Page 44

LCpl Prakash Nembang with Capt Bonnie Nicolle (ne Butler) in the cockpit of a Lynx helicopter. The crossed Kukhris of 28 Sqn is featured on the tailfin of Merlin behind! !

(Front Cover- Top) .- .Pte Sureshman Limbu with Sergent Major Dhungana, GOC Th Tps Maj Gen Burley and Comd QOGLR. (Front Cover-Left) - The QOGLR PMAG conduct a map check while out on foot patrols. (Front Cover –Right) - Pte Utshab Rai, Gurkha Tp CSLR, inspects his kukri.

NEWS @ 10

August 2012 - OPSEC Cleared

COMMANDER QOGLR

Lt Col Tim Blackmore RLC Commanding Officer - Theatre Logistic Group

Welcome to the fourth edition of News @ 10. It is hard to believe that we are now well past the halfway point and entering the final third of our tour. Needless to say, it has been another exceptionally busy month for the Theatre Logistic Group and the QOGLR across Afghanistan. The tempo of operations here remains as high as ever, although matched I’m sure by the continuing hard work of all our personnel in Cyprus and in the UK. It has been a tremendously exciting August as London played host to the Olympic Games. Like all of us here, I watched with enormous pride as British sportsmen swept the board. I would like to particularly highlight the important contribution of the 10 QOGLR Rear Operations Group providing support behind the scenes at this spectacularly successful global event. The ‘Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment’ were providing security for the Horse riding at Greenwich Park including the ‘Queen’s own’ Grand daughter, Zara. Jai ROG, Jai Team GB! Here in the TLG were have had an exceptional busy month of visits especially as interest in the Reverse Support Chain planning continues to gather momentum. We have hosted 10 Brigadiers and were honoured to host the General Officer Commanding Theatre Troops. I was fortunate enough also able to visit the 1 Sqn Police Mentoring Group in Lashkar Gar who were in great spirits. It was extremely rewarding to witness their professionalism first hand in visiting the District Police Headquarters in Laskar Gar - they have made their task their own, demonstrating the versatility of the Gurkha logistician. Clearly, we have some way to go and we will remain focussed throughout the final 2 months of the tour. I have no doubt that the drive of our personnel and the support from home will allow us to sustain our efforts. Shaybas!

Jai TLG, Jai QOGLR!

Page 43

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Ayo Gurkhali - Gurkha Busts

Page 42

Craftsman Smith climbs into the RTCH boom for some close up repairs.

“

Craftsman Smith after his boom crawling expedition.

TLG — Photo Gallery

CONTENTS

Commander QOGLR 2

Contents 3

General Officer Commanding Theatre Troops’ Visit. 4

TLG Visit 5

Camp Bastion Half Marathon 6

Comd QOGLR’s visit to the PMAG Group 7

1 Sqn QOGLR Police Mentoring and Advisory Group 8-12

1 Sqn QOGLR Transport Troop — 4 LSR 13

28 Sqn QOGLR - Rear Support Chain Ops 14

94 GS Sqn QOGLR - Materiel Troop 15

94 GS Sqn QOGLR - Medical Troop 16

94 GS Sqn QOGLR - Petroleum Troop 17

94 GS Sqn QOGLR - Forward RV Troop 18

94 GS Sqn QOGLR - Vehicle Replenishment Troop 19

94 GS Sqn QOGLR - Ammo Support Point Troop 20

94 GS Sqn QOGLR GS Sqn Kandahar Airfield 21

Centerfold 22-23

94 GS Sqn QOGLR - Transport Troop 24

10 QOGLR REME 25

Postal & Courier Squadron 26

Labour Support Unit 27

Joint Theatre Education Centre 28

Expeditionary Forces Institute 29

Joint Movements Unit 30

TLG Administrative Team 31

TLG Logistic Support Teams 32-33

SQMS Department 34

Support to the Olympics 35

Soldier Focus 36

Photo Gallery 37-44

Page 4

The Visit of GOC Theatre Troops

Comd QOGLR and GOC Theatre Troops chat with the TLG Seniors before curry..

On the 5 August General Officer Commanding Theatre Troops, Major General Burley visited the Theatre Logistic Group. Greeted with the traditional pipes and drums he was welcomed to the Regimental Headquarters and given a full update on the progress of 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment and the TLG. With elements of the regiment deployed across Helmand he was briefed on the progress and continuing success of the QOGLR Police Mentoring Teams and the Gurkha Troop working with the CSLR. He also heard of the role of the Theatre Logistic Group and the continuing restructuring of the Regt back in the UK. The Postal and Courier Det and 94 General Support Squadron QOGLR then host-ed the GOC as he visited their departments and chatted with the Troops. The visit concluded with a visit to the Gurkha Temple (pictured front cover) and a traditional Gurkha Messing attended by all TLG Officers and Seniors.

Page 41

LST Comd Capt Swift keeps a close eye on the Adjutant’s brother, Lt McCullough RTR Serving in Op Box BURMA in the north of Helmand Province.

Comd 1X (Designate) Col Jones, son of Lt Col ‘H’ Jones VC, visits the TLG.

TLG –Photo Gallery -

Page 40

Capt Ganesh and Capt Pali prepare for Saturday morning temple service.

Pte Om Magar and Pte Triven Gurung hard at work outside Mat Troop.

TLG — Photo Gallery Page 5

Visits to the TLG

Comd QOGLR chats to Brigadier Dunn, an Ex CO of 9 Regt August has been a month of VIP visits for the TLG following a series of VVIP visits last month including the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chief of the Defence Staff and our own Gurkha Major with the Bhuddist Lama. On the 1 of Aug Brigadier Dunn and Air Commodore Thompson visited the The-atre Logistic Group . As an ex Commanding Officer of 9 Regiment he said how pleased he was to be visiting one of his old Sqn’s, 94 Squadron QOGLR, and to meet back up with so many people from his time in command. The TLG also hosted 8 Brigadiers for Reverse Support Chain Windscreen tours as the work continues to prepare the ground for industrial redeployment. We have also hosted visited from CO EFI, CO 1AMW, Commander Bastion and 7 Regt. At the end of the month, we were visited by the incoming Task Force Helmand Commander of 1 Brigade, Col Rupert Jones, (pictured on page 41).

The Theatre Logistic Group Camp Bastion Half Marathon Team

Written by Pte David Simmonds, RV Troop. On Saturday the 25th of August around twenty members of the Theatre Logistic Group took part in the Bastion half marathon. The event was organised by 26 Engineer Regiment to raise money for Cancer Research UK. There were over 500 participants in the race from many different nations including British, American, Danish and Estonian soldiers. The race started at 0600hrs on an unusually cool and breezy morning in Camp Bastion. The route took the competitors around some of the landmarks of Camp, including the airfield and the Main Entry Point. The TLG produced some impressive perfor-mances, most notably SSgt Kennedy from the GS Sqn who came tenth overall. He completed the 13.1 mile course in an impressive 1 hour and 28 minutes. Well done to all participants, Jai QOGLR!

Camp Bastion Half Marathon

Page 6 Page 39

“ I’m going to need a goat, two chicken and some rice” LCpl Bhoj (Gurkha Ramsey) plans the next Gurkha messing / does a comms check!

The unbeatable G Tp 4 CS Sqn volleyball team relax between victories!.

TLG – Photo Gallery

Page 38

Cpl Raj & LCpl Padam confirming possible insurgent movements.

Capt Ganesh Tamang and Pte Triven Gurung in the Rations Section with the LECs.*

* A l l L E C s h a ve g iv e n p erm i s s i on to be pho togra phe d .

TLG - Photo Gallery Page 7

Comd QOGLR visit PMAG Group

Commander QOGLR and Commanding Officer 1 Welsh Guards relaxing during the curry. Written by Capt Chakra and Lt Mortimore The Commander QOGLR (Lt Col Blackmore) and the RSM (WO1 Roberts) conducted a day visit to the Main Operating Base in Lashkar Gah (MOB LKG) on Fri 17 Aug 12 seeing members of 1 Sqn QOGLR Police Mentoring and Advisory Group, part of 1 Bn Welsh Guards Battle Group. The guys travelled from various locations to MOB LKG where they received a Regimental update from Commander Saheb. Following on from that they were taken on a mounted patrol to the Provincial Police HQ (PPHQ) where they received a brief on Operational Coordination Centre Provincial (OCCP), where Capt Chakra works. On returning to MOB LKG we took a group photograph and had an enjoyable social with drinks and Tipan-Tapan near the MOB volleyball pitch. Welsh Guards Officers, including the Commanding Officer, also joined us. In the evening we enjoyed watching a short video presentation, edited by the Police Advisory Team, and had a delicious Gurkha curry. It was a very successful visit. The members of 1 Sqn QOGLR were honoured to welcome the Commander and the RSM to our corner of Helmand. The Commander and RSM flew out the next morning after wishing all the boys best of luck and to keep up the good work. The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we look forward to be back together for the Medal Parade in Aldershot on 1 November. Jai QOGLR PMAG, Jai QOGLR!

Page 8

1 Sqn — Police Advisory Teams

Capt Chakra with the outgoing Deputy Chief of Police. Written by Capt Chakra QOGLR I cant believe that this is my last Newsletter submission before I recover from theatre at the end of the month! In the last newsletter I wrote about the District Chief of Police (DCoP) of Lashkar Gah (LKG), Col KAMALADIN. He was received at Theatre Logistic Group (TLG) in Bastion in traditional QOGLR style on our way back to the UK for a training exercise. I am sure many of you met the Colonel at our Regimental Birthday Celebrations in Aldershot. All in all, he had a good exercise, an excellent visit in the UK and said how proud and honoured he was to attend our Regimental birthday. After he returned, notably impressed to Afghanistan, I took my R&R.

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The QOGLR PMAG prepare for patrols.

The QOGLR Police Advisory Teams out on Patrol.

TLG – Photo Gallery

Page 36

(L-R) Pte Aviraj Rai with Capt Bonnie Nicolle (ne Butler) and LCpl Prakash Nembang. Written by LCpl Prakash Nembang On 16th of August, The Adjutant sahib arranged a visit to Joint Aviation Group with the help of Capt Bonnie Nicolle (Ex 28 Sqn Ops officer) currently serving as a LYNX pilot. When we reached JAG, Bonnie Memsaheb received us at the gate and briefed us about the base and how to look after the Helicopter in hot conditions. We were also shown around various flight offices letting us know what goes on. We were especially fascinated by the Ops Room which had several screens around the wall watching and monitoring all the activities and locations of the helicopters. While watching the screens it made me feel like I was in ``James Bond`` ops room! We then went outside to the Heli-handling area, where Capt Nicolle and her Gunner took us to a Lynx helicopter. We then received a brief about its capabilities. We also had an opportunity to play around with its complicated computers and to see its mounted 50 cal HMG. The person with HMG also has to look after the camera monitor screen to update the activities happen-ing on the ground and has to hold the gun as well. It was amazing to know what helicop-ters can out here and I myself believe that it`s a war winner! Overall it was a brilliant!

Soldier Focus - Capt Nicolle RLC

Page 9

Capt Chakra with the new Deputy Chief of Police. I returned to Afghanistan thinking life would be much easier as I had developed a strong relationship with the Chief. But it wasn’t the case as he was replaced by a new man, Col Ghulam RABANI, no surprise – an Afghan way, yet I had to build the relationship from the start with him. On that note, as soon as I arrived in LKG District Police HQ (DPHQ) I proceeded to see him. My initial assessment is that he appears a nice man with a different leadership style to his predecessor. He comes across as organised, direct and efficient. He showed an understanding of Community Policing principles and the importance of good Command and Control and appears keen to enforcing Afghan Uniformed Police Values & Standards in those under his command. I am certain that my successor will have an interesting time developing the LKG police. I now look forward to going home to prepare for 1 Sqn’s return. Jai AUP!

1 Sqn — Police Advisory Teams

Page 10

Silicon 41 with Comd QOGLR, the RSM and Captain Chakra visit the OCCP. Written by Pte Krishna Gurung - Silicon 41 Approximately, three months of tour in Afghanistan has been physically and mentally challenging. Our main effort is to mentor the AUP, providing them with the necessary policing skills so they can become an effective police force.One of our recent successes includes a partnered patrol with the AUP where we found and seized 24Kgs of Cannabis from a suspicious compound, as well as an operation where we assisted with the search and seizure of 40Kgs of opium and 20Kgs of homemade explosives. Although the PAT role is a demanding one, the team still makes time for fun. We took part in a sweepstake for the Euro 2012 football tournament and Olympics for fun. The PAT has also found plenty of time on Op Massive and playing volleyball! The first half of the tour has been absolutely incredible working with all the team members of the PAT. With the cohesion, unity and the effort we put together, we have been able to see a significant improvement in the AUP in the LKG area of operations which we hope to continue throughout the rest of our time here. I am looking forward to the last three months of tour to continue the work we have started and be back home to see our families soon. JAI QOGLR!!!

1 Sqn — Police Advisory Teams Page 35

Adapted from a an ArmyNet Article. Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, and LOCOG Chair Lord Coe visited Armed Forces personnel to thank them for their ongoing efforts in support of delivering a safe and secure Olympic Games. General Richards said:"As a soldier myself, I know that Service demands often come before personal plans. Many sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines have delayed time with friends and family this summer to help support the London 2012 Games. They are performing their various roles admirably and I am very proud of their professional ap-proach to providing a safe and secure Games. Her Majesty's Armed Forces are re-nowned for being the most professional in the world. Together with our athletes we have helped the UK showcase the best of Britain. also acknowledge the friends and families of the men and women deployed on the Olympics; their support is, indirectly, contrib-uting to the magnificent success of London 2012." Lord Coe said:"Our heartfelt thanks go to the men and women who stepped up to work shoulder-to-shoulder with us to deliver an effective, seamless and well-regarded securi-ty operation. We have had a great response from our spectators on the service provided by our Armed Forces and I want each and every one of you to know the nation is proud of you and grateful to you." 10 QOGLR ROG provided security at Greenwich Park for the horse riding events.

QOGLR - Olympic Support

SQMS Dept

Page 34

(L-R) Cpl Yogi, Sgt Geordie Fiddler, SSgt (SQMS) Milan Gurung, Pte Aviraj Rai Written by Pte Aviraj Rai Op Herrick 16 is my first ever operation tour and I was really excited to deploy aiming to achieve an experience which I am having now. I was brought here as part of surge team and had an opportunity to work for SQMS (TLG) department. I am the only one private soldier working in this department and I am so happy to be here. Our primary role is to support all the units within TLG with a variety of demands. We must also maintain a rec-ord for each transaction which should be kept in a systematic manner for the future reference. We also organize social functions sometimes hosting important visitors. I can proudly say that we must get the most in Theatre! Although the SQMS department is just a small part of the unit, it plays very vital and im-portant role. We are one of the busiest departments in terms of work. A lot of physical work is mostly required along with a huge amount of paperwork. I am the only one private soldier working in this department and I am so happy to be here Jai TLG, Jai QOGLR!

Page 11

Written by Pte Santosh Rai - Silicon 42 It has been another demanding month for S42 in PB NAHIDULLAH with few morale boosting activities on the menu. On 23rd July there was a visit organised at MOB LKG to see the GM (Gurkha Major) and Lama Guru. All the QOGLR PAT and LTC members made a move to LKG in the morning and spent the day at MOB. We had briefs from GM and Lama Guru followed by a PAT Volleyball competition organised by SIL41. The wrap up event was obviously the delicious messing. During the past 4 months our call sign has been getting more confident and comfortable with the amount of experience we’ve gathered from the previous Ops. Everybody is well prepared mentally and physically. We patrol to the nearby villages with AUP and search compounds of interests in order to gather information from the locals. Despite the temperature and demand for the OP’s we are getting tougher and tougher every day. S42 have been performing really well up to the high standards expected, morale among the team is always high no matter what. At the moment five of our boys are away for well-deserved R&R leave. LCpl Surye is the last man of our team who is eagerly waiting for his time to come. Jai QOGLR!!!

1 Sqn — Police Advisory Teams

Page 12

WO2 Ram leads his Police Advisory Team on a foot patrol in the Green Zone. Written by WO2 Ram - SILICON 51 Our preconceptions of Afghanistan was all about blistering heat, however the reality in the Nad-E-Ali District is completely different. It lies on the Southern part of Helmand Province and the Helmand river flows in the East and a massive amount of water is diverted from it by the Nahr-e-Bughra Canal to Nad-E-Ali on the North and this feeds into several smaller canals which gives an excellent irrigation system in the area. The land is very fertile for agriculture and farmers have got sophisticated agricultural equipment such as tractors, water pumps and flour mills. Farmers grow wheat, cotton, maize, fruits such as grapes & watermelon and more importantly they are tempted to grow poppy. There are trees and scrubs lined up besides canals. Probably that’s the reason this area is known as Green Zone. We do notice this scenery while we do patrol out on the ground especially by foot. It would be the most desirable place to be in Helmand province if it wasn’t for the insur-gents’ threat. Jai QOGLR!

1 Sqn — Police Advisory Teams Page 33

Cpl Joubert, LST 2 , unloading water in FOB Ouellette. Written by Capt Neil Swift Swifty, Libs and Jo have spent the majority of June and July deployed forwards at FOB OUELLETTE, in the Nar-e-Saraj region of Helmand Province. The teams main focus has been on assisting the 1st Bn Royal Welsh Battle Group with the correct accounting for all their equipment, culminating in their Board of Officers. This will set the conditions for a good handover to the SCOTS GUARDS on HERRICK 17. This month has seen the first Check Point in our area of operations being handed over to the ANSF, a milestone as far as transition goes, and one step closer to Afghans assuming re-sponsibility for their own destiny. In addition to base closures and the Board of Officers, daily tasks have involved helping out around the main FOB wherever possible. One such task was assisting rigging up over two tonnes of bar mines for the Sappers, while another involved unloading contracted civilian truck loads of Class 1 supplies. Ongoing work continues further forward at the outstations and check points; ensuring that the logistic chain is well greased and the troops are receiving the support they are due. The team are constantly thinking of our loved ones and families back home and appreciate all the letters and parcels which have kindly been sent to us so far. See you soon!

TLG — Logistic Support Teams

Page 32

Capt Usain Bolt-Bryan wins the container loading event in the ‘Helmand’ Olympics. Written by SSgt Burton Yet another month has passed us by really quickly! The Team has been visiting various Patrol Bases and Check Points providing logistical support and assurance to the King’s Royal Hussars Battle Group. We have recently assisted with the handover of a Check Point to the Afghan Uniformed Police. Some of the responsibilities for that handover included the planning and executing the return of all stores and equipment once needed to provide support to the front line troops enabling them to carry out operations. Capt Bryan, SSgt Burton and LCpl Mills had a competition from the start of the tour to see who could grow the worst moustache after never attempting to grow one before. Needless to say, after month 3, Capt Bryan looked like Clark Gable (in his mind), LCpl Mills was the double of Blakey (on the buses) and best of all – or should I say worst of all – was SSgt Burton with his dark hair, tanned features yet donning a bright ginger ‘tash’. He was clearly too busy to be interviewed about the competition as his reply when questioned was; can’t talk, mous-tache!

TLG — Logistic Support Teams

Page 13

Pte Susan Rai, LCpl Rudra Limbu, and Pte Yam Limbu with Pte Sonu Thapa (standing), enjoy some well earned down time. Written by Rambahadur Gurung I am Pte Rambahadur Gurung (30047684). I deployed on Op Herrick 16 on 9th Apr 12 with TLG (Theatre Logistic Group) as a Driver. I worked two and half months under TLG before I was send to 4 CSLR on 25th June 12. Since then I'm working with 4 Sqn ,Gurkha Troop as a driver conducting CLP (Combat Logistic Patrol) in different PB's within Helmand Province. As a driver in TLG my task was to transport all the good that came from flight line with in the camp Bastion. At the beginning it took us long to complete the log task because we were not familiar around the camp and working under hot climate was challenging too. As we all know nothing can stand in front of when there is a good team spirit and hard work involved. So eventually we overcome everything and task started getting done smoothly and sleeker. The roller coaster ride began right from my move to CSLR. Before my jobs used to concentrate inside the perimeter of Bastion but now I've to go outside the perimeter in order to complete log task known as CLP (Combat Logistic Patrol). CLP is conducted every 2 or 3 days and it is a very demanding job but I really enjoy it. Jai QOGLR!

1 Sqn —Transport Troop — 4LSR

Page 14

Jai RSC Sqn! Jai 28 Sqn! Jai QOGLR!

Pte Jeevan, Pte Arjun, Pte Hom, LCpl Niraj, Pte Bibin and Pte Lokendra Written by Sgt Dagal Sanwa Following the visit to Theatre by SHQ 28 Sqn in June 2012, 14 personnel from 28 Sqn arrived in Afghanistan on 20 Aug 12 in order to make the Reverse Sup-port Chain (RSC) in Camp BASTION fully functional. Over the next 8 weeks we will test the process that we designed during the visit in June. Our aim is to es-tablish an RSC process for materiel that is capable of withstanding the industrial tempo of redeployment from 2013. We are now taking over the RSC infrastruc-ture that has been built. All the necessary works have been completed in an area called the Load Holding Area, designed to hold hundreds of ISO containers. The centre of gravity for RSC activity in Camp BASTION, the RSC Processing Area, is still under construction and we are looking forward to taking this area over at the end of this month. Another facility, the War-Like Scrap Area, has been placed under the command of the RSC Squadron with effect from 24 Aug 12. We will develop working practices for these facilities through experimenta-tion and at the end of the 8 weeks we are determined to handover fully opera-tional RSC facilities to our successors.

28 (Op H16 RSC) Sqn QOGLR Page 31

TLG Admin Team. (L-R) LCpl Prakash Nembang, Sgt Ram Thapa, SSgt Byrne and Sgt Narayan Thapa, (Not pictured Sgt Mukesh Subba (R&R) ) with the RSM, WO1 Roberts, Commander, Lt Col Blackmore RLC and Adjutant, Capt McCullough RLC seated. Written by SSgt Byrne The RHQ Admin team bid a fond farewell to Sgt Ram Thapa as he departs theatre and the Regiment for a new job as a SSgt in the Financial Service Advisor (FSA) role with 7 Para Royal Horse Artillery in Colchester. On behalf of the Theatre Logistic Group we thank him for coordinating the TLG R&R plot and all his hard work looking after us all. The Regiment also welcomed back Sgt Narayan Thapa following his attachment with the Grenadier Guards based in MOB Price. Arriving just in time to relieve Sgt Ram he is already doing a sterling job. With two months to push there is still much to keep us busy!

TLG — Administrative Team

Page 30

Written by Lt Stacey Fox Most would say that what we do is easy; we don’t go out on the ground, build bridges, or extract intelligence. What we do is offer a service to all of those that do, and many more. As enablers, we move people to the places they need to be. The Air Transport Liaison Officer (ATLO) staff work 12 hour shifts, handling all UK passengers that transit the Combined Passenger Handling Facility (CPHF) at Camp Bastion. This involves greeting, checking-in and briefing the passengers alongside escorting to and from the aircraft. It all sounds easy enough, but with check-ins involving up to 330 passengers, alongside aircraft to handle, the process becomes more challenging. Additionally, the ATLO staff are the focal point for passenger’s queries, dealing with all manner of questions. Occasionally this requires additional composure, especially when asked to “…bring the flight forward by 6hrs because my wife is picking me up?”. In short, Movement Controllers are your best friend when you get away early, worst enemy when delayed, first to be blamed and last to be thanked, but in the interim they do their best to get you where you want to be because, just like you, they long for home too.

TLG Joint Movements Unit

Page 15

GS Sqn — Material Troop

Pte Bishal Sunuwar and Triven Gurung (in the foreground) remain busy as ever. Written by Cpl Binod Following the inspection last month, for which every individual from all departments within the Troop give their every effort to secure a good result.Everyone in the Troop worked as one team and contributed to a great effort in all areas, because of our hard work and dedication the inspecting team seemed really impressed so hopefully we will get a positive report when it is published. After the LSTI some of the pressure has re-leased and we have returned to a normal working pattern which also includes some well deserved downtime. It is now the time of the tour where most of the heads of de-partments go for R&R; this gives other members of the Troop a chance to step up as cover in their place. This month also saw a very important visitor to Materiel Troop in the form of the Ghurka Major Saheb from 10 QOGLR who updated us about the Regiment and Brigade of Ghurkas, we also held a BBQ event which was followed by bingo (which can’t be missed!).Despite the pressure and workload during this period everybody is getting along well and working hard to achieve a very good handover to HERRICK 17 by main-taining the high standards we have kept since the start of the tour. Jai QOGLR!

Page 16

Sgt Binfield being presented a long awaited parcel by Lt Pearson-Burton Written by Pte Raj Singh This has been a very busy month as we had to get ready for the Logistic Support Tech-nical Inspection. With guys being away on R&R we had to work longer hours but we do not regret it because at the end of the day we feel it went really well. With this major inspection over we are now focused on ensuring we handover the account over in a good state to Herrick 17. Morale has been high this month; there have been several events organised to take our minds off work and help us relax. Firstly we held a games night in the troop organised by Cpl Chappell, we played all sorts of strange and unknown but enjoyable games. Then we organised an Olympic themed quiz for the Squadron, this was a welcome break for all as it came soon after the LSTI. We have also been continuing to build on our good working relationship with the medics by playing them at basketball, not sure they are talking to us after we beat them! This has been a good month for the troop. A big thank you to our families for their con-tinued support; we miss you all and look forwards to seeing you very soon!

GS Sqn — Medical Troop Page 29

LCpl Whyte outside the EFI SHOP (RDS) AT PB2. Written by WO2 Williams

L/Cpl Stevan Whyte is with the EFI Det at PB2. When the Det got to PB2 there was literally nothing there. They had to quickly get set up and get the slushy machine going as soon as they could. The Yorkshire Regiment who are the unit based at PB2 were keen to sample the delights that the EFI Det could serve up. Having grown up in Manchester and being a Lancaster lad he was obviously only to delighted to be working along the lads for Yorkshire. With the Olympics looming Ste quickly set about putting his artist nature to go use in brightening up the welfare area out the front of the RDS (shop in a box). He even kept the shop open until the early hours during the opening ceremony of the Olympics. During the R & R of Det commander Sgt Anderson, L/Cpl Whyte was left to run the Det by himself. He quickly rose to the challenge and kept the supply of slushy’s going for the guys in the FOB. In the spirit of the Olympics and to show support for the British team he tried to make a slushy that was Red, White & blue. He tried various methods in a number of orders, but it all just mixed in a strange colour. But not to be put off the guys still brought them in large numbers and even through the taste was quite unique. We await to see what his next techni-colour challenge will be.

TLG — EFI Detachment

Page 28

(L-R) Maj England, Capt Cooke, LCpl Augustine and Capts Murphy and Danaher Written by Captain Kate Cooke AGC (Educational and Training Services) The Joint Theatre Education Centre team make trips out and about to deliver education wherever there are British troops including in Kabul and Kandahar. Over the last couple of months I have made two trips to Kabul to deliver resettlement and personal development advice, Basic Skills tutoring and tests. On the last trip I had an enjoyable time delivering Dari language training to staff at the Headquarters International Security and Assistance Force, including to the Deputy Commander. Back in Bastion the team are supporting soldiers who want to do Basic Skills exams before they change to the new Functional Skills qualifications. We are also signing off lots of Enhanced Learning Credits Late registration forms so that those not registered will get the opportunity to use up to £6,000 for education and training in the future. The Theatre Logistic Group evening English classes are going well and the students are always keen to work hard and improve. Balancing studying and working hard can be difficult but the soldiers of QOGLR are rising to the challenge!

TLG — Joint Theatre Education Centre

Page 17

GS Sqn — Petroleum Troop

Pte Dean cleaning his pipes. Written by Pte Dean. I have enjoyed the tour so far as I have been able to both do my trade in Bastion and go out to the Forward Operating Bases (FOB) and run the Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI). My main job places me in charge of the equipment that makes up the BFI’s. Such things as alloy pipes and valves are put together to form the BFI. The valves are what directs and controls the flow of fuel around the BFI when it is built. We supply spare equipment to the BFI’s out in the FOB’s, the Tactical Supply Wing BFI’s and the Contractor operated BFI in Bastion. The job is interesting as I like to ensure the equipment is clean and tidy, ready for use whenever it is needed. Every 6 months a team of civilian inspectors come out to check the equipment is being looked after correctly. This can mean long periods of time in ISO containers cleaning the bits of pipe work and valves. It is all worthwhile in order to get a good report from the inspection and more importantly to ensure the items remain in good working order. On my next tour I am hoping to look after the tanks and mem-branes, but this requires a specialist course.

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Ptes Trainer and Santosh pose for a photo with a dust devil in the background.

Written by Pte Santosh Rai The past month in theatre has been a busy one. Our morale was raised thanks to the Combined Services Entertainment show which I thought was superb. It was a perfect way to break the routine of work and relax with my friends. This month I also took part in a unique 5km charity run called the ‘Pedro Full Moon Run’ organised by the American Army. The race started at midnight and loud music was played around the whole course. Rather than being a fiercely com-petitive race it was just for fun and to raise money for charity. It was a new expe-rience for me running in the middle of the night and I really enjoyed it. As well as all the relaxing activities we had the most important event of the tour, the Logistic Support Technical Inspection. This involved experts in supply com-ing from the UK to inspect the work we have done and check we are doing eve-rything right. We were all anxiously waiting for the inspection and worked very long hours before to make sure everything was perfect. My Gurujis answered all the questions right and we had a good result, so all our hard work had paid off.

GS Sqn — Rendezvous Troop

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Sgt Smart and Sgt Indra, LSU Chief Clerks for Bastion and Kabul respectively. Written By Sgt Paul Smart AGC SPS I arrived in theatre at the back end of April 12 to take over the role of Chief Clerk – 908 LSU. This is my 4th tour on Op Herrick having previously worked within LSU twice before including Chief Clerk. I had a few days to familiarise myself with the new LEC terms and conditions of pay, known as PR12 which had only been implemented from 1st April. The role of Chief Clerk had not changed significantly since my last tour and in fact many of the user units were still the same. At the start of each month I knuckle down and process the timesheets that enable me to pay over 1000 LECs employed across Afghanistan. There are tight timescales which have to be met IOT pay the LECs. I am also the custodian for all live LEC P Files and LECs that have left our employment which have to be kept up to date with contracts, Trg Records, Appraisals, and Disciplinary issues that arise. I keep accurate records of all LEC leave and regularly update and advise the MLMs accordingly. The Chief Clerk’s role is an important one within the LSU it is demanding but is also very rewarding.

TLG — Labour Support Unit

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LCpl Tuilevuka serving customers in Camp Bastion before moving Kabul Written by LCpl Tuilevuka Leaving Camp BASTION and saying goodbye to my mates was quite hard. When I arrived in Camp Souter, Kabul it was a culture shock. First day of handover was on the 28th July. Taking over the office was not easy because there is a lot to squeeze into your mind. To keep me on track I had to concentrate very carefully on the procedures and attention to every detail. The responsibilities consist of ensuring the Kabul area of operations receives the best possible mail service. Also providing a first class Diplomatic mail service and ensuring British personnel in small train-ing out stations receive mails on a regular basis. I have been learning all this from SSgt Martin who is an experienced Senior Non-Commissioned Officer who keeps me on the right track. Every week at Kabul International Airport a C130 Hercules aircraft brings Diplomatic mail. The first Saturday I was shadow-ing SSgt Martin on how things are done and I enjoy it. I am now confident running my first Operational Forces Post Office and looking forward to the few months left in Camp Souter.

TLG — Postal and Courier Det

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(L-R) Cpl Bipin, Cpl Giriraj Limbu, Cpl Yamraj, Pte Shiva, Pte Ashis, Pte Kiran Written by Lt Wilson The VRS has begun settling into their new location, marking the event with their first barbeque organised by Pte Tait. The evening was an excellent way to reward everyone for their hard work. There was a tug-of-war competition with the might of the younger contingent triumphing over more experienced Seniors. The new offices are always a hive of activity and it has brought the troop closer togeth-er. The new facilities are a vast improvement offering valued shade from the scorching midday sun. The extra space has created a better organised work space and more efficient working practices. The VRS has also sought out activities outside of the working environment including regular football matches against other units, creating an excellent work and rest routine. Cpl Giriraj Limbu participated in a Danish organised march completing the event in an impressive 3hrs9mins coming 45th of 500. It is also the peak period of rest and recuperation with many personnel back at home; here individuals are stepping up to cover their superiors. The next month will see some participate in the Bastion half marathon and the arrival of more Foxhound vehicles.

GS Sqn - Vehicle Replen Troop

GS Sqn — Ammo Support Point

L-R Pte Lok, LCpl Agyenim and Pte Gurung collect in empty ammo boxes. Written by Cpl Adel Spann Hello to all our family and friends back in the UK. With R&R still going full steam ahead the ASP is starting to feel the pinch with the loss of manpower but life goes on and everyone is pulling their weight. Morale is still very high especially with the impending Logistic Support Technical Inspection report being released and we are confident it will be a green.We have been given a new challenge which is to clear the box park of emp-ty ammunition containers and returned to UK. The task of clearing this has been given to A/LCpl Agyenim and his surge team; working outside in the constant very hot tem-peratures is a task that has its own challenges but plenty of water keeps them going. August is going quickly and the start of the pre-handover checks are soon to begin so we hand over the ASP in a first class state. There will be lots of checking and re-checking to be carried out but WO2 Laye our technical Warrant Officer will as always ensure all is carried out to the high standards that are required where ammunition is concerned. As September gets close we all know the end is very close indeed!

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More pho tos on page 42 !

10 QOGLR — REME

Sgt Donaldson leading with the Rough Terrain Container Handler inner boom assembly renewal with Cpl Foster, Cpl Rai and LCpl Boadu. Written by SSgt Johnson The start of August brought with it slightly cooler weather and a change of manning within the LAD, Cpl McDonald has now returned to the UK to start his Artificer training course and was replaced by LCpl Boadu. ASM Burnard has now deserted us and re-turned to the UK for his commissioning course resulting in Tiff having to step up into the ASM’s slot. Another tour success story is with the return of another RTCH on a C17 Aircraft, no mean feat in itself!!! The LAD has a couple of projects on the go, notably the change of a RTCH inner boom section utilising all available assets to our deposal. Plenty of sweaty hours in the sun and seized bolts, the task was completed bringing our RTCH availability back up to 100% and our overall equipment availability up to 97%. The second project is winterisation of the technical accommodation in preparation for Op Herrick 17, notably the renewal of the Rubb shelter roof sections which are proving to be a complex task in itself. Our success so far is purely down to the grit and determi-nation of everyone in the LAD, let it continue.

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GS Sqn Transport Troop

Members of Tpt Troop relax in the shade of the huge Rough Terrain Container Handler. Written by Pte Rajkumar Hello and Namaste to all our families and friends! Transport Troop are all doing well and working hard as ever. Because of R&R there are always people coming back from the UK telling us about the fun they have had at home. This month has been very busy and challenging for us all, because of our Logistic Safety Inspection. The Troop received a ‘green’ in the inspection, which commented, we were achieving the highest standards, making the Troop Commander very happy with us all! Despite less man power due to people going on R&R, we all worked extended hours which were met with good humour to ensure our work was still done to the high standards we set ourselves. As they say ‘hard work pays off’. The challenges and work rate we have dealt with this month to get results are comparable to wining a gold medal in the Olympics!In spite of the busy peri-od, we have had fun and entertaining times. Pte Murphy even organised BBQ event on his birthday. Currently, there is very high morale in the Troop as we have completed more than half of our tour. So far our tour has been very enjoyable and we hope it will continue like this to the end. We hope all is well back home and are looking forward to seeing you all soon.Jai Transport Troop, Jai GS SQN, Jai QOGLR!

GS Sqn Rear—Kandahar

OC KAF Tp with Joint Force Commander, Brigadier McLay Written by WO2 Ram August marks the four month point into Herrick 16 and the tour has begun its gentle descent towards the mission end. GS Sqn Rear has been busy and with R&R in full flow manpower has been tight. We have managed well to carry out our daily routine with the same continuous enthusiasm. This month saw numerous visits; this energised all of us here in Kandahar. We were very honoured to have a very high profile visit from the Joint Force Support (A) Commander, Brigadier McLay Saheb. WO2 Ram Gurung, the WOIC GS Sqn Rear, presented him with an overview of the Sqn’s role in KAF. GS Sqn Rear was paid yet another visit by the Gurkha Major QOGLR, Major Khim Gauchan Saheb and the Lama Guru, Kesharhang Ghale. All the GS Sqn Rear person-nel have benefitted from the Gurkha Major’s briefing regarding welfare issues and all the current regimental matters. An uplifting and inspiring deliberation by the Lama Guru was encouraging and motivating for morale. Overall, GS Sqn Rear is still working hard with the routine tempo. Despite the busy schedule, it has managed to enjoy the Olympic fever by supporting the team Great Britain. Jai Team GB, Jai QOGLR!

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1 SQUADRON QOGLR POLICE MENTORING &

ADVISORY GROUP

1 SQUADRON QOGLR POLICE MENTORING &

ADVISORY GROUP