4 SCOTS

The Blue Hackle

Commanding Officers Foreword

Another month gone and Advent is upon us. The Battalion is ready for Christmas and we are all staggered by the generosity of those back home we are awash with parcels. The plan for the big day is to hold a Christmas Eve dinner where we will be joined by the Danish and Estonian members of the Battlegroup followed by an atmospheric Midnight service. Christmas Day will be quiet allowing all the chance to phone or Skype to see their families back home with the officers doing the majority of the work on the Day allowing the Jocks some time off. It will not be the same as a family Christmas at home in Fallingbostel or Scotland but we will make it memorable all the same. So, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and on behalf of everyone forward thank you for supporting the Battalion over an incredibly busy year.

Commanding Officer 4 SCOTS: Lt Col J C Roddis MBE

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Manoeuvre Battlegroup Operations Warrant Officer

Gereshk District Centre is a popular transit route through Central Helmand. Many might wonder what this Operations Warrant Officer (Ops WO) person gets up to. My main task is babysitting the Battle Captain and ensuring that the Ops Room runs smoothly. The Battle Captain in question is Capt Henderson and after 3 months I now have a firm grip on his routine. Within the Ops Room there are several jobs that require 24 hour manning, most of which are covered by attached arms. We are that vital link to the troops deployed outside of Bastion. 4 SCOTS personnel have been heading up the Watchkeeper/Signals desk with CSgt Fergie Ferguson and Sgt Jay Jones keeping watch on the JCHAT; as this goes to press we bid farewell to Sgt Alec Frame who is now Fallingostel bound with a new skill to adapt to. I thank him for all his hours of stagging on. The signallers have remained sharp on the radios with Hldr Koul staying ALERT! The banter with in the Ops Room has been flowing from time to time, with the main focus tending to be towards Bdr Mills, who takes a powering of verbal for his ever loved football team, the Arsenal B Team (Tottenham Hotspurs).

The CO, Danish Liaison Officer, Danish Tank Commander and new Estonian Company Commander deployed together for the first time this month following the Estonian Companys Relief in Place. 3

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CSgt Ferguson & CSgt Campbell aka Jack & Victor are apparently on the fat burner routine for PT, but it is hard to notice if it is working yet. However, still 5 months for some results to show. The Artillery desks have bonded well with the team and have been producing some good work in the fight against the insurgents. A change in focus to some of the operations has meant that they have had some extra work thrown their way. The J2 (Intelligence) desk are always on top of things with the small band of intelligent people assessing that there are approximately 5 months until end of tour. Not forgetting to keep up to date with SP Coy matters COs Tactical Headquarters deployed with the Adjt for support during the tour has filled my (2nd from left) this month. quieter days; of which there has not been many to date. I have managed a visit to Lashkar Gah Durai where the Mortar Platoon and FP FSG Platoon hosted Maj Sandford and me. Thanks to the efficiency of the RAF our stay was extended by 2 days - apparently due to a technical problem with the helicopter. Some things never change. More recently I visited the Recce Platoon at Sterga 2. All were in good spirits and doing a cracking job keeping the small base running smoothly. Unfortunately this was a COs TACs Huskys (low left) and Warthogs (top right) all deployed alongside fleeting visit the Danish Tanks and Estonian Protected Mobility vehicles. when CSgt Campbell sent me packing on the inbound Helicopter the following morning, thanks for the Hospitality Cammy.

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WO1 Scotty Mcquillin has arrived in theatre taking post as Regimental Sergeant Major. I take this opportunity to welcome him from all the WOs and Sgts Mess members in theatre. With the arrival of WO1 Mcquillin has meant that WO1 Philbin was subsequently promoted to Capt Philbin. Congratulations. Danish Leopard II Tanks (top left) and Estonian PASI 188s (bottom right deployed alongside the COs Huskys and Warthogs this month. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, and you can look forward to more Ops room up dates in the future.

Operations Warrant Officer / Support Company Sergeant Major: WO2 Vince Mackintosh

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United States Marine Corps 238th Birthday Celebrations
Although at time of publishing the Pipes and Drums of 4 SCOTS who deployed with A (Grenadier) Company are safely back in Germany, they did manage one final performance before departing.

The Pipes and Drums of 4 SCOTS and SCOTS DG played during the USMC birthday celebrations. On 10 November 2013, the United States Marine Corps marked their 238th birthday with a celebratory dinner in Lashkar Gah for all of ISAFs Top Brass. T he 4 SCOTS Pipes and Drums joined forces with The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards to perform as the main entertainment and attraction of the celebrations.

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Task Force Belleau Wood Force Protection Multiple

The Jocks patrol on the ground that they watch over. A Company was two weeks away from successfully completing its task of delivering the RSOI package for Herrick 19 troops when a request came through for an uplift of Infantry to work under the United States Marine Corps led Task Force Belleau Wood. It would assist 51 Squadron RAF Regiment in the perimeter defence of Camp Bastion. 4 SCOTS said they could provide, and a multiple strength was mobilised from A Companys reserve element on standby in Fallingbostel. Lt Gourd was to remain in theatre and take command of the multiple, alongside Sgt MacLean-McInnes who arrived with the Jocks in early November. The task is to permanently man three defensive positions on the perimeter of Camp Bastion. From there the teams provide a deterrent to anyone with an intent to break in, they report on activity within their arcs that feeds into the intelligence picture, they provide mutual support to local ISAF patrols and ultimately will deliver an effect against any deliberate effort by insurgents to target Camp Bastion. Fort Cossar.

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The defensive positions are the Jocks new home! Towers of concrete with a Rocket Propelled Grenade frame, Hesco protection and desertcam nets; they are every bit the ultimate fortress every boy dreamed of building. Not short of welfare facilities either; each tower contains a gym suite under the strict eye of LCpl Mackenzie, screened off solar showers allowing for a discreet postworkout freshen-up and mini-TVs keeping big-hearted Hldr Agnew abreast with Loose Women and Lorraine! A kettle maintains morale with coffee and pot noodles but more so - the fridge full of Irn Bru!

'Chest Day' for Hldr Burton, finishing off 101 reps as Hldr Logan looks on in envy.

The Jocks have been put through their paces with plenty of training on the assets and equipment available to help them complete their task. Confidence at delivering a variety of reports over the radio has improved, as has their attention to detail in medical procedures and casualty evacuation.

Heart beats were racing in the med lessons! Meanwhile, Cpl McDermott scans his arcs from the tower. Judgemental training and Escalation of Force drills have been discussed and practiced, with an interest in the job also continuing to be maintained. Always flexible and able to adapt; the Jocks have managed to turn their hand to a completely different task from what they thought they would be doing, and so far they are leading the way and have continued impress. Camp Bastion can sleep soundly in the knowledge there are Highlanders keeping watch!

Officer Commanding TFBW FP Multiple: Lt Olly Gourd.

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Op GLANCE Platoon Kandahar Airfield
The Operation GLANCE Platoon was formed from the men of 3 Platoon, A Company, 4 SCOTS. The platoon is isolated from the remainder of the Battalion and operates from Kandahar Airfield (KAF) down in Kandahar Province. Our role is to act as force protection for the British Task Force who operate in and around the surrounding area of KAF.

The Op GLANCE Platoon with their Ridgeback Protected Mobility Vehicles. The Jocks have now been in place for two months and are settling in well to our new surroundings. KAF itself is a very different environment to that of Bastion. It is mainly an American location but it also seems to be a temporary home to Austrialians, Belgians, Slovakians, Danes, French, Italians and of course; the Afghans themselves. The platoon is one of the very few British Army units in KAF. Initially the platoon was very busy; patroling out on the ground almost every day in our Ridgeback Protected Mobility vehicles. However, as winter now has her foot well and truely foot in the door, the tempo of operations will undoubtedly change. The jocks are keeping busy, however, as the training opportunities in KAF are excellent. Alongside Herrick specific training, the jocks are keeping up to stratch with skill at arms and conventional tactics. The platoon has a number of JNCOs and jocks who are benefiting greatly from this training, with the intent of attending Section Commanders Battle Course or a Potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officers cadre on return from theatre. It isnt all work and no play for the Op GLANCE jocks however. KAF has some of the best welfare facilities the army has to offer; so much so, that some of the jocks prefer KAF to Germany! The platoon has their choice of 7 themed cookhouses and their pick of several coffee shops. After the working day, the jocks can choose to attend the UK gym or go to the boardwalk, where they can play football, hockey, basketball or beach volleyball. Last month the platoon entered two teams in to a mutli-national dodgeball tournament. Victory, however, was secured by the ever so keen Americans. As Christmas approaches, the thoughts of the Op GLANCE platoon turn to their famalies back in Germany and the UK. Everyone here would like to wish them a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Officer Commanding Op GLANCE Platoon: Lt Ross Pearson

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B Company
Transition is the word on everyones lips at the Regional Corps Battle School Advisor Team. If the ISAF mission was not due to end within a year, B Coys task would be a simple one: to stand in front of a class of Afghans and teach them how to operate a particular weapon system or piece of equipment. Teaching them how to teach it to their fellow Afghans is, however, an entirely different kettle of fish. The institution needs to be completely self-sustaining in less than a year, from the teaching of courses all the way up to the planning and resourcing of training. Therefore, while the training currently offered needs to be of a high standard, development of the Afghan ability to complete the job themselves remains the main focus. The school has completed its first batch of courses; 650 Afghan students taught by B Coy and their USMC counterparts. We have then retained the top 109 students that will become instructors on each course. They then began a three week instructor development package, improving their knowledge of their specialist subject and teaching them how to instruct.

The RCBS is a multinational training facility that has gone from strength to strength. The Specialist Infantry Weapons courses, headed up by Capt Grant and Gunnery Sergeant Phillips (USMC), are the closest courses to transitioning. Afghans are very practical learners and easily able to observe and copy weapon drills. In particular, the SPG-9 course, assisted by LCpl Burns, and the 82mm Mortar course, assisted by Cpl MacPhee, are 95% there. A bigger challenge is the Combat Service Support courses, such as Medical training and Vehicle Maintenance course. It can at times be easy to forget that we are training an army at war. A week in to our instructor development phase, 215 Corps received an order to form two new Kandaks (Battalions), with one to form immediately at the RCBS and undergo a three week training package. It would be easy to view this as a spanner in the works of our well thought out instructor development package, however our mission here is to provide the Corps with all of its training needs. The fact that the 215 Corps is utilizing the RCBS and its considerable resources can only be good news. It throws our new instructors in at the deep end where they can learn on the job. The new Kandak has changed the dynamic of the school considerably. The students are not the new, raw recruits that have been training at the RCBS to date. These are experienced soldiers from the fighting Brigades of the 215 Maiwand Corps. They walk around with a swagger, and have their own experience and ideas on how to conduct the training. The life support in the school has been stretched to the limit with 3,000 people currently living at the RCBS. The new Kandaks 10

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soldiers have spent a long time without leave or pay, and the RCBS Advisor Team will have to contend with these issues as the training progresses. In addition, the school is awaiting the arrival of 90 new Officers, who will undergo a four week course to improve their map reading, weapon skills, tactics and leadership. This will further stretch the schools resources, but once again, the opportunity to train the Corps next batch of leaders means that we can have an immediate effect on the battlefield.

RCBS Ops Bravo: Captain Marcus Pemberton.

Executive Officer Update. We have been very surprised at the willingness of the new Afghan instructors to take the lead and demonstrate their ability to instruct on the new courses. They are very enthusiastic and keen to get the job done which is a clear sign of progress and a credit to the B Coy instructors who have put in so much hard work to develop them. Advising is challenging and frustrating work at times, it is not all back slapping and high fives. You often find yourself trying to discuss and convey complex issues to the ANA through an interpreter to an audience who does not necessarily agree with you or has a different point of view. It is a time consuming role that requires you to develop a rapport and understanding with your target audience where you blend your western knowledge with Afghan practicality to come up with a solution. I think Jocks, NCOs and Officers of B Coy have done an excellent job at having the patience to develop that understanding and forged the necessary relationships. Advising is a job that requires the delicate art of knowing when to drive on with an issue to accomplish a task and when to let the ANA do it themselves and possibly fail. At this stage of the Campaign we need to be showing the ANA how to get the job done. Col Kraft from the USMC summed it up perfectly with two saying. You can lead a horse to water but you cant make it drink, but if you give it salt and work it hard it will, and I never wanted the win as much as my coach did, he showed me what right looked like. B Coy has another 4 months where we need to get the Afghans to a stage where they can do it for themselves. I think that with our guidance and slowly giving them the lead we will depart leaving behind a sustainable RCBS that will be able to provide the training for the ANA of the future.

Officer Commanding B Company / RCBS Executive Officer: Major Jono Kelmanson

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Support Company
It is interesting to note, while we rack up the editions of the Blue Hackle, that the number of days left to do is not noticeably decreasing. That said; we are approaching 100 days in theatre for many, so to mark that minor milestone, I thought it apt to offer a quick stock-take of Support Companys tour so far. The Company has been fortunate in having almost 60% of us deployed on H19. The roles are various. Some odds and sods (OC, CSM, Sgt Marsden) are languishing in the rear in BG HQ. Others are filling CSgt Bremner takes 5 from the Mortar Line in Lashkar niche capabilities in the BTE (WO2 Gah Durai. Easton, Cpl Macleod), TFH (Cpl Every), RCBS (Cpl Rai), steadystate RSOI (Cpl Singleton); while a lucky few get (occasionally) to do some real soldiering outside the wire: Recce (STG2), FSG and Recce (COs TAC and Force Protection (FP) Multiple, Mortars (LKD). The Pipes & Drums shift supporting A Coy and RSOI has come to an end and they have recovered to Fallingbostel in preparation for the Pipes & Drums Cadre in Edinburgh in the New Year. The Mortars have gone one up on their 2 SCOTS predecessors and finally managed to fire a fire mission. This is just reward for a lot of preparation and hard work on the part of the team down in Lashkar Gah Durai, who have maintained a sharp edge throughout. The Bastion-based elements of Support Company face a varied existence. The CSM and I pedal a goldfish bowllike existence in the Headquarters. The CSM Life in the outstations is one of simple pleasures. has now acquired the dubious status of Flypro Guru, having mastered the black art that is the system for booking in -theatre helicopter trips. The Company clerk has handled her duties with such aplomb that she has been promoted. LCpl Sproule is now seen briefing the officers with a few points on a regular basis. Sgt Marsden has the pleasure of being CQMS to 107 members of the headquarters under the direct gaze of Major 12

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Tait. It is fair to say that a lesser man would have broken under the weight of assurance checks and bespoke G4 requests from senior staff officers for which he is responsible. COs Tac remain the glamour boys of the BSN JOB community by virtue of the fact that they get to go out on the ground. Staff officers, tied to their computers for 14hours a day can only marvel at the tales of adventure that Cpl Cairns and his boys can recount after deploying with Danish tanks and Estonians into the desert. They even have the added bonus of showing the ropes to a new RSM It would be remiss of this stock-take not to mention the elements of the Company working away under the ROG. Captain Ross Hold successfully led a contingent to Kenya to support 2 MERCIAN on Exercise ASKARI STORM. A number will now reset before deploying to Afghanistan as part of the mid-tour rotation. Even Ross might make it out here. It doesnt take long for the Jocks to make the most of their surroundings. A notable mention should also go to Sgt Mair who has now left us, after passing UKSF Selection. This is a fantastic achievement, which we hope will encourage others to follow his path, and we wish him well.

Officer Commanding Support Company: Major Rob Sandford

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Recce Platoon CP STERGA 2

Following a busy settling in period and sorting out the base to a 4 SCOTS standard, the troops at PB STERGA 2 (ST2) are now into a steady rhythm. Steady, however, does not mean boring; we continue to support deliberate operations and conduct our own patrolling to keep our base safe and secure. When not out on patrol ST2 keeps busy with training and competitions of both a military and notso-military nature. Recently we held a Military Competition week with tests ranging from Medical, Physical Training, Shooting, Intelligence, Pashtu Language to the all-important brew-making competition. The teams were mixed to include everyone living at ST2, and gave us a good chance to integrate with everyone and build a stronger team. Other competitions have included Movember, which raised $215 for the Movember charity. A $5 entry per man (or woman) allowed the competitor to enter the three categories: 1. Best Moustache Winner: Captain Challis Prize: Crate of Juice, donated by himself Gunner Nuttley enjoying his Movember prize.

2. Worst Moustache Winner: Gunner Nuttley Prize: Opportunity to feed Cpl Charles whilst he is on QRF. 3. Moustache with the Most Character Winner Hldr Stewart Prize: 24 Hours off STAG

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The Movember judging night then moved swiftly onto the Inaugural ST2 Man vs. Food Competition. The contested winner, finishing a gravy serving dish of hot curry and a side plate of fries in the quickest time, was LBdr Westerman, the FST Ack from 3RHA. However, Cpl Charles ensured LBdr Westerman subsequently threw up his winnings on patrol; leaving the true 1st Place to one of the worthy 4 SCOTS competitors in Hldr Findlay, Hldr Stewart, Cpl Ellis and Capt Challis. The title is still under review.

The Man vs. Food competitors line up for their heats (above). The valiant 4SCOTS winners (right). PB STERGA 2 is a focal point of the Task Force Helmand laydown and sees frequent visitors. Of note, WO2 Mackintosh managed to unlock his shackles at the Manoeuvre Battlegroup Ops Room to pay us a fleeting visit, as did the incoming Commander of ST2 for Op Herrick 20. Despite best efforts, ST2 also hosted the infamous WO2 Angry Andy Lambert RQMS(T) of the BTE and the Comd Sergeant Major, Gary Pistol Holster Main. As you can see he had a little more time to enjoy his visit.

Angry Andy gets to work while the Pistol Holster eases himself into life at ST2.

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In addition to the frequent visits, ST2 was lucky to receive an uplift of 7 soldiers, from the ROG in Fallingbostel, who will remain here for the rest of the tour. This has allowed work to be shared more evenly and for the jocks to get more rest between stags. The 7 soldiers were led into theatre by a fearless PTI and G4 storeman to help the very busy CSgt Campbell. This dream team is now aptly named Jack n Victor.

The

ST2 Remembrance Parade was also accompanied by some 4 SCOTS visitors in the form Padre Geoff Berry, Dmr Secake as the parade bugler and LCpl Mackay as the Piper.

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This short visit also saw the opportunity to re-enact the Piper Mackay at the Battle of Waterloo scene with modern day troops and our own Piper Mackay.

From Waterloo to Sterga 2, Piper Mackay plays on! Finally ST2 had a war artist, Anna Redwood, visited the base for a few days. As well as working on her own projects, she took a number of art lessons in printmaking and painting; a welcome break from the norm for the jocks, whos work will be presented at Annas exhibition in summer 2014. Naturally, I took her out on patrol with the clear instruction of me being in the forefront of her Herrick 19 Painting unfortunately she managed to take photos of picturesque scenes, the local Afghans and the rest of the soldiers. At the end of a busy month the troops at STERGA 2 are in a steady rhythm of life and morale is high. We look forward to an unusual Christmas in the desert and keeping you posted on our festivities.

Second in Command STERGA 2: Captain Finlay Anderson

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Force Elements At Readiness (FE@R) / Delta Company
November has seen a re-focus on Afghanistan specific training for the FE@R and Delta Company. The highlight of the month has been Ex Pashtun Panther a busy range package in Sennelager. The aim of the week was to get all soldiers through their mandatory weapon tests for rifle, pistol, machine gun, grenade launcher, sharpshooter and sniper weapons. This was achieved ensuring that the FE@R is in date for the remainder of Op Herrick 19. It was also a great opportunity to get the Company together and conduct refresher training, specifically on CounterImprovised Explosive Devices (C-IED), 1st Aid and Communications; not to mention early morning PT! The remaining 3 weeks have largely been spent in Fallingbostel, though elements of the FE@R have been split to the four winds attending All Ranks Briefings, driver training and RSOI pulses to Afghanistan. There has been the opportunity for some light relief, with Capt Law getting away to Glencoe to do his Mountain Leader Training Course and Hldrs King, Taylor and Hinton spending a week in Yorkshire on a Kayak course. A demonstration of a 4-man C-IED patrol. Due to the number of new Jocks who have arrived in the FE@R since the Battalion went through their Mission Specific Training, we have re-run elements of Cascade Training. Sgt Brennan and Sgt Marquis ran two great training days at Ubs Dorf to re-teach the basics of Ground sign awareness, C-IED and patrolling techniques. In addition, soldiers have been rotating between Team Medic Cadres, Heavy Weapons training and Judgemental Shooting training. Jocks of Delta Company get to grips with the new Glock One of the key priorities for the pistol. month has been to get Jocks through their Cat C driving tests and GS Cadre. Sgt Watson and his team have done a great job of managing this training and ensuring that Delta Company hit their target of 25 Jocks suitably qualified by the end of November. These soldiers will now be loaded onto MASTIFF Operator 18

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courses and Crew Training School which will prepare them not just for a potential deployment to Afghanistan, but also for 4 SCOTS new role as a Heavy Protected Mobility Battalion.

Probably not how LCpl McIntyre imagined being presented his new rank slide. With A Company returning from theatre in mid-November there has been a re-organisation of the FE@R. Delta Coy have reformed as a separate entity to enable them to focus on their potential deployment to Afghanistan in the New Year. All other deployable elements of the Battalion in Fallingbostel have formed up as Assaye Company under Major Brookfield. Finally, a welcome back to Lt Pullen, Hldr Tiffen and Hldr Paul who have returned to the Company on completion of their attachment to A Company in theatre. Farewell to Cpl Boyle on his posting to Catterick, and congratulations to Cpl Forbes on the birth of his daughter, Maddison.

Officer Commanding FE@R/Delta Company: Major Will Colquhoun

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Rear Operations Group (ROG)
The last 2 months have been a busy period, but one in which the ROG has been tested in its ability to support across a range of activities, including compassionate cases, personnel returning for Rest and Recuperation and even the recovery of those that have completed their commitment to Herrick 19. On the home front, some wives have asked for more information, which has been acknowledged with a series of family briefs that are hoped to provide the families with the information they want - examples of the ongoing work in other areas such as the Battalions impending move to the UK, as well as what is happening in Afghanistan. On the 10th November, 30 soldiers from St Barbaras Barracks set off to pay respect to our forbearers at the Armistice Day parade at Becklingen War Cemetery, near Celle. The event was to be the Brigade main effort and as such it was attended by all Major and Minor units, German dignitaries and a good number of civilians. We were blessed with a sunny morning with no wind, quiet in comparison to the usual winter weather experienced on Armistice Sunday. Preparations were made by issuing the Jocks with Greatcoats, so that all were comfortable on the day. Major MacGregor, OC ROG, laid a wreath from the Battalion on behalf of the Commanding Officer. After the Service, the Hldrs had the opportunity to wander around the graves and lay their memorial crosses. It is worthy of note that all antecedent Battalions of todays Royal Regiment of Scotland have soldiers buried in this Cemetery and it is well worth a visit outside of Remembrance day activities. The Battalion Cross Country team has been performing particularly well over the last 2 months. Our team finished third in both the BF(G) Cross Country Relays in October and the BF(G) Cross Country Team Championships in November. A great performance given that the two higher placing teams are not committed to OP Herrick 19. During the Cross Country league races the team has also been performing consistently, finishing regularly in the top 3. This is all testament to the skill within the Battalion given the constant churn of soldiers in and out of Afghanistan. On an individual note, Capt Burnett, the ROG Adjutant, was selected to represent the Army at the Inter Service and Inter Country 10km road Capt Burnett (far left) represented the Army in November. Championships in the Leeds Abbey Dash. The Assistant RCMO, Hldrs Marais, Sutherland and Mackenzie were lucky enough to be invited to visit the HMS Sutherland as she was docking in Hamburg. They were met at Teufelsbruck Aneleger Pier on a wet cold Saturday morning in Hamburg by a German naval Officer. After a choppy ride into the middle of the River Elba, the 4 SCOTS soldiers climbed on board the ship and 20

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were met by Lt Wood, who then gave them a guided tour. The ship had just returned from a 4 week NATO training exercise in the North Sea, and the crew were looking forward to 4 days Rest and Recovery in Hamburg. HMS Sutherlands primary role is hunting submarines; she was built just after the Falklands War and when fully manned can have a crew of over 260. As part of the tour, the 4 SCOTS soldiers were shown the ships Ops room. This was the heart of the ship where everything from anti-submarine charges to the ships guns are controlled.

Charity Walk
During the month of October a number of personnel from the ROG/FE@R deployed to the UK in support of an ex 3 MERCIAN, Christian Knox. Christian is currently walking the coastline of the UK, starting in Blackpool and moving anti clockwise around the coast, in aid of charity. At the time, he was on the West Coast of Scotland. The team of 6, headed up by Sgt Brennan, deployed to the UK to find Christian on the Northern tip of Skye. For 5 days they joined Christian in his walk as he went around the scenic Skye coastline, camping out overnight and giving him some much needed company. In their effort, the soldiers helped raise over 500 in support of the Regimental Association. As well as raising money the team also raised the profile of the Regiment, as a number of the locals they came across werent even aware that the Scottish amalgamation had taken place and still believed The Highlanders to be their local regiment. The soldiers also proved to supply some good handy work in aiding a local man pull down a wall in his house to convert a bedroom. A thoroughly enjoyable few days was had by all the team and Christian. We wish him luck on the rest of his walk.

Rear Operations Group Adjutant: Captain Grant Burnett

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HECTORS
November is the official start of winter, where the nights get longer and the weather gets colder. Thankfully this November, the Welfare Office has seen a ray of light with the arrival of Maj Ross Brookfield and his band of merry men having completed their tour of Afghanistan. In the not too distant future they will be off for some well-deserved leave with their loved ones, but it was great to have seen so many excited faces this month in and around Hectors as A Company returned home. For many their Christmas celebrations came a month early.

Nothing like a bit of red smoke to brighten up the training area. November is also a month of remembrance and sorrow, with the devastating news of a fallen comrade, who many within 4 SCOTS knew very well. This years Remembrance Day services at Becklingham and in camp had a more of a poignant feel. 4 SCOTS families were out in good numbers for the service here in camp, and the troops that represented the Battalion at Becklingham were commended for their excellent bearing and turnout.

The GI Janes tackled the obstacle course. 22

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The combined Sunday lunches that we share with 2 Close Support Battalion REME are continuing to grow in popularity, with the numbers of people attending increasing at each event. Transport is provided for those that require it and the food is enjoyed by all.

Ready for action. The families briefs were co-presented with Maj Ross Brookfield and the ROG HQ Staff this month. Maj Brookfield gave an excellent update on what it is like in Afghanistan and I know that a few of the wives with husbands still in theatre were content on what had been said. There was also an introductory brief on Catterick, with more detailed briefs starting early next year. The end of November sees the opening of the world famous German Christmas markets and the welfare office along with Mrs Fiona Sandford has planned a trip to visit the one in Luneburg. There has been good interest with many of the wives and children wanting to see Santa Claus. I can sense the excitement rising with Christmas decorations getting ready to be put up and the childrens wish list getting longer with each passing advert. Photos of this trip will be published in next months Blue Hackle, but for now you can enjoy the photos from last months GI Jane wives exercise.

Unit Welfare Officer: Captain Billy McLaren

Stay low, move fast.

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Celebrity Support for 4 SCOTS
Celebrity support for the Highlanders comes from the East End of London and Reigate in Surrey this month in the form of British film actor Jamie Foreman and English singer-songwriter and musician Newton Faulkner. With over thirty movies to his name, including Layer Cake, Gangster No 1 and Gary Oldmans film Nil By Mouth, Jamie has also appeared in nearly every major TV series over the past thirty years. Jamie is currently playing the role of Derek Branning in the iconic British soap Eastenders and took time out from filming to show his support for the excellent work being done by The Highlanders. Keep watching Eastenders to catch a glimpse of Jamies on-going support. Thanks Jamie! Known for his unique style of guitar playing, Newtons debut studio album Hand Built by Robots shot to No. 1 in the UK Album Chart in August 2007 as it was certified double platinum. His successes have continued since then and he still has a substantial fan base across the globe. Donning a Highlanders T-Shirt and wristband this month, Newton was keen to sing the praises of everyone in 4 SCOTS and show his support. Thanks Newton!

Jamie Foreman and Newton Faulkner show their pride in supporting 4 SCOTS. If you know a Celebrity or just see someone famous in the street, then tell them about our fundraising during H19 and get a photograph of them showing their support. Send your Celebrity Supporter pictures to gentryrichard@hotmail.com and lets see who appears on the pages of next months Blue Hackle. 24

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4 SCOTS in the Media
Keen to remain on the bow wave of media coverage, a number of Blue Hackles have remained in the press this month; despite a significant lull in the number of journalists visiting Afghanistan during late November. While we waved goodbye to A Coy on completion of their deployment this month, the stories of their jocks who served here are still getting coverage. In particular, LCpls Carry and Hicks, as well as Hldr Blair, were mentioned in The Times as the members of 6 SCOTS to deploy with 4 SCOTS.

Military news in brief

Published at 12:01AM, November 16 2013

Reservists train new Helmand arrivals Reserve soldiers have been swapping family hotels and university halls for the Afghan desert as they train troops freshly arrived in Helmand. Personnel from 52nd Lowland, 6th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland (6 Scots) have taught thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen at Camp Bastions Reception, Staging and Onward Integration centre. The training ranges from weapon systems and life-saving medical training to cultural awareness and specialist driver training courses. Soldiers from A Company will have been responsible for instructing more than 5,000 individuals by the New Year.
Ali Gibson, the BFBS reporter based here in Camp Bastion has been covering yet more of the jocks hard work this month; this time focusing on the first pass out of Afghan National Army Instructors at Camp Shorabak. The report is still online for your viewing (click below).

B Company on BFBS.

To keep fully up to date with all thats happening in theatre follow us on Hectors Welfare Facebook page, The Royal Regiment of Scotland Facebook page and the 4 SCOTS JustGiving site.

All links must be accessed through open source internet. They will not work on Dii, RLI or MS.

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Other Photographs This Month

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