1 MERCIAN take over patrol base in Gereshk

Malta Company's operating area for the next six months was cleared of insurgents by International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan troops during Operation PANTHER'S CLAW in the summer of 2009. It has since become a key focus for stability and reconstruction.

In the run up to the handover, Guardsmen from the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who have been working in the area, have been carrying out joint familiarisation patrols of the region with members of 1 MERCIAN.

Each patrol aims to show the incoming unit the checkpoints and bases within the area, any projects that are ongoing, and allow the new unit to start interacting with the local nationals in the surrounding villages.

Of particular importance has been the handover of many of the reconstruction and military assistance projects running in the joint Afghan National Police and ISAF checkpoint along the Nahr-e Bughra canal.

Lieutenant John Sanderson, 1 Platoon Commander, Malta Company, 1 MERCIAN, said:

"The purpose of the patrol this morning was two-fold. On the one hand, it was to familiarise those of us who are taking over from the company at Patrol Base One, and secondly it was a patrol to reassure the local population and dominate the ground in order to deter insurgents from infiltrating this area.

"The big thing for us though is time on the ground and interacting with the local people. For me and my men, success will be based on the effect we have on the population here."

Major Charlie Foinette, Officer Commanding Number 4 Company, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, explained what he was handing over:

"When I'm handing over control of a patrol base like this, where we have been soldiering for six months now, the most important thing we want to get across to our successors is the population.

"We've spent six months getting to know them and engaging with them while out on patrol and in meetings. The only important thing about this area is the population, what their fears are, what their concerns are, what their difficulties are and how we can help."

Members of 1 MERCIAN will spend the next six months working in partnership with Afghan soldiers to provide continued security across the region, so projects such as the building of a medical centre and a permanent school can take place.

Working alongside them will be a Brigade Advisory Group from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles who will be training the Afghan National Army soldiers based at Patrol Base One.