Lithuanian troops take tips from 2 R IRISH - 29th July 2008
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A small English village has been playing host to troops from two different countries who have joined forces to train together to continue a tradition which has spanned the past decade.
For the last two weeks Otterburn ranges have provided training resources for not only 97 reservists of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment (2 R IRISH [TA]) but 40 soldiers from the Lithuanian Reserve Forces (KASP).
The training and cooperation between the KASP and the Army has been ongoing for the last decade and has been further cemented by forth coming deployment of Lithuanian troops on operations in Afghanistan.
According to Second Lieutenant Vaidas Bimbris, one of two regular KASP soldiers commanding the reservists during their training, they had responded well even with the language barrier:
"My soldiers have learned so much from the experience" he said. "They know that the British Army is very professional and experienced and the knowledge that they have acquired will benefit them when they go on deployments."
Second Lieutenant Vaidas (left)
The officer in charge of organising the camp and the KASP training, Major Tim Rogan was delighted with the KASP reservists progress:
"This is the annual camp for 2 Royal Irish and we thought that it would a good opportunity for the KASP reservists to gain some invaluable experience.
"During their two week intensive training the KASP reservists, who like our own TA come from all walks-of-life, are taught the basics of soldiering including field craft, first aid and war fighting skills.
"Such has been the quality of both the training and the KASP reservists they quickly learned skills and tactics that their regular colleagues would not get routinely drilled on."
Read more here
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FOB 'Attal' Opens for Business - 10th July 2008
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The first Afghan National Army (ANA) designed, built, manned and patrolled Forward Operating Base (FOB) has received a seal of approval from the British Forces team that mentored them and from the local people it has been built to help protect.
FOB 'Attal', which means 'hero' in Pashto, is the first of its kind in Helmand and demonstrates the Afghan National Army's will, and capability, to take on responsibility for their own security in the province. It is named after the Afghan National Army's Helmand-based 3/205 Hero Brigade and joins Patrol Bases 'Viking' near Sangin, 'West' near Musa Qaleh and 'Barakzai' near Gereshk as being Afghan National Army-operated.
The town of Gereshk is at the mouth of the Upper Gereshk valley, and 38km from Sangin at the top. FOB Attal is one of the lasting achievements of Op Oqab Sterga, or Op Eagle's Eye, which aimed to enable freedom of movement further up the Gereshk valley towards Sangin. The Afghan National Army at FOB Attal were mentored by an Operational Mentoring Liaison Team (OMLT or 'Omelette') from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment with elements of 23 Engineer Regiment (Recce Troop).
Read more here |
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Sunbathing?! Wise Up! - 11th June 2008
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This article has appeared in Soldier Magazine in June 2008
Troops from Northern Ireland have taken over the key role of ensuring the security of Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province.
One hundred and forty soldiers from Imjin Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, will be working in and around the large base for the next six months as part of Bastion's force protection company.
As well as patrolling the camp and its immediate surroundings, the reservists will also provide protection for Helmand's combat air ambulance and contribute to a reserve force capable of deploying to incidents on the ground at short notice.
Lance Corporal Steve Limmer, who works as a software tester in civvy street, said:
"I was amazed how the team just gelled really well right from the off. My work colleagues just think I am out here sunbathing in the sand."
Read more here
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Stationary Collection and Kindness of St. Peters Church - 21st May 2008
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The Stationery Collection for the schools in Afghanistan is well under way. An appeal has gone out to all the schools and churches in the area to help us to collect stationery and so far the response has been extremely positive.
We made our first collection on Monday 19 May 08 from St Peter’s Church, Stoke-on-Tern. The parishioners have collected a large box of stationery on our behalf and this is now on its way to the Reverend Albert Jackson, our Padre, for onward distribution. Our thanks go to all the parishioners at St Peter’s Church for their generous and speedy donations to our appeal.
We are also grateful for the candle which burns constantly in the church throughout the deployment in Afghanistan and for all the kind thoughts and prayers for our soldiers and their families during the deployment.
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2 R IRISH take over Camp Bastion Security - 15th May 2008
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Protecting the base, located in the middle of the Afghan desert, is now the job of 140 Rangers from Imjin Company, Second Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment. As the Force Protection Company they have the vitally important task of ensuring the safety of thousands of personnel working at Bastion.
The Rangers carry out a variety of tasks which include patrolling the immediate area of the base, engaging with the local population, providing protection for the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), Helmand's combat air ambulance, and also as a reserve force ready to respond at a moment's notice to incidents anywhere within their area of operations.
Read more here
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Plenty of Fun at the British Legion - 11th May 2008
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On Sunday 11th May we arrived at the British Legion Club at 12.30. Andy (Vice Chairman) was waiting at the entrance when we got there. The Committee were extremely welcoming and friendly.
First things first, we got the kids settled and then headed straight to the bar. The DJ had the disco going and the staff invited the kids to have their faces painted. Of course, by the end of the day they were also having their arms painted! After a drink or two, the buffet was laid out. We thanked the kind ladies for this beautiful spread and the work that went in to it; it was very thoughtful of them.
The kids then went on to play some games, musical chairs, statues etc. Two young boys (you know who you are!) were showing off their dancing skills to YMCA (great entertainment boys). The kids enjoyed the karaoke, as well as us Mums and some of the British Legion members.
Andy and Jim have expressed that we are all welcome anytime. Kids are welcome during the day. The staff said that they will arrange another day for us in June sometime and they will invite other members and their children too. All in all a great day out and we will definitely be going back. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in arranging the day.
See all the photos here.
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'Look at Life' Weekend - 10 May 2008
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1 R IRISH were delighted to welcome potential recruits to join us for a 'Look at Life' weekend organised by Captain Herbert, the OC of our Battalion Recruiting Team. 28 young men came to see what life in our Battalion was like, and spent two days being instructed in our various specialisms and getting a feel for what 1 R IRISH are about.
The highlight of the weekend was honing their newly-found weapon handling skills on a live 25m range. Or was the highlight the ATMP rides? Or the outstanding curry night?
Whatever they enjoyed most - it was us who enjoyed hosting them. We look forward to seeing everyone again after training as our newest Rangers.
View the images here.
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Watch OMLT 2 featured on "Newsnight" - 29 April 2008
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OMLT will be basking in their glory!
BBC2's Newsnight got an exclusive - the inside story of the British mission in Musa Qala. The battle for control of this Afghan town has come to epitomise the trial between the British Army and its Taliban enemy in Helmand province. Their diplomatic editor Mark Urban spent nine days with B Company and OMLT 2 trying to win over suspicious locals in a town where there is still a lot of support for the Taliban. Don't worry if you missed it, you can view it here
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Luck of the Irish? - 26 April 2008
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An article was printed in the Saturday Times describing the moment a C Company patrol foiled a potential suicide attack and ambush in Sangin.
"A foot patrol of British soldiers recounted the moment that they survived an attack by a suicide bomber only to run into an ambush by the Taleban as they picked themselves up after the blast.
“It's the luck of the Irish,” said Sergeant Paul Harrison, 27, from Liverpool, who survived the attack along with the rest of his patrol from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment." click here to read more.
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New R IRISH Welfare Service Opens in Palace Barracks - 21 April 2008
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British Army chief Sir Richard Dannett is in Northern Ireland to launch a £2m-a-year service for former UDR and Royal Irish Regiment soldiers.
Click here, or on the image to the left, to see the video of the Welfare Service on the BBC website.
Yet again we are the first regiment to offer such a service.
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Fantastic Support from the Royal British Legion in Market Drayton - 19 April 2008
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On Sat 19 April 08 members of the Royal British Legion in Market Drayton assisted by members of Rear Party set up a stand at the ‘Buttercross’ in the town centre to increase awareness of the Battalion’s deployment in Afghanistan. Rgrs McKenzie, Miller and Green along with Brian Boru and the Pipe Major were very well received by all who passed by.
The support gained from the local population was fantastic and between 0900hrs and 1300hrs the sum of £ 915 was raised from donations for the Royal Irish wristband fund.
Our thanks go the the Vice Chairman of the Club, Mr Andy Boughey and his colleagues for the fantastic support they have offered the Battalion since the deployment. The Club has also offered to host our families once a month for Sunday Lunch during the deployment with the first event planned for Sun 11 May between 1200hrs and 1700hrs. A buffet lunch, bar facilities and a disco for the children will be provided free of charge to all families. The Welfare Office will provide the transport to and from the Club.
Click the images to see the full picture in a new window
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Thank You to Everyone - 17 April 2008
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Everyone from 1 R IRISH Battlegroup has been delighted with the vast amount of parcels and letters arriving daily addressed for "A Soldier" or "A Ranger".
We can only apologise that not everyone has received a thank-you letter. Some parcels have been so big that more than one person has benefited from them!
The support we our getting out here is just fantastic and everyone, especially those in the out-stations where there are fewer facilities, are just overwhelmed by the sheer volume of parcels we are getting!
There are little home comforts out here and the parcels are very much appreciated. If you would like to send a parcel you can address it simply to:
Padre Albert Jackson
1 R IRISH BG
OP HERRICK 8
BFPO 792
Our warmest thanks to you all.
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News from Afghanistan - 6 April 2008
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During the afternoon of Sun 6 Apr, a patrol involving members of 1 R IRISH Battlegroup were contacted by an explosion. As a result of this explosion Major Shirley received shrapnel injuries which although serious are not life threatening.
Major Shirley will return to UK for medical treatment but is expected to make a full recovery.
There were no other casualties sustained during this incident and our thoughts are with Major Shirley and his wife at this time.
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St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Camp Shorabak, Afghanistan - 15 March 2008
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In Afghanistan, members of 1 R IRISH Battle Group (1 R IRISH BG), who recently deployed as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade to Helmand Province in Afghanistan, today celebrated St Patrick's Day. Starting with a short run around Camp Sharabak they went on to have a traditional Irish breakfast which was then followed by a short church service where a Shamrock-emblazoned bookmark was presented to the men.
1 R IRISH BG, co-located in Camp Tombstone and Camp Bastion, are currently carrying out their in-theatre training package to prepare them for the duties that they will take over in a few days time, duties which will include a mixture of force protection at Camp Bastion and mentoring the Afghan National Army in Forward Operating Bases all over Helmand Province.
Major Mark Hudson, Officer Commanding Imjin Company, 2 Royal Irish, said:
"We have prepared for months for Operation Herrick 8 and watching my soldiers train they are highly professional and well prepared for what lies ahead. The professionalism and reputation of the Royal Irish in my opinion is second-to-none and I am proud to be in command of such a strong force. This is our first deployment since we were formed in October 2007, made up mainly of part-time soldiers from both the north and the south of Ireland." |
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St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Clive Barracks - 15 March 2008
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More than 500 soldiers from The Royal Irish Regiment Battle Group all received box-fresh shamrocks for their St Patrick's Day Parade, thanks to airline Flybe. The precious cargo was loaded onto a plane at Belfast City Airport and collected at Birmingham International Airport by a team from the Regiment, based at Clive Barracks, Tern Hill, near Market Drayton in Shropshire.
Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Peter Gavin, was given the honour of picking up the the shamrocks along with Regimental Mascot, Irish wolfhound 'Brian Boru', and piper Lance Corporal Paul Shaw from the Battalion's Bugles, Pipes and Drums.
Battalion spokesman Captain Brian Johnson MBE said:
"We are delighted Flybe have kindly flown in the shamrocks for our St Patrick's Day Parade again this year. The airline has done this for us a couple of times for our celebrations over the last few years and I know how much everyone in the Battalion appreciates the gesture, especially now as we contemplate our deployment to Afghanistan."
A spokesman for Flybe added:
"As Europe's largest regional airline, Flybe is always pleased to support the local communities which it serves wherever possible and we were delighted to be able to help transport the shamrocks that are so key to St Patrick's Day celebrations."
The soldiers from The R IRISH Battle Group spent St Patrick's Day with their families in Shropshire before embarking on a six month tour of Afghanistan. The Regiment is the last remaining Irish Infantry regiment of the line and is made up of soldiers from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With the Battle Group there are regular soldiers from the 1st Battalion, who are based at Clive Barracks, and reserves from the 2nd Battalion, who are based in Northern Ireland.
The day began gunfire followed by the traditional Chariot Race. There was a short rest as guests arrived, including General Sir Roger Wheeler GCB CB (a former CO of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Rangers in 1979 and Chief of the General Staff in 2000) and General Philip Trousdell KBE, CBE (a former CO of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Rangers in 1991 and a former Chief of Staff of Land Command in 2000).
General Trousdell took the salute as the Battalions paraded, and gave a rousing speech prior to the deployment of the main body of the Battle Group to Afghanistan during the coming weeks.
Over the following days the Battalions will travel to Helmand Province. 1 R IRISH will be working to develop conditions and improve security to defeat the Taliban insurgency. 2 R IRISH will be working towards the same goal alongside their regular counterparts, providing force protection for Camp Bastion and other locations across the province.
The soldiers have spent the last six months preparing for the deployment, including a period of two months training in Kenya throughout September and October 2007.
BBC were there to capture the day on video - stay tuned!
Read more on at BBC N Ireland and BBC Shropshire
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D Company Climbing in Spain - 7 March 2008
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D Company have been climbing in Spain for a week - read all about it here |
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Support us on Facebook! - 23 February 2008
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There is a dedicated (but unofficial) "Support the Royal Irish in Afghanistan" group that has been set up on the Facebook website! Click here to see. |
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Pre-Deployment leave - 9 February 2008
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On returning from the mission rehearsal exercise it was "all hands to the pumps" getting everything prepared for the move out to Afghanistan. Once everything was checked, cleaned and packed so that we could get away for our two weeks pre-deployment leave.
At the moment we are on our last week of leave before the final preparations for the deployment to Afghanistan. Everyone is pulling together with the "Faugh-a-Ballagh" spirit to make sure we are as ready as we can ever be for the job ahead.
We are still selling wristbands! They are flying off the shelves, and will be the new thing to be seen with! |
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Mission Rehearsal Exercise - 28 January 2008
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The Battalion are currently deployed on Salisbury Plain as part of the ongoing training for the mission ahead of them in Afghanistan.
There is not much time left before we all head on some leave, then we are looking to our first Paddys Day in Clive Barracks. This year it is going to be a big one! There will be photos posted on the website, so keep an eye out for that.
After our training in Kenya on Exercise GRAND PRIX we are champing at the bit to get out to Afghanistan and start doing our job there.
Make sure you buy a wristband to show your support for us! Or why not order 100 and sell them?
All the money donated will go to providing facilities for the Rangers when they need them most.
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![Smiles all round as Nililis Galminas aged 30 (Lithuanian Reservist) gets to grips with the British SA80 rifle [Picture: Sergeant Will Craig]](http://www.army.mod.uk/img/royalirish/regimental_news/290708_lith.jpg)
