On foot patrol with 3 RIFLES

For Riflemen treading the increasingly dangerous ground of Afghanistan, thoughts are of how to best improve the lives of the local population.

The soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, based at FOB Jackson, are part of Battle Group North. As they prepare their kit, don their body armour and deploy on a foot patrol they show little sign of worry for their own safety and exude an air of supreme confidence in their abilities and the means they have in which to be successful.

The area around FOB Jackson is essentially a minefield, with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) littered under the surface of the dusty roads, but the cool-headed troops were undeterred by the risks - their sole focus was on providing security for the town's community and gathering information to defeat the Taliban.

For Lance Corporal George Milner, patrolling the streets laden with 60kg of kit and armour while watching for signs of the insurgency is nothing out of the ordinary:

"It's just a regular thing for us now. It depends where you're going whether you get nervous as you know certain places are going to be bad - but you deal with it.

"It's quite a bit different from a nine-to-five job behind a desk. I suppose it's a bit more exciting."

On this particular day, personnel from 4 Platoon were tasked to patrol south of the base towards Pilay.

In the morning briefing, Platoon Commander Lieutenant Dan Brown outlined the purpose of his team's operation:

"We are aiming to provide reassurance to the local nationals and to check the pattern of life," he said.

He also emphasised that the role of the International Security Assistance Force is to engage the Afghan people and to persuade them that British soldiers are trying to help their country:

"Respect the customs and traditions and be as courteous as possible. It's all about the people - respect the local nationals," he added.

It was also spelled out to all involved that as the patrol moved south the Afghan nationals would be more 'Taliban-friendly' due to links with the narcotics trade.

But despite the serious nature of the information, the dark humour often associated with British forces was as strong as ever, with talk of deadly bombs diluted by off-the-cuff quips:

"Taliban insurgents have laid an increasing number of IEDs in the southern Green Zone", was the brief.

"That's good of them", was the nonchalant response from one Rifleman.

But the crucial job at hand was the only focus for the servicemen and women. The fact that a harmful device could lie just yards from the base's gate was clear in each soldier's mind:

"Patrol is not over until we are back at FOB Jackson. Even when we are on the wadi, metres away from the gate, there is an IED threat," said Lt Brown.

The servicemen and women were given 45 minutes to get their kit and equipment in order before departing for the unpredictable Sangin roads.

Bergens were diligently packed, ammunition and radio batteries were checked, and guns were expertly oiled to prevent jamming.

This was not an inspection, nor was there a superior officer watching for 'bad drills'. It was simply soldiers preparing for battle in
the most professional manner.

Lance Corporal Russ Ellis, holding his SA80 rifle, said:

"It's in your own interest to get everything in order. You can't afford to make mistakes.

"Patrolling is part of an everyday process and I'm not too worried about it really. We've been here just over a month now and you just get used to it."

With Ultrabeat's 'Pretty Green Eyes' blaring from a set of portable speakers, the soldiers were ready for action. Some checked the patrol route on a map, some chatted about relationships at home. Others relaxed with a game of Connect 4.

LCpl Milner made sure he read any post that had been sent to him:

"It's from my dad - there's a picture of my little sister and brother at Halloween," he said.

"It's a right morale boost. I always try to read my mail before going out. My wall's full of pictures, so I have a quick look before setting off."

Minutes before stepping outside the wire, a vivid reminder of why troops are working to release the Taliban's grip was literally wheeled through the gates.

Three tiny children, injured in insurgent crossfire in August, were carried in a wheelbarrow to the 3 RIFLES medical centre.

Each week they come to the base to have their wounds treated.

The gate closed behind the soldiers and they moved out on their ground domination manoeuvre.

The platoon returned after a successful four hours, without being contacted:

"It was fairly straightforward and we covered ground that we've been over before," said Lt Brown.

"The bazaar was vibrant with people moving in and out of stalls."

Just over a year ago a Taliban suicide attack devastated the bazaar and left locals fearing for their lives. Now, following the efforts of 2nd Battalion The Rifles on Operation HERRICK 10 and the early work of 3 RIFLES on HERRICK 11, real change has come to the hub of Sangin life:

"Our guys are now more confident to move amongst the people and there's a lot more interaction when we move north of the bazaar," added Lt Brown.

"Compared to just seven weeks ago there is a lot more interaction, especially with the youngsters - sometimes we've got 20 kids running alongside us."

The bazaar is bustling once again because the people of Sangin view it as safe. The impact of the endeavours of Battle Group North is evident.

In this part of Helmand province, progress is being made.

This article is taken from the December 2009 edition of SOLDIER - Magazine of the British Army.