Place of Soldiers
United Kingdom Task Force entered a Province rich in opium, the Pashtanwali Code and weak in Afghan institutions and its tolerance of outsiders, especially the British.
23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) on Operation HERRICK IV
Camp Bastion was built in early 2006 near the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, ‘The Place of Soldiers’. The largest British military base constructed since the Second World War, Camp Bastion, became UK Task Force Headquarters as British troops moved into Helmand. The cross Governmental Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), set up to help the Afghan Government build strong governmental institutions, enforce security and create jobs, also operated from Laskar Gah.
PRT camp at Lashkar Gah
Force Protection
Meeting the locals
One of 16 Air Assault Brigade’s key responsibilities was providing transport and protection for the military and civilian personnel of the PRT within Lashkar Gah. They also mounted Framework Patrols within the provincial capital, meeting the locals and providing reassurance, whilst at the same time deterring and hindering Taleban activity.
Long range Out Reach patrols visited distant villages and Bedouin encampments within Helmand. These patrols also provided quick fix projects including medical assistance. As Taleban activity increased patrolling by 16 Air Assault Brigade became more aggressive. Manoeuvre Outreach Groups (MOGs) were formed from across the Brigade, including armour, artillery and medical units. They were designed to operate independently over long distances and periods of time in an attempt to deny the Taleban freedom of movement in the countryside.
Weapons Mounted Installation Kit (WMIK) Land Rovers
