Lest We Forget Issue no Issueno 88 15 November 2011 15 November 2011

Inside this issue:

Commanding Officers Foreword

2

The gatheringfeel the power 29 AES-CP Khaki and Pipers working with alongside the ANA

4-5

37 AES-PB HAZRAT 7-13 upgrade, LAD working with the Engrs ,Life in Afghanistan , the ASG And by popular demand G4 it just
44 HQ & Sp Sqnrepairs to the Bastion memorial wall, Camp 124 Phystastic 1518

The weather is finally turning towards the winter throughout Helmand. The change in seasons brings both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, the cooler temperatures stop the constant sweating and lethargy induced by the extreme heat; the sunbathing has now stopped and thankfully the physical work is easier- body armour is now, finally, comfortable rather than a cooker! Conversely, the bad weather wrecks the roads, turning the tracks to sludge in which they become almost impassable. The rain water (which falls like a monsoon) lies on the ground for days and seeps into our tents, sleeping bags and clothing.. In all, the change in weather is noticeable and welcomed by the Regiment. I recently spent some time with 37 Sqn in the North where they have been working along side the Danish contingent. Despite being here for over 2 months, it was the first time I could meet some of the lads under Cpl Amos and Doran-Thorpe, both of whom have had their sections in the thick of action over the last few weeks. Irrepressibly upbeat, the work theyve done has been magnificent. More impressive is Cpl simpson; he is working by day in a pretty basic Patrol Base and studying for a Masters Degree throughout the night. How he can survive on 3hrs sleep a night with the pace of life over here is unbelievable. Lastly, I also met up with the blokes supporting 2 MERCIANS. 9 Tp, 37 Sqn are constantly denying the nearby area to the insurgents who consistently try to attack the nearby bases. The Troop are using a mine flail in order to destroy explosive devices in the ground. Thankfully R&R is now in full swing, which is a great mental block for us out here-we now count down the R&R blocks until our own; life becomes 2-week segments until the R&R window closes in late Feb 12.

77 TALISMAN Sqn Op Massive, first find Back to OULLETTE BAG/RCC RCC overview ANA RCC capability

1922

24

Padres Progress

25

Kids corner Ellies Blog and Baby Hector

Chillaxing and Down Time NEW!!

2627 28

Id like to take the opportunity to reinforce the messages of thanks recently placed on our Regimental Facebook site to the Welfare element of the Rear Ops Team. Their imagination and capacity to provide great events for the wives and families in Paderborn is really getting noticed. Successful Sunday lunches, trips to the local water park and a great Halloween party in the Light Aid Detachments vast hanger typifies a great team that is helping to make the separation amongst the families and children a little easier to bear. From all of us in Helmand, thank you. Lieutenant Colonel Kev Copsey - Commanding Officer

TOE-JAM Times interviews

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The Gathering FEEL THE POWER

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The Commanding Officer and his Command Team during the 30 day review

The CO and the Squadron Commanders

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29 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Officer Commandings Foreword

Hello all, I hope you have all had an enjoyable Halloween and Bon Fire Night since we last sent out an edition of Trojan Times we have seen the pictures of the party back in Paderborn and it definitely topped our evening here in Afghanistan. The Squadron continues to work in support of both the QRH and 5 RIFLES with plenty of tasks. The latest tasks have seen 4 troop building a new check point for the Afghan Uniformed Police alongside one of the major roads, with 5 troop and 6 troop focussed on upgrading routes (to call them roads would be to much!) in the more remote areas. I write this fourth introduction (4 already!) having been out and involved in tasks with every troop over the last 7 days I can report that everybody is in fighting spirit and enjoying both the number and variety of jobs. My time out on tasks has reinforced the view that humour can get very black and our language can get very blue those in the Squadron reading this will know what I am talking about! It is not all about the troops deployed on the front line though. Nearly 20% of 29 is based in Camp Bastion doing the essential but often thankless task of supporting the troops and remainder of the Regiment. I will take this opportunity to tell you all that they do a brilliant job and without their tireless effort the Squadron would not be achieving great success forward with the infantry. They wont thank me but the Seniors must receive a mention SSgt Will Matthews, SSgt Taff Owen, SSgt Jim Snell, Sgt Axle Alecks and Sgt Jimmy Bellis. I make that 5 crates and next time I will name all the Juniors unless I receive a sufficiently large bung! Whilst out on the ground with the troops I have been telling them all the details I have for the return back to Paderborn, the Medals Parade, post operational tour leave (we will have earned it) and early plans for 2012. My hope is that this information is now filtering back to you all in Germany and UK so families and friends can make plans for late March next year and beyond, if you are wanting to know more the please do contact the rear Operations team in Paderborn and they will tell you all they know at this stage. This edition has articles from 4 Tp who have just finished building a CP for the Queens Royal Hussars and 6 Tp who have recovered 2 temporary sangers and replaced them with more permanent structures. Both tasks were physically demanding and involved working extremely long hours whist working to help improve the security of Helmand Province.
Si Carvel

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Check Point Khaki

By Spr Hainey, 4 Troop

Two months into the tour and the troop would be getting amongst it on our first proper task, to build Check Point (CP) Khaki. The aim was to cut off known insurgent supply routes and deny them freedom of movement within the Lashkar Gah Area, predominantly on and around Route 601. The task was to be broken down into 3 major phases firstly the clearance of the area to be constructed on by search teams, secondly the construction of the walls to provide Force Protection and then finally the upgrade to make the CP habitable. The search team started bright and early (I mean dark early) with me in tow. All credit to the lads, they worked tirelessly clearing an area of 100m by 100 m in the searing heat with all of their protective equipment on. All this was done under the protection of a Warrior(tanks) multiple from 5 Rifles who were well and truly dug in and ready for any eventuality. After an arduous 10 hour clearance the Brimstone team were finished and ready for some well earned down time. Phase 2 began with another early start and a road move consisting of several different cap badges including the trucks carrying our stores, tools supplied by the Queens Royal Hussars and our infantry escort from the Reconnaissance Platoon, 1 Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (PWRR). It was good to see all the wheels turning in the same direction, especially as it was a joint operation. Once on the ground the task started with the construction of the Force Protection (FP), which consisted of the perimeter walls and 2 Filling HESCO HESCO sangars. The lads in the troop dug out blind during the whole of FP construction and barring few hiccups. The task went as well as I could have hoped for and we managed to complete the FP phase ahead of schedule. Thanks to the hard work of the plant operators Sprs Bingham, Coveney and Ratcliffe and of course me with next to nearly no sleep. Before the upgrade in phase 3, we were able to reorganise ourselves back in PB Attal and get some well earned rest before returning to finSangar construction ish the job. The upgrade consisted of constructing all the basic amenities in order for a force to be able to live in relative comfort including shower and toilet units, winterisation of the CP itself and a means of waste disposal. Again the fine men of 4 Troop, 29 Armd Engr Sqn pulled it out the bag and managed to complete the upgrade in 36 hours instead of the planned 96, well done us. Obviously that meant that the ISAF multiple could move in earlier than expected and begin partnered operations with the ANSF. Happy that the new occupants were content with their new home for the foreseeable future we were able to colTime for a pose lapse the site and make our way back for tea and medals. The task was a success for everyone involved allowing the Queens Royal Hussars to commence partnered patrols immediately. Everyone had a massive part to play in the herculean effort to get the CP built ahead of schedule and also keeping spirits lifted throughout with some good banter.

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The Pipers Working Alongside the Afghan National Army

By Spr Burns-Muir 6 Tp 6 Troops first task working alongside the Afghan National Army (ANA) was at a small base called Check Point 3 (CP3), in the NES(S) area of Helmand Province. The ANA had recently taken over the base from ISAF and the decision had been made by their commanders to replace the guard towers with more permanent HESCO structures. CP3 is situated on the main road that runs across Helmand and the guard towers are very important for providing eyes on and security along the route. Therefore, 6 Troop were called into action... After a short road move from our usual home in PB Nahidullah, 16 section lead by Cpl Abbott arrived at our temporary base in PB 2. Luckily, the majority of 5 Troop were out at the time on task so there was plenty of space for us to make our own during the short period of time we would be living there (thanks 5 Troop!). Following a quick heads up from Capt Cox on the task, we finished our final preparation and had a good nights sleep before the inevitable early start. The first day on task started with the arrival of the civilian stores trucks delivering aggregate. We had to search and measure everyone to make sure they were delivering the correct amount. Luckily, Cpl Abbott had our trusty interpreter Mohammed with him and the negotiation went smoothly and surprisingly, the correct amounts were delivered first time! Following the arrival of the stores we set about dismantling the old guard tower, which included the relocation of a number of ANA soldiers that had moved their beds into the framework of the tower! After a slow start by the ANA (reluctant to get out of their beds) they were soon helping us to take down the old structure. Partnered activity By the end of the first day the main part of the tower was down ready to start the new tower the following day. Following a small site clear up, we were ready to construct the new guard towers. Spr Thompson fired up his machine and set about collecting the soil to fill the new structure. For many of the section, this was their first time using Mil 7 (1m x 1m) HESCO baskets. These giant baskets are as tall as an average man and require a lot of hard work and concentration to construct right first time. After the initial test and adjust, the section was working like a well oiled machine. Spr Thompson and LCpl Isaac using their trucks and diggers to fill the basket, whilst Spr Robson, Johnson and myself made sure that they were levelled and compacted correctly also known as HESCO hopping! The new tower began to take shape very quickly, even with the constant requests from the Nearly there ANA to borrow our tools to work on the rest of their compound. We soon came to an agreement that we would help them with the works when we were on our lunch breaks, cutting spare wood and fixing jobs soon had the ANA on side and willing to help out. Once into a rhythm, the HESCO structure was completed within two days and the second one went up without a glitch. The experience of working alongside the ANA was extremely interesting. They do not have a lot in the compound to keep them entertained and they were very grateful of any work that we did for them, We enjoyed doing the work for them and the occasional game of football towards the end of the day always helped to boost morale. Following the completion of the works the ANA now have a much safer base to operate from, enabling them to provide security along one of the main roads through Helmand Province for a long time to come.
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Not quite Wembley

37 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Officer Commandings Foreword

The tour is really flying by and Camp Bastion has come alive this week as the Armoured Support Group has returned for some much needed maintenance, and the lads have started flying back through for R&R. We also had an equipment maintenance study period and all the Squadron's SSgts flew back in to be revised on all the various processes and paperwork in theatre (SSgts Scott, Adcock and Norman were literally broken that day by the QM's chat - I feel your pain Gentlemen). At the front everything is still going well - I got around pretty much the whole AO, with Sergeant-Major Driver this last week and we also escorted the CO and RSM who were impressed by the work the lads are doing. 7 Troop have just finished a major task and you can read a blow by blow account from SSgt Scott below (I am refusing to call him Nighthawk). 8 Troop have also been busy upgrading bases and are about to start a major project to prepare one of bases to have more people in it. The current location has no infrastructure at all to speak of so they are living in very basic conditions, surviving on barbecues every night for tea. 9 Troop have been preparing for their next adventure which will see them using the latest bit of equipment available to us - an exciting opportunity for us all (more of this next time). Back in Bastion, Captain Dominic 'Rain-Man' Riley has now departed on leave which has had two radical effects - firstly productivity in the Dental Centre seems to have risen and secondly WO2 Driver's free time seems to have decreased (as he is covering him), although there still seems to be plenty of time for the 'Guns Show'. The QM's team have continued to do some great work and we have had a couple of good inspections - I am hugely grateful for all their hard work. I hope you are all well at home - we are now well in to the tour and December feels just around the corner. Please remember to get your parcels posted by 2 December or they may not reach us in time, and mark them 'Personal For' so they can be distinguished from the general welfare ones that we get a lot of. I hope you are seeing the various posts on Facebook and we will continue to get photos of our exploits uploaded there as well. I wish you the very best. Guy Boxall

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Patrol Base HAZRAT upgrade - 19 and 20 Sections 7 Troop (Gods Own)

by SSgt Scotty Nighthawk Scott Ok so this month saw the whole troop deploy to PB HAZRAT which is a Danish run camp. It was great to finally see 19 Section who had been lost souls up in Khar Nikah since the tour started! Before we launched into this task we conducted a 3Cs operation, (Captain Clare Callahan) the Regimental Padre turned up to wish us well and send us on our way. Also before we deployed I went back to Bastion on what can only be described as a robbing mission and thanks to SSgt Dickie Page for helping to fill the back of my Wolfhound vehicle up with goodies for the lads! Once we got to HAZRAT it was nice to see 19 Section (Cpl Amos and his Sapper Mortar team) arrive in style..helicoptered in obviously. Now due to the fact no one from 29 Squadron was about, the mickey taking and leg pulling was soon aimed at inter section level. The lads soon continued to strengthen our ties to B Coy DANBAT (The Royal Danish Hussars) which sounds dead posh but they all do really look like Dolph Lundgren or crazy Viking types and soon we were taking the mickey out of them too. There are also a couple of US Marine Corps lads there who we started to civilise and teach them how to make tea (proper tea, Taylors of Harrogate - none of that foreign muck for the Queens troops)

Working together

We deployed 5 days early due to the Eid local celebrations, so the lads being the damn fine Engineers that they are were soon running round the PB making the place a safe and secure environment for the Danish to live in. Cpl D-T was instrumental in giving the camp lighting, and the Plant Operators (Planties) once again proving they are the true Gods on this tour with some sterling work in their tractors. At one stage we lost Spr Lear and Spr Themaras as they looked like locals and could always be found down at the Afghan National Army (ANA) compound. The ANA lads based there have a pet monkey which is trained to assault Brits, yet even the monkey was fooled into believing these two are actually Afghans! Now due to only being a PB they get limited food and water and its proper world war two style rationing (ask the QM for details), and Spr Look at my guns Pangop was soon sulking due to the limited food supply, however once the Danish resupply came in and we were given the order to eat, he chomped his way through six square meals a day.

Some well needed improvements

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The highlight of the task was the rebuilding of the cookhouse area. The lads and lasses did me proud by making not only the cookhouse, but also using spare stores the Danes had accrued. They soon had up a kitchen, food prep area and pantry (see QM for description of pantry), rebuilt the girls shower area and toilets and the planties sorted out the front gate to camp. All in record time!
The new cook house

As we left, the Danish and American troops in HAZRAT were very gratefully for the STEEL support and said we are easily better than their own countries Engineers. HAPPY DAYS! Now most of you know I hate flying, and at the time of writing this report the USMC are flying me back to my troop tomorrow, stand by for an update in the next issue of Trojan Times to see if I can be sick in the back of their helicopter/plane thingy!

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An attachment to the Engineers

by Craftsman Wilson - LAD (Light Aid Detachment) I am Craftsman Hayley Fixingdorf Wilson and I am currently deployed as the vehicle mechanic for 7 Troop in MOB Price. My job is to maintain and inspect 7 Troops wagons. When the troop are deployed on the ground I have many other jobs which include Second in Command of brew making (Spr Rumbelow, known as Storingdorf is the chief brew maker), mail collector (none of which belongs to Lt Cole, despite his claims to having a fan club back home), forwarding the mail to any random unit whos mail we seem to receive regularly. I also have adopted the roll of Troop hairdresser and I have done a fontsiln job on Spr Jonny Whitakers hair, strangely nobody has asked me to do it since. In my spare time I like to play Bop-it Extreme 2 and currently hold the high score with 216, which is down to hours of practise, hard work and much dedication to the sport. For those of you that are not familiar with Bop-it it is an electronic toy that makes lots of irritating noises, much to the annoyance of Lt Cole and SSgt Scott. When the vehicles and the Troop come in after tasks, Spr Stevie Taylor kindly makes sure I am kept busy by his problem vehicle; a HUSKY. This has a jobs list as long as King Kongs erm arm. Fingers crossed after hours of work half of the electrical systems replaced the wagon should breeze all inspections! The Troops biggest concern at the moment though seems to be the fixing of the air conditioning system, it might be the start of winter but it's still pretty hot. Also whilst being deployed out here in Afghanistan I have been able to brush up on my wood work skills. I have helped make a rifle rack and a gun rack and also shelves for all of the Troops equipment. Nothing I made is quite as amazing as Spr Brian Shorthouses (armoured god/local leg-end), awesome umpires chair for the volleyball court, this should be useful when we finally get around to having our tournament against the Search team based on camp. We have many creatures here living at Price and thats not including members of the Troop. We had one times Camel Spider that thought it would come along and watch Top Gear with the guys, but this didnt last long. It was frozen to death by a can of athletes foot powder spray (from a safe distance with everyone screaming like girls). We also had a mouse that used to watch Troopy Cole while he worked in the ops room until he bravely chased it under the flooring. This was followed by lots of rustling, squeaking and hissing from under the floorboards leading everyone to think that there was a snake (or a dragon or whatever else their imagination stretched to) living under there. This has led us to start singing the theme tune from the TV show Trapdoor when we are in there.

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Life in Afghanistan
by Spr Bond 8 Tp I am currently serving on my first operational tour of Afghanistan. We deployed in September and have already completed various tasks on the ground. The tasks we have been detailed with have primarily been construction, winterisation of existing camps and building a Check Point from scratch. Living in Afghanistan has given a new meaning to living out of a bag, as we shower out of a bag, eat out of a bag and last of all go to the toilet in a bag. The standard of food and accommodation largely varies between camps. The two ends of the spectrum so far which have been camp Bastion at the top end which had quality food, facilities and accommodation and then down to Camp Ouellette which was anything but Camp Bastion. As for the patrol bases, we take what we can get. Sapper Carter-Smith has proven himself a fabulous chef and we even managed to get a few barbeques which are always good for morale. I have already been adopted by the local police who invited me for tea after they decided that we had been doing a fantastic job. The Another break local chai(tea) was interesting and I was then harassed by them for the following days to come for tea again, to which I had to accept. They are a friendly bunch and although I didnt understand anything of what they said although they seemed similar to us with lots of banter flying around. So far I am enjoying my experience in Afghanistan, it has been a lot busier than I expected and I hope we manage to achieve all the tasks set to us as a Troop. It has been interesting meeting the local people and especially the children who took great joy in bullying LCpl Wright whilst we winterised one of the PBs. I am very much looking forward to making it back to the UK for a cold beer.

Armoured Support Group to ABACOT

by Cpl Roberts 9 Tp As well as many other tasks across our area (Armoured Support Group being the best, obviously) 37 Squadron have also taken on strength a new vital piece of equipment called ABACOT. This piece of equipment has been sent all over Camp Bastion along with some highly skilled civilian advisors from the UK and with operators Sprs Pascoe, Broxton and Evans, who have been put through testing that even Top Gear would find hard to beat. Like a Swiss penknife, it has various attachments for different jobs. Once these lads had completed their refresher training, Cpl AJ Huge Guns Roberts and Sgt Fraz Weatherston were brought in to oversee the use of it out on the ground. Now were up in FOB Ouellete with 9 Troop, everyone here has been interested in this new character in the vehicle park. Yesterday we ran a demonstration for the infantry company to show off our skills as many had been bemused earlier in the day when the ABACOT had been working around camp but no operators were in sight! On the whole, all members involved in the future operation are looking forward to seeing this Robot Wars style machine in action, and well keep you updated with how we get on.
My gun is bigger than your gun

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G4It Just Happens - The Land of Oz.

The Wizard

This week the Echelon department is going to be referred to as the Land of Oz complete with characters as its a place full of magic and wonder! Firstly lets introduce you to the main players. Capt Joe Monaghan (The Wizardnot because he is a fountain of knowledge but because he looks like Simon Whitlock the Darts professional minus the beard).

SSgt Dickie Page (Cowardly Lionnot because he is full of bravery but because he is scared of PT). SSgt Si Anderson (Tin Manplain and simple, the man has no heart). SSgt Tony McDermott (Tick TockBecause he is a soldier, fat and lags as the day goes on and has to be wound up just after lunch to make it through the day). Cpl Robbo Robertson (The Rock Kingbecause he is a fossil). Cpl Karma Rai (Wicked WitchHated because of the Iron Man Competition). Cpl Billy Suksiri (Dorothy.because he lives in his own little world). LCpl Danny Gardiner (TotoBecause he follows Billy everywhere). Spr Talbot (Scarecrow.He is lacking in the upstairs department). Well it has been another glorious two weeks in Oz and as usual there has been mountains of work that Just Happens. Firstly there was Engineer Logistic Inspection which was the Regiments first official inspection of the tour in which the G4 team were heavily involved. 37 Armd Engr Sqn were volunteered by the Wizard to get inspected 5 days before we were supposed to, but due to the efforts of the Wicked Witch, Tick Tock and the Scarecrow the inspection went extremely well with the Sqn being awarded Best Practice throughout the Regiment. Next in Oz came an inspection in preparation for the Equipment Care Inspection, with the Tin Man, Rock King, Dorothy and Toto all working until the small hours to ensure the inspection went smoothly. Again Oz excelled and the Pre-Inspection was well above the required standard despite the Rock King (whos sponsored by Dyson) hoovering all of the Kit-Kats that were meant to be for sweetening the inspector.

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Some moments to savour in Oz these past few weeks have been the Wizard eating his way through cakes, acting as Chief Taster of each variety and leaving none for the rest of Oz. The Wicked Witch has been as popular as ever catching the guys returning to Bastion for a well deserved break in preparation for R&R. He has been ensuring they are suitably thrashed on his Iron Man Competition before leaving for the flight. There is simply no escape and the Wicked Witch will catch you no matter what time of day unless you are the 2ic and cry off with a mysterious-minute-flu! Another few things during the busy time in Oz have been the Scarecrow missing his first Guard Duty because he forgot. The Cowardly Lion nearly found some courage and actually got some PT kit on but onroute to the Gym he got distracted by the smoking area and consequently missed PT again. Tick Tock went to sleep at dinner again but only after telling some of his jokes. He calls them jokes but he and his 3 yr old son are the only ones who find them funny. Son thinks Dads funny; thats what counts though. The Tin Man has now informed us that Christmas is overrated and he really cant see the point in Birthdays. Its not all mysterious in the land of G4. Cpl Bugler and Sprs G Sealy and V Phoughat have been hard at work doing the jobs people hate, which mainly includes a never-ending ream of accounting. Spr Glasseye Hough is the unsung hero that is utilised by everyone, he goes about his business quietly, not through choice but because when he is actually heard it means whoever is within the vicinity is affected by narcolepsy. There is still a long way to go on the Yellow Brick Road (Herrick 15) and a lot of adventures to come. Will the Lion pluck up enough courage to open the dust-covered box of his new trainers? Will the Tin Man find a heart; stranger things have happened? Will Tick Tock manage to stay awake for a full working day and will the Wizard manage to control his computer rage (the chances of the current laptop lasting to Christmas are not good)? All of these questions and more will be answered as the journey continues!
G4 posing

The Wizards Top Tips 1. A melted Kit-Kat is the only safe Kit-Kat; it leaves too much evidence for the Rock King.

2. When showing off on the TRX trainer (fabric straps that move like a skipping rope through a karabiner) attached to the pull-up bar, dont try a one-handed pull-up because gravity takes over and youll take a dirt nap. 3. 4. Always ensure you volunteer to go first it can pay off. Place the smoking area by the gym (for the Cowardly Lion)

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37 AES Rear Operations Group (ROG)

by Sgt Sean Killen Firstly for the wives and children, LAD set up an excellent Halloween party on Sunday 30th September, following that we had the Bonfire Night on Friday 4th November which brought out a massive crowd, and Sunday 6th November we had the families Sunday lunch in Chards Restaurant which has had excellent feed back from the families. The past couple of weeks have seen the squadron ROG involved in a varied array of tasks and recreational activities. Work duties have included de-gunging the Squadron bar in preparation for its redecoration, not the easiest job considering how sticky the floor was, and the checking and re-checking of the troop stores which was also a time consuming job. The Reserve Troop have continued with Military Annual Training Test training and PT. Regular PT sessions have been on the agenda for the remainder also, and this has been coupled with members of the squadron playing for the regimental football team. The team were invited to a tournament against other 20 Brigade unit teams including QRH, 5 Rifles and 3 Battalion REME. The Regimental team came out on top and subsequently a league is now being organised for the teams. The squadron has also been on a trip to the local bowling alley for a well deserved day out. The time was enjoyed by all, some more merrily than others. Members of the squadron have also been helping with finding and transporting wood for the Regimental Bonfire Night, an evening enjoyed by all the wives and children.

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44 HQ & SP SQN NEWS

Officer Commanding Foreword
Well as the OC of 44 HQ & Sp Sqn, I have been looking through all the other previous articles and have established that my photo isnt one of an Ally war type picture as all the other OCs are, so I thought I would give you a mugshot of my work environment!!! As you can see its all pipes and tubes here! Life in the sqn is moving at a rapid rate of knots with guys now starting to go home on some well deserved R & R and others now counting the short days they have left until theirs. This has kept the Squadron Sergeant Major, WO2 (SSM) Scott Misun very busy planning in the dates and giving regular briefs to the lucky ones who will depart on their two week, well deserved break. The work rate has not let up, with all departments continuing to work hard in all tasks that are thrown their way. We have had a couple of inspections involving the G4 (accounts, stores and Equipment Care) areas of the Sqn which has kept them hard at work preparing vehicles and procedures for scrutiny by the inspectors from outside the Engr Gp. Happily there have been no major problems and the guys have dug out blind to ensure that the Sqn maintains a good working ethos in all that we do, so a big well done for that. The SQMS department, under the witty guidance of SSgt Webertron Webster, have been extremely busy preparing all the troops for life in the wet cold winter by ordering all new waterproofs for the Regiment. This has been quite a painstaking task, there is in excess of 300 personnel to cater for. Picking up, receiving and issuing it all out to the guys that need it the most can be a tiresome long task. Located on the other side of the office complex you have Sgt Mick Pumfrey and Spr Mani Jere who work long and unsociable hours to ensure that all the troops forward continue to receive the required spares for the broken and damaged vehicles. They also feed the Light Aid Detachment (LAD) with their endless requirement of spares, this may sound simple but when you receive in excess of 500 items a week which need processing and distributing, an enduring task which Sgt Mick Pumfrey and his one man team take on with no complaints. So a different angle again on Sqn life from some of the departments who are hard at work ensuring that the bigger picture requirements are met and that the Engr Gp and Sqn are smooth running, but as is always reiterated, these guys cant achieve this without your support from back home, so a big thank you to you all, and hope all is well back there. I look forward to giving you another update on the elements of the Sqn in the next edition. Still to beat is eight blueys at once, the challenge is out there see if you can better it. Chris Darke

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CAMP BASTION MEMORIAL WALL

By The CSC

With Remembrance Day fast approaching the memorial wall on the Bastion vigil site was in dire need of a face lift. Paint was flaking from the wall, surface cracks had appeared on the cenotaph, the brass cenotaph cross was damaged, and the general appearance of the site was poor. The Garrison Sergeant Major approached 35 Engineer Regiment requesting their assistance with improving the site, and in turn the Regimental Construction Supervision Cell (RCSC) was tasked with carrying out the work. A date of the 4 November 2011 for the work to be completed was given so that a dedication service for the memorial could be held exactly 1 week before Remembrance Day. This would prove to be a tight deadline as the RCSC had to support the Regiment on several ongoing tasks in theatre, work on the memorial site would have to fit around this. With the help of civilian contractors at Bastion the cenotaph was re-plastered and the cross which is made of brass cartridge cases repaired. The wall, cenotaph and wooden posts that surround it were then Spr Bakeburg replaces the memosanded down before being re-painted. rial plaques The final part of the task was to attach 11 brass plates to the memorial wall. These brass pates are engraved with the names of all the British service persons that have been killed in Afghanistan since operations began here 10 years ago. This part of the task proved to be the most challenging as the memorial wall is constructed from reinforced concrete blast walls. Over a two day period numerous drill bits were either broke or damaged, but all 11 plates were eventually secured to wall and the completion date met, allowing the dedication service to take place. The overall finish was to a very high standard befitting those named on the brass plates who had sacrificed their lives. Despite the extra hours needed to complete the task, all of us that worked on the site felt very privileged to be able to do something that would show our respect to our fallen comrades.

The final plaque is secured in place

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Camp 124 the First 10 Weeks

By WO2 (SSM) Scott Misun.

The lads have been here in Camp 124 (44 Sqncamp within Camp Bastion) for 10 weeks; plenty of time to settle into routine relax and let their guard down. I feel that it is only fair to share some of what I have seen with you guys at home.

Camp 124 appears to be one of the better Camps within Camp Bastion 1, and so it should be we have 100+ Royal Engineers living here. I have however noticed some unusual goings on. Shortly after arriving here a collection of tyres, ropes, sledgehammers, chains, clamps and exercise mats appeared near the volleyball court. After staking out the area for a couple of days I discovered that this is a frustration vent for a Neanderthal looking man who has also been spotted monkey running around the resources yard.

The Sqn Operations Room has also lent itself to some oddity and is at the mercy of unrelenting banter. Kingy, one of the signallers who works here has developed eyes similar to that of Igor the cartoon character and when he talks he sounds as if he has a major mucus problem.
Instruments of Pain

Our other guy Paddy speaks a language unknown to us and uses the nightshift as his own little Bandcamp for flute practice. The guy in charge of Kingy & Paddy has not been without fault. Mungo (Strange name) has surpassed all expectations by thinking the quad bike runs on diesel. (It doesnt). This delayed my weekly trip to the NAAFI to pick up stock for the lads. Yes I know, after 21 years of service Ive made it!

Devil eyes Crozier

The only other peculiarity I would like to mention for now is the contract cleaners insistence on mopping the carpets. I have never seen this before and it causes me uneasiness. Did I miss this at the University of Life? All of that said the time is passing quickly, R&R is now into the second week and morale is high. Living the Dream 2011 & 2012. (LTD).

Does this really need mopping?

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Phystastic
By Capt Andy Kerr You could tell the majority of the Regiment that we were taking over from were badged Commando by the nature of the gym facilities they had managed to procure. Everything from weights to more weights and a sprinkling of running, stepping and rowing machines. Oh and did I mention the weights? Now with this sort of facility you can imagine (one for the ladies) there were some buff individuals and along with this came the suntan and sun bleached hair. Yeah whatever. Bring on the real Sappers, not afraid to have a pint or two and a kebab on a Saturday night in down town Paderborn, without fear of ruining their highly toned physiques. The guys tipped up Foxys Gym CV area and saw the specimens that they were taking over from and immediately started to dig into the gym. Utilising the experts that are the CSC the lads turned it into something with a little less testosterone and a little more functionality. Ably led by Sgt Sat Nav Fox and LCpl Check me out Webster the gym was transformed with the extension mentioned in the last edition of the Trojan Times. New equipment was obtained by the sat Nav Sgt Fox; how I dont know but he got it all and more. This included a LCpl Harrison does his thing full suite of spinners, the promise of a new multi gym and several new bits of CV equipment. This done the new Foxys gym was born The guys wasted no time at all in utilising the new facilities. Now I am constantly impressed with what our guys can do when they set their minds to it. In this case it was smashing out the miles on the roads and in the gym. Something that would not happen in some cases unless it was on Sqn PT, however they were, and in some case s they were doing it twice a day. They even do phys as a ritual before going out on operations with the Force Protection Multiple. There are bodies changing shape and a prime example of this is WO2 Maxi Muscle Reynolds. This man can eat all day long and still not put any weight on in fact I have never seen anyone eat three puddings in one sitting unFoxys Gym weights area til he did. Put him in the gym with a dumbbell and a couple of protein shakes and the lumps and bumps start to pop out all over the place. SSgt boring boring Arsenal Finn, who is taking part in the Squadrons charity running event, at the time of writing this article had only 79 miles left to do out of his 300 miles allocation and that is dragging his right leg which is usually the quicker one. In fact I am led believe WO2 Fitzy Fitzsimmons is even offering to lend him some of his miles to see him through to the end of the Butlers Palace of Pain tour. Impressive to say the least. My final mention on the phys side is Sgt Resources Butler. This man is insane. If an item has the slightest weight to it he will lift it creating some random exercise to thrash himself with. If it isnt flipping tyres it is beating them with a sledge hammer. This can become rather annoying on the only day you get to rest. Ill have you Butler. The grumpy LE
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77 TALISMAN SQUADRON NEWS Officer Commanding Foreword

Hello Friends and Family of the TALISMAN Squadron wherever you are. The majority of the Squadron have now been in Afghanistan for a little over 9 weeks. While we are still learning about our environment and those who we are serving along side, it feels like we have reached a stage where we have done most things at least once. We are now able to fine tune the way we go about our business and although our role requires total concentration, in the gaps in between we are now able to cast an eye to the future. That is the future for those squadrons who will follow us in the TALISMAN role and also our own future as a Squadron with all of you back in Paderborn. So far we have been going at a good rate and the three Troops have proven the way for numerous Combat Logistic Patrols all over Helmand Province. This has enabled the vital resupply of the troops, including our own fellow sappers, who live and work out of the Forward Operating Bases and more remote Patrol Bases and Check Points. They have also completed a good number of deliberate route clearance operations. This means that they have made the route safe (or at least as safe you can get in this part of the world) for our own forces, the Afghan forces we work with and the locals for whom this place is home. All these operations are supported by a dedicated support team who work tirelessly to keep our large protected vehicles and numerous bits of techy kit on the road. The whole team are doing a cracking job and despite the constant challenges and persistent threat faced when out on the ground they continue to drive on and lead the way for others to follow. You are right to be extremely proud of each one of them. On the slightly lighter side teams and individuals have also been busy enhancing our camp in true sapper tradition. Buffalo Bills is now a more colourful and comfortable place to enjoy a bit of down time. An impressive and substantial piece of new equipment has recently appeared in the outdoor gym area and the TALISMAN arch will soon be erected to better mark our territory! Finally can I take this opportunity to remind you that 'Santa is coming to the TALISMAN Squadron'. If you want to make sure your loved ones (or mates!) receive your presents (or cards!) on Christmas Day then you can send parcels (containing your individually labelled and gift wrapped gifts) to: QM (FAO Santa), 77 TALISMAN Squadron, TFH Engr Gp, Op HERRICK, BFPO 792 by 2 Dec 11. If there is anything we can do to improve the link back to you then please let us know. As you know SSgt Fish and his team in Paderborn are there for you and will be happy to help in any way they can. Keep in touch and go well!

Regards, Major Sam Hughes

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Op Massive
by Spr Dickie Day 10 Tp Ive been asked to write a few words on why Ive stared to use the gym since being here at Camp Bastion. Well there are a few reasons for this:

1. To improve my fitness level 2. I wasnt happy with my physique 3. To challenge myself 4. To prevent boredom setting in
5. To pass away the time Ive never been a regular gym user, its always been on and off but now Im set into a routine and Im enjoying it, as strange as it may sound to some. I have decided not to take any supplements and just go for a low carb, high protein diet, which seems to be working for me, plus Im a cheap pad and dont want to part with the cash! The gym itself is of good size and has a great range of equipment from running machines though to ab balls. Its always clean and tidy and as long as you go at certain times of the day there is no need to queue up to get on to the equipment. I would like to see more lads from the troop in there, but then the gym may start to get over crowded. To alleviate this, the lads just keep doing what theyre doing (eating rubbish and playing darts) lol.

LCpl Butler misunderstands the meaning of Op Massive

Each month I take a photo of myself and LCpl Jeeves Butler and, after just 2 months,I can see the difference. Im not quite willing to share the photos as they do not leave much to the imagination! Im hoping to keep it up after my tour (fingers crossed), and as long as we keep looking after the gym then it should be in good order for the squadrons that will follow on after we leave.

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Another Longest Day

Spr Adam Foster 11 Troop The Troop had been busy mentally and physically preparing themselves for the next Op which started on a cold early morning on the vehicle park. Op Mubarez 16E Teyz was ready to start. It involved us escorting a Combat Logistic Patrol (CLP) to one of the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to drop off essential supplies and then escort them back. The pace Wagons role started out good as we headed out of Bastion but as usual the CLP found a way to slow things down. Thankfully, the road was quiet at the time so the movement of traffic was not a problem.

About 2 hours in, as we left the tarmac road, we started to head onto softer ground and the CLP started to find it difficult to The team keep moving as their vehicles have not got the same cross country capabilities as ours. Eventually one of the CLP vehicles got so bogged in it required a REME Recovery wagon (an SVR) to drag it out which then broke down during recovery requiring two more SVRs to recover both vehicles. It was left to the CLP commander to decide whether to proceed on with the task or return to Bastion and try again the following day. The call was eventually made after over 3 hours to push on with the task continue on to the FOB. This was after Staff Salter in the rear vehicle got fed up waiting for the professional help and used his Mastiff to recover the lead CLP vehicle in about 5 minutes! With Spr Paul Hudson proving there is no end to his talents, signaller, heavy weapons gunner, recovery specialist.

We arrived at the FOB mid afternoon, after to waiting for the CLP to complete their unload, which took about two hours, we decided to make the most of the daylight we had left No it is my turn by spreading our vehicles out along the route, in the now famous Talisman Spring, ready for the return to Bastion. By the time we left the FOB it was dark so we knew it would be tricky to get back to the tarmac route. After some time and very dynamic route selection again expertly delivered by Sgt Edwards through fields we got back onto the tarmac and knew we were almost home. We finally arrived back into Bastion very late after a long day of driving. Despite the dramas we had with the CLP it was a good day and another Op complete and in the bag for the lads.
We are all kids at heart

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Back to Oullette again

Spr Bourner 12 Tp On the 31 Oct 11, 12 Troop left Camp Bastion heading for FOB Oullette. This was the second time the troop had been up to FOB Oullette and we followed the now familiar highway 1 up through Gereshk, which was as busy as usual. After managing to avoid all the animals, cars and people Rush hour in Gereshk that seem to clog up the road we turned off Highway 1 onto a track that we had not used before. The plan was to prove the route and to get eyes on the area for potential future ops and to see if it was suitable for the Combat Logistic Patrol to use in the future. The going was good and we made quick progress, this was aided by the fact that we had a Lynx helicopter in the air above us providing protection and eyes on the route ahead. We reached the FOB without any incidents and waited for the CLP which had arrived ahead of us to complete their in load of supplies and stores. Once they had finished we departed with the plan being to lead the CLP back down to Highway 1 using the route that we had proved on the way up. Again this went without incident and we were within sight of the highway 1, when two friendly call signs travelling in Scimitars drove past parallel to us. When they were about 200m past the TASLIMAN packet the second Scimitar struck an IED resulting in a large explosion. No one in the vehicle was injured. It was lucky for them that we were right there as we were able to go and help them straight away. Sgt Terris and his vehicle proved a route to the vehicle and offered our assistance. The vehicle had a track blown off and couldnt move, so we co-ordinated with the CLP to conduct a recovery of the vehicle. The CLP continued on leaving TALISMAN and a recovery vehicle with two force protection vehicles from the CLP behind to that could carry the damaged Scimitar. The vehicle was recovered and successfully transported back to a base. TALISMAN led the recovery vehicles to highway 1 before turning back north to head to our final destination of FOB Oullette where we Talisman troops help the stricken scimitar would be based for the next 5 days. The next task for TALISMAN was on the following day. We received our orders and found out that we would be doing a search and a show of force in the local village as an important Shura (meeting) was being conducted there. The ground was hard baked and made it very easy to see any thing unusual. We had to pass one compound which contained a rather large dog, luckily a local quickly shooed More PT for Toopy it away. We successfully completed the search. It was good to get out on to the ground. After completing the search we moved down the road until the Shura was over at which point we return to the FOB and awaited Spr Bourner on a search our orders for the next task.

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The first find

Cpl Hughes 12 Tp Our fourth day in OULLETTE saw us start our final task for this Op. The previous night we had received our orders from our Troop Commander, Lt Hutt. The orders were simple enough and split into two parts. Firstly we would be helping our fellow engineers from 9 Troop, proving a safe route and escorting some engineer kit to a small Patrol Base. Secondly we had to prove and clear a route for a small re-supply convoy again to another Patrol Base. We left the FOB in the morning with the T-Hawk already up and flying in the sky. Shaped like a dustbin with a video camera on, it still looks like it should The beast that is TALISMAN be able to fly. it is a great asset and allows us to get a visual eyes on the route we were about to take. After a trip cross country we reached the Patrol Base in good time and successfully dropped the engineers LCpl Gorbutt preps his off. We did an about turn and headed back to the FOB using the shame route the TVALON Hawk had kept watch over it making sure it was safe. The second task was of a similar nature to that of the first, Again we had our eyes in the sky and Sgt Terris selected a random route until we reached a point where we had no option but to take the route that we were forced to take. To save the searches from having to dismount and search the route, we used the remote controlled vehicle that we have, Controlled from the safety of the mine proof vehicle, the Buffalo. At the controls of the remote vehicle were Sprs Quinn and Raper (wanna be 12 Troopers!!). Things were going well until we had our first reading. After conducting a search we declared, with a sigh of relief, that it was a false alarm. We returned to the Buffalo and continued on. About 200m further on we received another reading. This time something was not right and all the previous months of training kicked in. There was a small bush with a piece of cloth in and the ground next to it dipped quite a bit. After carrying out confirmation drills as previously taught, which seemed to take a life time, but was actually in reality only a couple of minutes, there was single word was uttered. A word that every searcher works hard for and who one day wants to be able to say, a word which was then stated for the first time this tour, it was FIND. This was the first find of the tour for the Sqn.
The main charge revealed

Before we returned to the vehicles we made a mental note of everything that we could see so we could pass the details onto the Troop Commander. Once back in the vehicles, it was over to the Troop Commander to confirm what would happen next. The IED was destroyed in place, and after an inspection no further devices were found and the re-supply convoy got successfully made it to the Patrol Base.

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RCC MEDIA ARTICLE

Capt Matt Neave

In the last edition of the Trojan Times Major Steve White introduced the BAG and explained a little of what we do. I command the Route Clearance Company (RCC). We are a small team made up of Corporal Steve Illsley (77 Sqn), Corporal Steve Menzies (11 Sqn) and me (77 Sqn). Or, as our interpreter Omid prefers, Captain Matt, English Steve and Scottish Steve.
VALON training

Unlike the rest of the BAG Boys we live in Camp Tombstone, a delightfully named camp that caused my mum to raise a concerned eyebrow when I told her. Our camp sits inside the larger ANA Camp Shorabak which is home to their Corps HQ and is their most important base in Helmand Province. We are just beside Bastion, and as such the conditions here are rather comfy, a far cry from the Spartan Jay-Zee. The RCC is broadly similar to our own TALISMAN Sqn in the sense that they drive along routes and make sure they are safe for the people following on behind. A lot of this involves being a bit sensible about where you drive, but it mainly involves IEDs. Where are they likely to be, how do we find them and finally what do we do with them?

Initially we were all a tad nervous about our new jobs. Afghans and IEDs are not two words that sit comfortably in the same sentence. Seemingly everyone had a horror story. However, when we got here we were pleasantly surprised. Sure some of them wore flip-flops and they have three hours off for lunch, but their searching skills were pretty good. They found every dummy IED that Corporal Illsley and Menzies tried to hide (they would make a rubbish insurgents!). After a few weeks we concluded that the horror stories were just hot air, and that they are far better than people give them credit for, they are just different from us. To show off how good they were we got their General, a bear of a man called The long walk Sheren Shah, to watch a demonstration. Getting our Afghans to rehearse was like herding cats. Actually no, it was more like herding Mentoring kittens. And naughty ones at that. On the day however they pulled it out of the proverbial bag and were cool, calm and looked the part. Sheren Shah was duly impressed and dished out phone-credit cards to say well done. The work they put in paid off during Op MALIKA-K, their first operation on our watch. They cleared an area of ground so that Captain Rich Griffiths engineers could build the ANA a checkpoint. ANA operations are slightly more chaotic than our own so we had to remain flexible and keep a fairly healthy sense of humor. Whilst English and Scottish Steve worked like ten men in the Shorabak resources yard to send vital supplies to the engineers, I was wandering around the build site with Mohammed, the RCC commander. A cheerful little chap, he knows his search and made sure his men covered every inch of ground. It was not quite how I would have done it but then thats the point. It wasnt perfect but they planned and searched it all by themselves and thats a huge success. It means that when we eventually leave they will no longer need us. We all feel proud to be part of that. We are enjoying life with the BAG up in Tombstone and are making real progress with the Afghans we advise. Eid is fast approaching and we were able to give them $150 for a sheep. Its the most excited that ve seen Mohammed in the two months weve been here. I guess everyone likes a good bit of lamb.
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My First Op
Cfn Simmo Simpson 77 LAD
First Op

Its hard to believe we have now completed a third of the tour already, time seems like it is flying out here. Due to the rugged terrain we operate over we are seeing similar recurring faults with the vehicles and seem to be constantly changing the vehicle suspension and propshafts, resulting in the days going along at a good pace. October wasnt all just leaf springs and prop shafts, it was also the month I got to go out on my first Operation. Thankfully, I had the veteran Scotty poppet Wainwright to hold my hand and guide me along the way. The Op was quite eventful with many of the RLC vehicles struggling with the harsh desert terrain and getting bogged in (surprise surprise). This Scotty gave Scotty and me plenty of quality time together which we spent singing duets , me telling a hilarious Check out my halo joke about a pink gorilla and taking as many ally photos as possible. On a more serious note, while the convoy was on the return journey to Camp Bastion, one of the vehicles struck an IED. Thankfully no one was harmed and only the choker, a frame attachment roller which fixes to the front of the vehicles, was damaged. This incident provided a good opportunity for the engineer search team to put their skills to the test by clearing a large enough work area for the SV-R recovery vehicle to detach the choker from the vehicle, allowing the convoy to get on the move again. With the recovery task completed the convoy returned to Camp Bastion safely with no further incidents. End of the day October saw us saying goodbye to Nick Burrows, a civilian support engineer who has been an asset to the team. His loss has hit Sgt Logan the hardest due to them being old friends and the best of buddies. We have now welcomed Nicks replacement, Scott Mk3 to the gang and he is already proving a bit of a shark with the darts! Training continues with Tiff Simpson, Scott Mk 1 and myself, all completing a gruelling 17 mile run around Camp Bastion with 20 pound bergan. We all did really well with me coming in 5th place tiff 3rd and Scott 10th out of a field of 340 runners.

Finally my R and R is coming up in a few days time which will be a welcome break after a very hectic first two months. I look forward to coming back feeling relaxed, full of stories, and ready to complete the remainder of tour.

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PADRES PROGRESS 14 November

As a young child my father taught me the stories of the stars and constellations. I recall gazing up into the dark sky and watching the shapes and stories form with his words. I have forgotten many of them now but something I never forgot was the point made that though we see the stars at nightthey are still there even during the day. I argued with him for a long time over that oneI could see (or rather not see!) very clearly that there were no stars in the daytime. His comment that just because I could not see them did not mean they were not there. Another one of lifes little truths. This relates to something of which I have become increasingly aware in recent days. It is to do with absence and the fact that we often do not realise something or someone is there in our lives until they are no longer there. A sort of awareness reversal. It can be in the little things and in the big things. In the micro picture it is shown by my experience the other morning when at another location I was woken up by the sound of birds singingor rather sparrow chattering away non-stop. It took a moment or two to realise that was what I was hearing and that it is a very normal sound outside my bedroom window in the morning in Paderborn. However in Bastion it is not an everyday sound at all. Indeed I realise now, now that I have noticed the presence of it elsewhere, the distinct absence of it in Bastion. Again, it is not until my eyes were drawn to the seedlings the laundry man is trying to nurture in solid caked dust outside one of the tents, that I realised so starkly the absence of green, colour, brightness in this drab, beige part of Afghanistan. The brilliant contrast of the scarlet poppies against the dust or stones of the memorials was almost a shock to the eye on Remembrance Sunday. In another way the stillness and quiet experienced in forward locations (except for the occasional helicopter or weapon fire!) is remarkable in its absence of noise as opposed to the constant assault on the ears whenever and wherever in Bastionhelicopters, airplane engines running, generators, vehicles, tannoy messages, septic tank emptying lorries! The lack of contact with family and friends is, for many, the macro picture as far as absence is concerned. We attempt to overcome that emptiness with photographs around our workplace or bedspace, as screen savers or as Facebook profiles. We write emails (well, my daughter doesnt!), letters, blueys; we phone with our precious 30 minutes a week allowance. We each cope in different ways and perhaps it is when we do not understand one anothers coping mechanisms that we experience conflict or tension or a different sense of loss. Does it get any easier over time and frequency? I am not sure that it gets any easier: it is just that we learn to adapt to it and deal with it in different ways. Yet just like the stars, we have to come to the realisation and acknowledgement that even when there appears to be an absence; there is always something, somewhere. Whether it is birdsong heard afresh or a seedling struggling to uncurl and unfurl in this sunbaked earth; whether it is a voice on a phone or a kiss and picture in a letter. Somewhere in an absence we will have a sense of a presence, if not an actual proof. For many this is the basis of the Christian faith. I cannot prove God exists in any tangible way that people sometimes want. Indeed, I believe that a God who has to be proved is a God of no mystery and even is a God to be pitied. Yet in that apparent absence there is always a presence some where that is the Holy Spirit, sent by God to be with us after Jesus left the earth as a human presence. The Holy Spirit is described as a counsellor, a helper, a comforter who God will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Just like those stars who seem absent in the daytime but are really still thereso is God. God keep you all PADRE CLARE CALLANAN

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Hey kids
Well another couple of weeks have passed and I have been out and about in the big sand pit called Camp Bastion. The weather is back to normal so I have been able to top up my tan a little bit before I go home for R & R. BLOG Number 5 - 14 Nov 11

This week I have visited the Combat support Troop and the squadron Operations Room. The first person I visited was LCpl Rocky Rokotoro. Rocky is a member of the Combat Support Troop working in Bastion, and rocky is also a member of the Force Protection Multiple. Responsible for the Husky Armoured Vehicle Rocky will carryout any maintenance required whilst also driving it wherever it needs to go in Afghanistan. Rocky would like to send a special message to his family in Detmold - Bula vinaka,Sera.Au nuitaka ni o bulabula vinaka,ka vaka talega kina o ratou na gone,o Sova,Una vata i Luisa.Au bulabula vinaka tiko qoka I Afghanistan.Totoka tu na cakacaka kei na veika taucoko sara.Qoka keitou warai ni bai qai tiko I tuba.Sa viavia 2 na macawa qo.tukuni me keitou na qai I tuba na mate na vula qo,o Noveba kei nai tekivu ni vula o Tiseba.Sa tekivu vakilai tiko mai na vula I kudukudua,ia vinaka ga ni tu na heater vana vei rumu.Au sa mai raica ka sarava tiko na kemudou I taba.Au vakadredrevaki rau tiko la o Luisa vata I Una.Sa daba na kedratou levu.Au sa vakamoce tale tiko yani vei kemudou.Vinaka vakalevu na veimasulaki tiko mai.Au sa mai vakila tiko eke ka.Au sa vakamoce tale tiko yani vei kemudou taucoko sara.Loloma kei na masu ga yani qo,e Afghanistan. The second person I saw this week was Capt Andy grumpy dog Kerr who works in the Operations room and is the Second in command of the Headquarters Squadron. He is responsible for the day-to-day running of the squadron and the tasking of all the different parts of the Squadron. He is also responsible for managing the careers of the soldiers, ensuring they carry out the correct courses to progress in their chosen trades. Andy would like to send his love to Karen his long suffering wife, his Bunny Rabbit Elleanor (12) and Brett (17). He says he is looking forward to coming home on R & R and having a tickle fight, oh and a pint. xxxxxx Well thats all for another edition of the newsletter so until next time Remember every day they are away is a day closer to coming home. Ellie OUT x
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Have you thought about post tour Adventurous Training yet?

Exercise contact Captain Cameron 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron Where - Thailand Doing what - Scuba Diving How long for - 12 Days How much - Initial costs of 900 Euro with up to a 250 Euro refund expected Spaces available - Limited Exercise contact Captain Loots 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron Where - Croatia Doing what - Sailing How long for - 10 days How much - Initial costs of 500 Euro with up to a 250 Euro refund expected Spaces available - 5 Exercise contact Lt Dow 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron Where - California National Parks Doing what - Hiking How long for - 2 weeks How much - Initial costs of 900 Euro with up to a 300 Euro refund expected Spaces available - Few

Exercise Diamond Bubble Piper

Exercise Diamond Mare Superum

Exercise Diamond Canyon

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Exercise Diamond Tiffy

Exercise contact Captain Green Light Aid Detachment Where - Croatia Doing what - Multi activity including Mountain biking, Hiking and Sea Kayaking How long for - 12 days How much - 400 Spaces available - Limited

Exercise Diamond Slovenia Pyramid

Exercise contact Lt Ball 44 Hq & Sp Squadron Where - Slovenia Doing what - Mountain Biking How long for - 2 trips each 1 week long How much - 400 Spaces available - 15
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Exercise contact Captain Green Light Aid Detachment Where - Alps Doing what - Mountain Biking How long for - 10 days How much - 350 Spaces available - Limited

Exercise Diamond Crafty

Exercise contact Captain Cox 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron Where - Lake Elsinore, California Doing what - Skydiving How long for - 2 weeks How much - Complete novice 1200 Euro, Beginners 900 Euro Spaces available - 10

Exercise Diamond Jumper

Any missing information will be published in the next edition of The Trojan Times. If you would like to take part in any of the exercises advertised please let your chain of command know which trip you are interested in and who is the exercise contact.

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Cpl Taylor joined the Army in September 1996 and has served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Canada and the Falkland Islands. He is married to Erin and they have 3 children, Cerys (3), Freya (2) and Caleb (10 months). He is a Mastiff vehicle commander while here in Afghanistan and is currently leading on Troop training. He enjoys his photography but has yet to give the SSM any photos for FaceBook! Highlight of the tour so far? On Ops with the lads going up north to FOB Oullette was special. Cheryl Cole or Katherine Jenkins? Both! Favourite dessert? Chocolate brownies at lunchtime yum yum! Food you miss most on tour? My roast dinner Im normally the chef! Last film you watched? Point Break a real oldie. Song of the tour so far? Raise your glass by Pink. If you won the lottery, what would you spend the money on? Modify my 1987 Toyota Supra my toy. Who has sent you the most mail? Myself things I couldnt carry! Best gift sent out so far? Electronic photo frame. Best book? The Last Europe by John Grisham. Favourite bit of issue kit? Osprey Body Armour.

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W02 Driver joined as a Junior Leader in 1989, and has since then served in BFG and UK and France. His first Op tour was as a high risk searcher in Northern Ireland in 1992. He has also completed 2 tours in the Falklands (for his sins) and has subsequently served in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan and finds himself once again deployed to foreign soil. What Sports do you play? Rugby What is your earliest sporting memory? Playing French cricket in the back garden with my dad. Do you have a favourite piece of sporting memorabilia? U15 Scottish Cricket Champs trophy What was the last CD you bought? The Clash, Singles CD Box Set When was your last music download? July What's the best posting you have had? HQ Rapid Reaction Corps France What is your favourite TV show? The Office What is your favourite film? A Bridge Too Far What is the best book you have read? James Herbert novels Eastenders or Coronation Street? Eastenders What make of car do you drive? BMW X5 Formula 1 motor racing or MOTO GP? Formula 1 What was the best piece of advice you have ever received? The army belongs to officers we just help them run it

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SSgt Rob Finn works in the HQ Sqn as the Ops SNCO and J6 centre of gravity. He would like to be known as the RSWO, but we think just one step at a time. He is married to Lucy, and has two children Reece and ThomasJames. He is good looking (clearly his own words) and is one of 10 personnel taking part in the Premier League Club Charity Run, he has currently completed 229 mileswell done Robbie! What is the best assignment you have hadMy best assignment was Malta Tp, RSME Minley. What is your favourite TV show? - Match of the Day. What is your favourite film? - My wedding video (if Lucy reads this). What is the best book you have read , if you can actually read? - Bravo Two Zero. If you were not in the Army, what job would you do? - A banker on Wall Street. What are your hobbies? - At the moment I am concentrating on growing my hair. Its going to be a long hobby. What is your favourite meal? - Steak. What is your biggest achievement? - Marriage and my boys. If I gave you 100 what would you spend it on? - A romantic weekend with my girlfriend Sgt Sammy Chandler (sorry Lucy!). Jordan or Jodie Marsh? - Jordanthe country.
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Glossary Ranks Spr - Sapper LCpl - Lance Corporal Cpl - Corporal Sgt - Sergeant SSgt - Staff Sergeant WO2 - Warrant Officer Second Class WO1 - Warrant Officer First Class Capt - Captain Maj - Major Lt Col - Lieutenant Colonel Afghanistan specific terms Op - Operation, mission, task (not surgery) PB - Patrol Base CP - Check Point SANGAR - A watch tower which is manned 24 hours a day to provide protection to a base Stag - standing in the Sanger keeping watch and providing protection JOB - Joint Operating Base FOB - Forward Operating Base NES (S) - Nahr-e Saraj South NES (N) - Nahr-e Saraj North NDA - Nad-e Ali TFH - Task Force Helmand ISAF - International Security Assistance Force ANSF - Afghanistan National Security Force ANA - Afghan National Army ANP - Afghan National Police IED - Improvised Explosive Device SAF - Small Arms Fire SOP - Standard Operating procedure Sub Units Tp - Troop Armd Engr Sqn - Armoured Engineer Squadron Fd Engr Sqn - Field Engineer Squadron Hq & Sp Sqn - Headquarters and Support Squadron

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HESCO - Large flat packed containers made of thick strong wire containing a large sandbag. The sandbag is filled with sand to produce a large protective brick. The individual HESCO blocks are then used like giant bricks to produce a protective wall for our bases. HLS - Helicopter Landing Site Barma - Our drill used to find Improvised Explosive Devices with a hand held metal detector. Equipment MASTIFF - Large armoured truck with a with a heavy machine gun for protection. TALISMAN - A series of vehicles used to clear a route of improvised explosive devices. HUSKY - Another type of large armoured vehicle. MWT - Medium wheeled tractor (dump truck). SLDT(P) - Self Loading Dump Truck (Protected) - A small dump truck. Apache - Ugly looking attack helicopter. Chinook - Large helicopter featured in the film Big Friendly Giant. Sea-king - Royal Navy helicopter used as search and rescue in the UK. Merlin - Medium to large Royal Air Force and Navy helicopter used to move Troops around from base to base. Messages from the Editor
If you hear any news about anything that might have happened in Afghanistan, which gives you cause for concern in any way, please get in touch with the Welfare Office on +495251101213. We will ensure that the team holds the most up to date and accurate information so that they will be able to advise you appropriately or deal with the issue. In the event of any casualties they will be able to clarify the situation, in accordance with the wishes of the individual or family. Many thanks

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