Following on from 3 Para's deployment in the 16th Air Assault Brigade in Afghanistan, 3 Brigade Royal Marine Commandos took their tour of duty in Afghanistan (2006-2007). They had the benefit of digesting hard "lessons learned" from the previous six months tour by the Paras and a lull ("phoney peace") of a Taliban cease-fire as they came "in country". To the commanding officers and staff can be credited as adopting a new strategy, as they had seen the punishment that static defences brought on garrison troops (Forward Operating Bases and District Centres) and planned for a more "manoeuvre orientated" approach, "going too the Taliban", in their backyard and "kicking the hornet's nest". The political pressures from teh Afghanistan government seem to be more controlled and knee-jerk reaction (that plagued the Para deployment), for teh most part seemed to be avoided. The advantage of the offensive mind-set being you do not sandwich yourself between the civilian population and the Taliban, Identification of teh enemy is easier because you are attacking identified strongholds - giving them no rest and unhinging their confidence. The initiative rests with teh attacker. MOGs (Mobile Operation Groups) were the order of the day to support bastion garrison points and the concept of "advance to ambush". This approach did pay dividends. as it was backed with overwhelming air power in an uncontested air space, tremendous firepower could be deployed "away" from danger close (although when "needs must" it can come in, without civilians to think about) to friendly and civilian population centres (see below, the Royal Marines were continually mixing it but importantly" on their terms"):
Again a fascinating read. The destruction wrought on the province of Helmand cannot be escaped and one pities the local inhabitants trying to just live their lives. More "country building projects" were initiated, more active OMLTs (Operational Mentoring Liasson Teams) see Doug Beattie's book [as there was an overlap in deployment], the security or secure region around the hydroelectric dam was extended. The work seemed endless, as at the end of 3 Commando's deployment they dutifully handed over to the 12th Mechanised Brigade (see Patrick Hennessy's book) with the COIN war continuing. The distinction 3 Commando seemed to make was in ensuring they killed the more "serious" Taliban, the better trained Pakistani teams (for example, leaders, mortar and weapons teams) rather than the second tier enforced locals. The Taliban losses were painful, but here religious zeal seems to overtake military professionalism.
Read:
- 3 Para by Patrick Bishop (Paratroopers - Afghanistan 2006 - 16th Air Assault Brigade)
- An ordinary Soldier by Doug Beattie (Irish Guards - Afghanistan 2006-2007 - OLMT)
- 3 Commando Brigade Helmand by Ewen Southby-Tailyour (Royal Marine Commandos - Afghanistan 2006-2007 - 3 Commando Brigade)
- The Junior Officer's Reading Club, by Patrick Hennessey (Grenadier Guards - Afghanistan 2007 - 12th Mech)
- Joint Force Harrier by Commander Ade Orchard RN
- Apache by Ed Macey
- Apache Dawn by Damien Lewis
- Task Force Helmand by Doug Beattie
- 3 Para, Ground Truth by Patrick Bishop
- 3 Commando Brigade Helmand Assault by Ewen Southby-Tailyour
- Dead Men Risen by Toby Harnden (Welsh Guards)
- Sweating The Metal by Flt Lt Alex 'Frenchie' Duncan (Chinook)
- Khandak Fighting with Afghans: Patrick Hennessey
