged environment in which risk – or at least the perception of it – was increasing and the tolerance of risk was diminishing as the end grew closer. Working in a coalition under command of the United States Marine Corps threw up unique experiences and occasional challenges which required a deft, subtle approach from all ranks in a very nuanced context. We must not under-estimate the value of this experience given the likely coalition character of our operations in the future. The tried-and-tested solutions to Herrick problems, ne-tuned by the Army over six years in Helmand, were no longer guaranteed to solve our problems. There was also no Herrick 21 to pass on our remaining problems. Fresh and novel solutions were required and soldiers had to think hard about the right course of action in this changed context.
C Squadron formed the core of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force under command of 5 RIFLES and conducted 27 aviation- borne assaults into the area around Camp Bastion. It was one of the principal means of disrupting the enemy and securing Bastion and it conducted operations to the very end. A Squadron provided staff and instructors to the ANA Regional Corps Battle School in what became a model of its kind in Afghanistan. RHQ and B Squadron worked with 3rd Brigade of 215 Corps to close down a long and valued UK-Afghan relationship while also ensuring it was bale to help us withdraw in good order. A diverse set of roles, each performed excellently. The Rear Operations Group secured the home front in an assured, brilliant manner.
And now all things Afghanistan are over for QDG and we must catch up with the remainder of the Army which has sprinted ahead with the implementation of Army 2020. Fortunately we had the chance to bring some sort of closure to our seven year Afghanistan experience with some wonderful, memorable events in November and December – a medal parade in Sennelager where another 85 soldiers received the Afghanistan medal, the granting of the Freedom of Shrewsbury, exercising our right to the Freedom of Swansea in the presence of our Colonel in Chief, and thanksgiving services in St Chad’s in Shrewsbury and Llandaff Cathedral, all in the presence of the Colonel of the Regiment and many other Association members and Regimental friends.
As I contemplate the end of my command in early 2015, I am thankful 2014 passed as successfully it did and I am hugely grateful to everyone for their dedication, professionalism, ability to get things done and, above all, their friendly and upbeat approach to life. I have come to know this as the QDG way. 2015 is a transitional year with the arrival of a new commanding of cer, the move to Norfolk and conversion to Light Cavalry. Beyond, the Welsh Cavalry will be ready for its next challenge.
WHLD