Page 18 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

Op HERRICK 19 was to be my final tour of Afghanistan, and the main rumour circulating about the operation during pre- deployment training was that it was to be a 9 month tour. This rumour became reality as it was confirmed prior to our MST, and it made me even more determined to deploy as I volunteered for the role. After completing the notoriously long MST process, which included 5 weeks in Jordan deployed on Ex PASHTUN LINKS, 103 Military Working Dog Squadron was more than ready to deploy in 2 tranches. It was with anticipation, excitement and a little of the unknown that we embarked on our 9 month tour.
I deployed on Tranche 2 on 15 Sep 2013 as an AES handler with MWD Maya, a 5 year old female black lab. We had been together for 9 months previously, and this was her second tour of Afghanistan and my third. It started, as all tours do, with a seven day Reception Staging and Onward Integration (RSOI) package. With all the mandatory briefs, PowerPoint presentations, ranges, information on changes to our approach to operations and the situation out on the ground. We were all ready to begin our Role Specific Training (RST) and licensing phase, by the end of RSOI.
My two previous tours were as a Protection handler and Specialist Dog Handler, so this tour was to offer me some new and exciting experiences and challenges. From the outset of RSTs I knew I was in an extremely fortunate position to have Maya; from that moment on she performed outstandingly, doing everything I wanted her to do and more. Given a 21 day target to begin the pre-license, it is with real pride that I can say Maya and I licensed complete in 18 days. This successful license timeframe was not only exclusive to me and Maya, the 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 operations. In total the Squadron deployed on over 4407 task lines. The Ops ranged from internal force protection, working with the Brigade Recognisance Force (BRF) and Armoured Infantry (AI) company on deliberate operations, and contributing to the drawdown of the bases across Task Force Helmand (TFH). 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 Tanner RAFP and MWD Hertz. That team proved to be extremely successful, with a total of 22 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 Mayas 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.
18 Chiron Calling
AES Handler – Op HERRICK 19
By LCpl L Kearney