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evelopment
Op Herrick 9
W
Sgt Tom Phalp 59 Cdo Sqn
e arrived in theatre as the first of the Joint Force Engineer Group’s Search
Teams and immediately took over from both 9 and 51 Para Sqns’ teams. After
two days of RSOI (Receipt, Staging, Onwards Movement and Integration) and a day of han-
dover, we were straight out on the ground for our first job. Sangin DC was the destination and
route clearance for 2 Para to gain freedom of movement was the task. It was here where we
realised just how serious the IED threat was and how busy our tour was going to be. Within
80m we had found three IEDs, all radio controlled and command wire activated; some slight
indication as to the scope of the threat in Helmand province.
From then on it was just us and 77 Sqn’s search team covering for four IEDD teams, so the
arrival of the other two teams couldn’t have come any quicker! In our time here we have earned
bragging rights from being on the ground 23 days out of 34 and completing 27 tasks. Most of the
time we have been HRF (helicopter reaction force) on 30 minutes notice to move, (although actual-
ly it’s ten minutes to wheels up on the HLS!) so we are used to the fast pace and high demand for
EOD call signs. For us perhaps more than others the tour is flying by and we are seeing most parts
of Afghanistan several times over, including Musa Qal’eh, Sangin, Dehli, Lashkar Gah, and many
more patrol bases and FOBs.
It is a new environment for us to be working in and we are learning things every day with the
threat and operating procedures changing so often. Our team works well together and the ban-
ter amongst the group is good - especially as we are a multi-cultural team including a Geordie,
Welshman, Jock, Scouser, Northerner and a Zimbabwean! It was especially good after a couple
of funny incidents, most notably LCpl Rob Harden falling in a ditch and LCpl ‘Tommo’
Thompson getting pestered by Afghan children for his ‘boiley’ sweets!
The kit we are using is generally very good, but needless to say it has its little quirks. We have
also completed quad bike and Teller (the in-theatre EOD vehicle) courses, and are looking for-
ward to taking them out on the ground with us as soon as we can!
The Group is scattered all over the province and, given our role, we get to see most of them for
short stints which is always good for morale. We are known as the Saints that pass in the Night,
bringing everyone a bit of banter and making the ground they patrol on a safer place!
February 2009 Articles 27
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