RAF Police on the Helmand beat
24 Sep 09
Operating in temperatures touching 40 degrees and under constant threat of attack from insurgents, the Helmand beat is one of the toughest police assignments in the world. Report by Squadron Leader Iain Houghton.
An RAF policeman giving a local Afghan trader a helping hand at Camp Bastion in Helmand province, Afghanistan
[Picture: SAC Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
RAF Police patrols in the UK-controlled area of southern Afghanistan might face more danger than their civilian counterparts may ever encounter but the aim is the same - to bring the rule of law.
The RAF Police anti-intimidation patrols are a key element of the over-arching International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) strategy to loosen the grip of the Taliban on Afghan communities.
Based at Camp Bastion, operating as part of the ISAF unit brought in to mentor the fledgling Afghan National Police force and clamp down on the endemic corruption that blights many Helmand communities, the RAF team mount daily patrols into some of the province's most dangerous areas.
Patrol Commander, Sergeant Gareth Stagg, said:
"One of the RAF Police's most important tasks is to get out and about - we try to build up a relationship with the locals, show them we are there to help Afghanistan."
When Camp Bastion was carved out of the Afghan desert the area was unpopulated. But with camps and airfields come business opportunities and the Afghans have a strong commercial sense.
A local community is forming in the area around the camp to service its needs and bringing with it a challenge for the RAF Police patrols.
The police call it a village but that's not accurate, it is a group of dwellings and businesses clinging to existence in a way that is difficult to comprehend.
RAF Police with American ISAF counterparts at Camp Bastion
[Picture: SAC Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
But it is commerce and it is peaceful, thanks in part to the RAF Police's work.
Sergeant Stagg is doing the work of an old-fashioned beat bobby, getting to know the locals, talking to them, making them feel safe - with an armed patrol providing cover around him. He said:
"We try to gain the confidence of the locals and hope in return they'll help us. These are very kind people, working away from home, trying to make money for their families."
On a recent patrol, a civilian vehicle approached and got too close for comfort. Sergeant Ian Young said:
"I had to get it to stop - we did not know who the driver was and the risk of a suicide bomber is very real."
Most locals understand what to do and the car pulls to one side away from the patrol. It is a timely reminder that this is Afghanistan - a violent place.
As the patrol heads home, the day's last stop is at the local market. As Sergeant Stagg walks to the door with his helmet under his arm he spots two Afghans armed with Kalashnikovs.
He makes a quick radio call to the rest of the patrol so there are no misunderstandings as he has recognised the armed men - two local security contractors who have come in to shop.
A familiar ritual follows - sit, talk, be offered and accept a drink - but here Sergeant Stagg makes a more material contribution to the rebuilding of Afghanistan.
He buys a case of soft drinks for the patrol for their return to base - a small gesture, but probably one of the ways the hearts and minds campaign for Afghanistan will be won.
This article is taken from the 11 September 2009 edition of RAF News - Voice of the Royal Air Force.