Core Tasks
I don’t think anyone expected the intensity of the operation and the amount of ammunition that was needed. We were getting up to 150 tonnes a week coming into Kandahar and then flying the same amount to Bastion.
Cpl Hutchinson, Royal Logistic Corps (RLC)
CH47 Chinook resupply
The emphasis of the Task Force moved from hearts and minds and supporting reconstruction to fighting a battle to keep Coalition and Afghan National Army units supplied and safe. The units of 16 Air Assault Brigade were divided, dispersed and allotted multiple tasks including, command and control, reconnaissance, training, security, critical artillery and air support, crucial logistical and medical support as well as vital intelligence gathering.
Casualty transfer
Core tasks like supply, vehicle maintenance and security were complicated and disrupted by increased levels of insurgent violence. Whether engineers, mechanics or military police the security situation in Helmand meant they were, first and foremost, fighting soldiers. The personnel and resources of the Task Force were severely stretched.
The limited number of supply helicopters available and the threat from anti-aircraft fire meant supplies often had to go by road. The threat of IEDs and ambush meant these convoys had to be well protected, which put a further strain on resources.
Convoy in Hellmand
Air Support and Fire Power
Apache Attack Helicopter
Army Air Corps Apache attack helicopters, Royal Air Force Harrier and American A10 ground attack aircraft were often vital in the support of combat troops. In combination with artillery and mortars, their firepower, called in by Fire Support Teams, could turn the tide against enemy forces. With several contacts often happening at once, tough decisions had to be made on where the air power should be used.
