KAF Attacked

[Tubby]

There is a main road that goes within 100 or 200 metres past the end the the runway that goes to Kandahar. The RAF Reg cant watch everyone can they. Early 2006 we got attacked 4/5 times a week because their was essentially no ground defence, the bit we did have was re-active not pro-active, every time I have been out since the attacks in the main have been on a much lower scale, as little as 3 in 8 weeks. The RAF Reg have my vote, stopped me getting bollocked for not kissing the ground like the army do.

 

[FOMz]

I was out there when the Romainians were doing the FP.... we got mullered every night, The Rocks turn up and start doing it properly.... and lo and behold, the attacks dramatically decreased.

Oh and Mutty, I once drove around the perimiter track in 2006 and it was FOOKING MASSIVE then, so its got to be even MORE FOOKING MASSIVE now........

 

[muttywhitedog]

Ok, so its not the rocks job to keep the surrounding area clear. Then why the feck are they there, and why has every man and his dog been congratulating Sqn after Sqn over the past 5 years for their outstanding efforts in preventing ground attacks on KAF?

I'm pretty bloody sure their job is to keep the undesireables well away from KAF - particularly so when the husband of my former JNCO spent most of his 7 months in Afghan in 2008 outside the wire doing just that!

If an installation in the Uk was attacked, then the Stn Sy Officer, who is responsible for SECURITY, would get a damn good grilling, having to explain why his area of responsibility had been compromised.

Now I know that KAF is big, and I know that the exclusion zone is even bigger, and I know that a bunch of rocks alone cannot keep a determined terrorist out. I also know that its not just the rocks who are involved in keeping the baddies at bay - other nations will be pitching in.

I'll be happy just as long as the numerous Gp Capt & Wg Cdr Force Protection "experts" at KAF dont get their OBE/MBE out of this tour.

 

[themardyrigger]

MWD please get over yourself.

I am speaking as someone who has done an out side the wire tour in Afghanistan.
You seem to be showing a total lack of understanding of what happens in the AO, surely the fact that this attack is a rare event in the several years we have been there shows up till know the Regiment and Provost have done an excellent job.

Also the fact that this followed quickly on the other airfield attack at an airfield where I don’t believe there is a major UK FP element, may indicate a change of Taliban tactics and or leadership, as opposed to failings by a FP Wing

As has previously been stated the perimeter is huge add to this the rest of the AO the Regiment continue to do a remarkable job with the resources they have.

You also need to remember the ISAF mission, we are not there to be an oppressive occupier, but to bring a degree of normality and stability to the country and it’s people.

Unfortunately this means the locals are reasonably free to move about the place, also it unfortunately means insurgents who have yet to adopt any consistent form of uniform and insignia tend to blend in. Which, allows attacks to take place.

Of course we could just shoot everyone and bring the troops home, but I feel this might not be acceptable to the rest of ISAF.

Maybe as you seem to hold a strong opinion on the failings of the FP element, you will shortly be volunteering for an OOA.

I could recommend a spell on convoys either top cover or maybe vehicle cmdr if your rank permits. Or there are the stabilisation teams to consider.

Both of these would give you a greater understanding of the difficulties involved in controlling and maintaining what happens in the area surrounding any base.

In my opinion, and that of many of the soldier’s on the ground the regiment do a very good job in a difficult environment one you would probably not be prepared to undertake on a regular basis.

 

[Tubby]

I was out there when the Romainians were doing the FP....

And their rediculously tight shorts. Near our work tents (next to the then Harrier det) there was a big gap in the perimeter fence as they hadn't finished replacing it all. Thank fcuk they didn't try their luck then.

 

[muttywhitedog]

Surely the fact that this attack is a rare event in the several years we have been there shows up till know the Regiment and Provost have done an excellent job.

Agreed. But if we are to congratulate them on keeping KAF "safe" for 6 years, then how come when something happens its "not their fault"? I have been out there when rocket o'clock was a daily occurence, and I also remember how much credit the rock sqns took when it only became a weekly occurence!

Also the fact that this followed quickly on the other airfield attack at an airfield where I don’t believe there is a major UK FP element. .

I think you'll find there is a rock sqn there too, and numerous SO1/2 FP posts. Not sure who is there now, but 3 Sqn RAF Regt were out not too long ago.

Maybe as you seem to hold a strong opinion on the failings of the FP element, you will shortly be volunteering for an OOA.

Thanks, but this is going to be the first summer since 2006 that I havent been in Afghanistan, so I'll pass on that one if thats ok with you.

So, the general consensus is that the Regt are not there to protect those inside the wire from "incoming" and there is a whole different meaning to Force Protection. I have clearly misunderstood the whole point of them being there and humbly apologise for being an ill-informed buffoon. I will go and give myself a good talking to in the mirror.

 

[Stax]

All

Just to interject, as one who was on the recieving end of the subject matter. ALL the FP boys did a sterling job, had they not done so, I may not have been here to write this missive. Without sounding full of self importance, the job I am in allows me visibilty of certain reports. The INS are changing their tack and, most of us are well aware that this will happen again! I am quite happy with the job the guys on the ground, and in the towers do. MWD please remember 2 old sayings "no plan survives first contact with the enemy" and "the afghan may look 18th century, he thinks 21st century" (actually I made the second one up, but its true)

Cheers all

Stax

 

[Climebear]

I think you'll find there is a rock sqn there too, and numerous SO1/2 FP posts. Not sure who is there now, but 3 Sqn RAF Regt were out not too long ago.

I think he was refering to the attack on Bagram. There is more to Afghanistan than Helmandshire and a little enclave south of Kandahar.

The aim of FP is to reduce the threat t the deployed force it cannot get rid of that theat entirely. The only way to do that is to not be there (and that's a different story). Mind you if we weren't there a different, and probably worse, threat would (and has) exist against our country.

 

[GreatNorthApe]

MWD,

The other attack was on Bagram, there is obviously no RAF Regiment presence there.

Contrary to what you seem to believe it is not our role to line the perimiter fence, as if we are at Rourkes Drift.We patrol out in a massive GDA, to prevent the set up and launching of IDF attacks.We do this with very few troops.(bear in mind there are FOBs to man as well as QRF and other roles). We leave the guarding of the gate, and sangers along the perimeter to the Afghans and other foreign troops.

As has been alluded to it is very hard to tell the innocent afghan, from would be terrorist, until they decide to make thier feelings known (of course you would know this from your extensive knowledge out on the ground).

So unless you want 3 or 4 Regt Sqns at KAF, or a fire free zone 600m all around the outside of the perimeter, this is probably going to happen again.

Of course if you have any suggestions on how FP could be better achieved, you are welcome to nip round to your local Fd Sqn and impart your advice.

 

[ninjarabbi]

I'm off to KAF in the very near future and, as when I spent a loud and noisy four months in Basrah I was very glad to have the Rocks out on the ground looking after the base.

 

[Climebear]

muttywhitedog

If you deploy to KAF thinking that you are going to be kept 'safe' then you have significantly misunderstood the reasoning for:

Being given Pre-deployment training and deploying with a weapon (so that you can defend yourself and your colleagues should the need arise).

Being paid Operational Allowance ('to recognise the significantly increased and enduring nature of the danger in specified operational locations (SOL), over and above that compensated for within the X Factor').

Being awarded an Operational Service Medal (Afghanistan) and having the time spent in theatre qaulify towards the award of an Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (in recognition of the 'risk and rigour' involved in the military campaign).​

These are all because the military acknowledges that there is a significant risk to its indivividuals at all locations in Afghanistan.