Page 29 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

I deployed to Jordan on Exercise PASHTUN LINKS 7 for 6 weeks in March as an Improvised Explosive Device Detection Dog (IE3D) handler with MWD Gracie. During my time in Jordan I would spend the day out on the training area enhancing my skills as a handler (under the watchful eye of LCpl Slack from 104 MWD Sqn who deployed as Directing Staff) and improving Gracie’s search capability.
The time in Jordan also afforded us the opportunity to conduct training with other units such as the TALISMAN Squadron from the Engineer Squadron Group (ESG) and 1 YORKS. The training covered enhanced Ground Sign Awareness, the use of HORN, setting up and testing Bowman radio systems and battle inoculation. The highlight of this training was doing an Annual Combat Markmanship Test (ACMT) for the 7.62mm GPMG which saw LCpl Freeman and me spending the day running up and down a range in full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whilst cursing the big orange ball of fire in the sky. Despite the heat it was a worthwhile
was the better shot!
After all the dog training and extra
training with the ESG and infantry, it was time to deploy on Exercise to put into place all we had practiced. Gracie and I spent the first half of the Exercise attached to 1 YORKS, going out on patrols, searching Vulnerable Points (VPs), Vulnerable Areas (VAs) and routes in order to keep the momentum of the patrol. The second half of the Exercise was spent with TALISMAN where we helped to search the routes TALISMAN had been tasked to clear.
Jordan was a good experience and enabled us to sharpen our soldiering skills and “iron out” any dog or handler issues, prior to deploying on Op HERRICK 20.
Arriving at Camp Bastion in April it was straight onto Reception Staging Onward Integration (RSOI) and into a handover takeover with 103 MWD Sqn. For the next three weeks Gracie and I were put through our paces on the North and South Airfield search areas in preparation for getting licensed by Sgt Goosey. Once licensed it
was straight on to a tasking supporting the MERCIANS whilst they searched a compound. There were no devices to be found, but much to the search team’s amusement Gracie did find a mud pool that she enthusiastically rolled in. Since then, we have been kept busy supporting the Force Protection Wing (RAF Regiment and 5 RIFLES), mainly around the area of Camp Bastion Leatherneck complex, dominating the ground and chatting to the locals.
We have also been very busy packing up Rowe Lines as the draw down of British Forces in Afghanistan continues. This includes disposing of everything that is not needed to carry out our work, tables, chairs, lockers and spare kennels the list is endless. We have also put on capability demonstrations for Brigadier Amison OBE, Commander Joint Force Support (Afghanistan) (JFSp (A)) and Brigadier Thomson DSO MBE, Deputy Commander of Regional Command, (South West) (RC(SW)).
102 Millitary Working Dog Squadron – Mission Specific Training and Op HERRRICK 20
LCpl Cargill (102 MWD Sqn)
day, and despite what LCpl Freeman says I
105 Millitary Working Dog Squadron - Preparation For Contingency Operations By Cpl Sancto
As of the 1 April 2014, 105 Millitary Working Dog Squadron (105 MWD Sqn) took over support to Contingency Operations within 1st Military Working Dog Regiment (1MWD Regt). The Sqn had been divided into two Troops, A Troop, led by Sgt King, were selected to be part of Air Assault Task Force (AATF). B Troop, led by Sgt Wilson were selected to support the Lead Commando Group (LCG).
As part of the build up to licensing, the handlers worked hard with their dogs, to ensure the required standards were met. This included a seven week detachment to Puckridge Barracks in Aldershot as a base location to carry out concentrated training.
The detachment started with a week long exercise, Ex SEA STOAT which allowed us to work with civilian Police dog handlers and DSTL. This was a good opportunity for the Arms Explosive Search (AES) dog handlers including myself, Cpl Watson, LCpl Jones and LCpl Higginson to work the dogs on bulk explosives. The civilian Police provided different training stands including building and route searches, and a hanger into which they would drive different vehicles to be searched. Sgt Wilson set up some separate searches on Longmoor training area, to achieve aspects of licensing. Whilst the AES teams were on the exercise, the Protection handlers carried out training in preparation for evening licensing patrols.
The next phase of preparation was Ex TOTEMIC. This aimed to rehearse the call out procedure of all AATF personnel, and the requisite formation of kit and equipment. Everyone had to arrive at a pre-designated location as quickly as possible to simulate a rapid deployment. We were not told when the activation order would come and Cpl Tylee and I were in the middle of a training search when the call was received. We then had to make our way to South Cerney for processing.
After just 24 hours in South Cerney, we were on our way up to Stranraer in Scotland for Ex JOINT WARRIOR. This was a joint services, multi-national, multi-threat environment within which UK, NATO and Allied units could carry out training in preparation for employment in a Combined Joint Task Force. Upon arriving we were given accommodation in a hanger on the airfield, introduced to the relevant Infantry Company that we would be working with, and told to wait out for orders. Stranraer was a very busy place at this point, with a whole fleet of Helicopters, vehicles and up to 1200 soldiers. I received my orders for a tasking after a couple of days this was to include a 3 hour flight on a Puma helicopter to RAF Kinloss, where the plan was to mount an assault on Kinloss airfield. LCpl Jones was to travel by Hercules and Cpl Tylee, LCpl Howarth and Pte Hampson were to travel by road.
I was part of the main assault with 2 Company, 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), and was lined up with a EOD & Search multiple by the next day awaiting our lift to Kinloss. After roughly a 2 hour flight, we stopped in Lossiemouth, so the lifters could refuel. Ten minutes later we were up in the air again and back on route. When we arrived, there was a whole fleet of helicopters landing in sync, including Chinooks, Pumas and Merlins. The assault was led by 3 PARA, who proceeded to clear through the airfield hangers, followed by myself and the EOD & Search group, searching for weapon caches. This took the best part of the day due to the size of the airfield. LCpl Jones and I then moved straight on the MEP to assist with the searching of vehicles upon entry to Kinloss Airfield.
The intense and varied training has been invaluable to the MWD teams and has prepared us for deployment anywhere in the world.
Chiron Calling 29