NEWS IN BRIEF
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EUROPE
12 Mar 09. Iraq: OP TELIC. 2nd Bn The Royal Anglian Regiment marked its return from Iraq with parades in Stamford, Luton, Watford and Lincoln from 9 to 12 Mar 09. An “anti-war” protest in Luton attracted considerable media coverage.(MoD, 12 Mar 09.)
An Iraqi Air Force Officer, Lieutenant Ali Kareem, became the first student from his Country to graduate from the RAF College, Cranwell to full ‘wings’ standard. (MoD, 13 Mar 09.)
Comment: 2 R ANGLIAN completed six-month tours in Iraq during 2006 and 2008. During three months of 2006 the Battle Group fired over 36,000 rounds of ammunition as well as quantities of larger ordnance. Other than for training, no ammunition was expended during the 2008 tour. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/12, 16 Mar 09)
14 Mar 09. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. The MoD announced (14 Mar 09) that a soldier from 2nd Bn Royal Welsh had died following an explosion in Musa Qala. UK deaths since the start of Operations in October 2001 thus rose to 150, of whom 121 were killed as a result of hostile action.
The majority of the additional 17,000 US troops being deployed to Afghanistan are destined for the South. Of the 56,000 ISAF troops currently in Afghanistan, 22,000 are based in Regional Command (South). (Defence Secretary, 12 Mar 09.)
The Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group deals with unexploded munitions, mines and improvised explosive devices (IED). The Group, from the Royal Logistic Corps, also conducts investigations following explosions and assists with the searching and clearing of routes. (MoD, 12 Nov 09.)
Comment: There has been a spate of articles highlighting the problems facing military planners as they endeavour to develop reliable alternative logistical routes which avoid the Khyber Pass. The difficulties of using Tajikistan as a supply route are the subject of an interesting article by Jon Boone in ‘The Spectator’ (14 Mar 09). (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/12, 16 Mar 09)
07 Mar 09. Northern Ireland: Soldiers and a Policeman Murdered. Two Sappers (i.e. Privates) from 25 Field Squadron, 38 Engineer Regiment were killed in an attack at Massareene Barracks, Antrim on 7 Mar 09. Four others, two soldiers and two civilians, were injured in the attack which took place outside the barracks as members of 38 Engineer Regiment waited at the front gate for a pizza delivery. On 9 Mar 09, a Police Constable was shot dead while on patrol in Craigavon.
Comment: It appears that the murders may have been a reaction to the Chief Constable’s admission that he had sought assistance from the Special Reconnaissance Regiment. The Army will also be concerned that current feeding arrangements in barracks (‘Pay As You Dine’) could have led to soldiers placing themselves at risk. Doubtless the responsibilities of the Northern Ireland Security Guard Service will also be re-examined. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/12, 16 Mar 09)
11 Mar 09. National Science & Engineering Week: Unmanned Vehicles. A range of unmanned vehicles was on di