February sapper mag:Layout 1 21/1/09 16:18 Page 41
onal Army
Forward Operating Base Inkerman
Spr Jamie Johnston
H
aving passed the All Arms Commando Course in Apr 08 and after a comprehensive period of
PDT (pre-deployment training), I arrived in Afghanistan on my first operational tour with 24
Cdo Engr Regt. Within a few days I flew forward from Camp Bastion to FOB Inkerman and spent the first
month working closely alongside B Coy, 2 Para before they were replaced by Y Coy, 45 RM.
We have worked closely with the ‘Regt’ and then ‘Royal’ and have been out on patrols almost every day. I
would find myself typically supporting troop level patrols which generally lasted about six hours; on other
occasions we supported company level patrols which ranged between eight and ten hours. It was a tiring busi-
ness, especially with all the kit that we carried, but that’s what it’s all about and what I joined the Army for!
The ground and general conditions changed significantly since my arrival at FOB Inkerman. Initially
the temperature was in excess of 40
o
C which had its own problems, and then in the space of a couple of
weeks the temperature dropped to around zero. This affected our ability to cross irrigation ditches early in
the morning. Frozen water up to your waist is not a pleasant experience!
Providing close support on patrols required us to work within the lead sections of all the troops, clear-
ing vulnerable points (VPs) and searching compounds. We also provided explosive method of entry where
it was required. I had many exciting experiences during my time at the FOB. On one patrol I identified an
RCIED whilst clearing a supply route which turned out to be a mortar bomb linked to an AT mine under-
neath. This gave me a particularly good feeling as I knew I had done my job and taken something away
from the Taliban. In additional to the IED threat there was a high risk of small arms and indirect fire in the
area around FOB Inkerman. Out on patrol, we generally got attacked three to four times every time we
entered the green zone. I have had a great experience during my first operational tour; and joining a
Commando unit has not been a disappointment!
41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68