Week 14 - Commanding Officers Notes

The media coverage of the Kandahar prison break and the recent enemy low level tactical successes have unfortunately given a distorted picture of the situation. Kandahar and its environs are now back under government control with many of the escapees killed or captured. Increasing swathes of the Province are responding favourably to government control and influence. This is not to play down the significant and widespread threat. However, whilst every casualty is regretted and mourned there are increasing indicators of our slow but steady success.

One pointer to change is the new found interest amongst local Pashtus in Helmand to join the Afghan National Army (ANA). This is significant. Hitherto, it was virtually unheard of and nigh impossible for a local to contemplate openly joining the Army. The level of interest is encouraging and testament to the high regard in which our counterparts are held. Another interesting tale came to me from Gen Muhaiyodin. He recounted how he had received a call from a Taleban fighter explaining how he respected the ANA and that he had no real desire to fight them; but found himself 'under a serious obligation' to do so! This again is something that one could not have imagined happening 6 months ago.     

I spent a couple of days of this week in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital. High level meetings were held with the Governor, Deputy Governor, National Directorate of Security Head and Chief of the Provincial Police. The usual chai and banter preceded analysis and security planning. My sidekick, Gen Muhaiyodin, was then charged with redeploying a Kandak in line with the outcome of discussions. We now have the 1 R IRISH BG deployed more broadly across Helmand than any other Regiment: in the north we are in Kajaki, Musa Qaleh and Sangin; in the centre in Gereshk and Shorabak, and in the south in Lashkar Gah and in Garmsir.

On Thursday, I moved to Gereshk with the Brigade Commander. He was due to handover 2 school buses to the local district education authority. The buses were a gift from the USA. They mark the increased security levels that have enabled schools to open again since being forbidden by Taleban. Our visit was nearly marred by a suicide bomb in Gereshk town and an individual firing at the military vehicles. Again, the professionalism and calm of the troops swiftly restored peace; the speeches and ceremony of handing the bus keys over to the civilian authorities happened smoothly.

This week, we heard of the selection for promotion to Lt Col, of Major Max Walker, the BG COS and Second in Command. Richly deserved and great news. Maj Richard Clements, our Battery Commander and OC CS OMLT, was also selected. Again, excellent news. Sadly, our celebrations were limited to cups of tea and warm water!

E B M FREELY
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer
1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment