This last week has seen all remaining elements of our Main Body flights arrive and many of our number have already moved off from our main base in Camp Shorabak to the several outstations.

On Tuesday 25 March 1 R IRISH formally took over command with a simple flag changing ceremony by the OMLT Battlegroup Memorial in Camp Shorabak.  Endless cups of chai ease the natural frustrations caused by cultural and language barriers.

Our main aim this week has been to bed in the barracks training programme for Kandak 3 and to establish a disciplined operations and intelligence briefing routine amongst the Afghan Brigade staff. The CO, 2ic and Ops Officer have conducted many visits and meetings to further understanding of future operations and the development of the ANA's capabilities.

Helmand Province now has a new Governor of 3 weeks standing, called Gulab Mangal. He held his first Security Shura (meeting), where he laid out his approach to dealing with the insurgency and furthering the development of governance and a functioning economy. His arrival has been greeted positively and his youth energy and pragmatic approach compare favourably with his successor.

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