Week 3 - Commanding Officers Notes

Camp Shorabak has seen much activity this week as the BG HQ OMLT has tied with varying degrees of success to enthuse the ANA Brigade staff with the rigours of staff planning. Out on the ranges and training area the emphasis has been on developing the specialist skills of artillery, M16 rifle conversion, counter IED drills and sniper firing. Meanwhile the Padre and SSgt Fort organised a film night for the ANA soldiers to show them how to look after the welfare of those soldiers who remain in the otherwise fairly desolate desert camp. Nearly 400 soldiers enjoyed the thrills of a Bollywood drama and were very appreciative.

Recces and battle procedure for the impending rotation of Kandaks in Gereskh and Sangin continued.   This week provided the first opportunity for the CO, Ops Officer and RSM to get up country and spend some time with OMLT 1 and C (Ranger) Company. It was good to get on patrol and visit the troops in their bases - all seemed very content and were working hard to get to know their opposite numbers in the ANA and the local areas. 

Another busy week with the temperatures rising and several incidents out on the ground - but the boys have responded well to both.

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