IN PICTURES: Aggressive Marine patrols support Helmand healthcare
11 Feb 08
Royal Marines have provided enough security in parts of Helmand to enable outreach patrols to bring much needed health care and reconstruction to local communities.
Royal Marines from Fire Support Troop, Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, engaging insurgent positions on the frontline near Kajaki, Northern Helmand
[Picture: LA (Phot) AJ MaCleod]
The Royal Marines of Charlie Company 40 Commando, supported by RECCE Troop 40 Commando and elements of the Afghan National Army, have been engaging Taliban positions near Kajaki in Northern Helmand as part of Operation GHARTSE SPIKE.
They have patrolled the area aggressively, disrupting the insurgents at a time when a spring offensive is usually expected and denying them any freedom of movement.
See Related Links >>> for more pictures.
The Royal Marines are trained in cold weather warfare and are able to employ their specialist skills in the depths of the Afghan winter. By pushing back the insurgents, they have enabled local people to attend medical facilities that have been set up in their villages and towns.
40 Commando's dentist, Surgeon Lieutenant Mike Hesketh, said:
"The key to all outreach is ensuring security first and then following this with positive activity, helping local people to develop their communities while alienating the insurgents."
The extended period of outreach patrols undertaken by the commandos has involved them meeting with locals, accompanied by engineering, nursing and dental teams. Once an area is secure the commandos set up medical facilities inviting people to attend for checkups. Minor ailments are dealt with on the spot while those requiring further treatment are invited to the Forward Operating Base where they receive specialist care from the nurses and the field dental centre.
Lt Hesketh continued:
"It's important that coalition forces begin to interact with local nationals within their area. Outreach patrols and medical facilities are vital in proving to the Afghan people that we are here for their security and well-being.
"Once news got out that a medical team were in the area treating Afghans, the local population were more than happy to interact and receive treatment for low level primary health care, including pain relief and dental aid."
The patrols have also brought engineers to an area to work on repairing damaged walls, culverts and irrigation systems. Supplies of winter clothes, blankets and agricultural tools are also being provided.