Adv 30 (I coy) Media Advisory Messages

30th October 2011

ADV30 is based in Camp Gereshk and is tasked with providing advisor support to 3 Kandak (Kdk) 3/215 (Maiwand) Bde of the Afghan National Army (ANA). The Kdk has Company sized groupings (Tolays) spread out across Nahr-e-Saraj North, a key area as it has Gereshk city, Highway 1 and the River Helmand within its boundaries.

Each of the Tolays has an advisory pair from I Company 2 Rifles allocated to it. The advisors are charged with identifying the current capability of the Tolays, identifying areas that can be developed then focusing on that development. The areas that need to be covered can be anything from logistics, intelligence to finances. I Coy HQ works in a similar fashion to the Kdk HQ, our manning is larger than a normal Coy group HQ due to the many ANA staff officers that require our attention.

A recent operation in the Upper Gereshk Valley (UGV) saw an ANA multiple and ISAF multiple maneuvering without the advisors being physically on the ground. The Tolay Commander with the advisors observed / controlled from the FOB Ops room and gave direction when required. Because of the RiP the operation placed the Tolay in a position of primacy of knowledge compared to the ISAF elements. Capt Watson Rifles who is a Tolay Advisor commented

“A very positive day for the 3rd Tly. Conducted a partnered patrol without the need for advisors to intercede at any point (and were effectively mentoring the new ISAF partners during the patrol!). ADVs manned a joint Ops room with ADV and the ISAF partner for the duration of the patrol (0600 – 1145 hrs). The Tolay Comd and Sjt Major displayed very good command and control throughout.”

Since our arrival the Kdk has completed 2 large operations, the first was a partnered operation with the Danes into the outskirts of Gereshk. The Kdk deployed 3 Tolays for this task, one of which was operating independently to the flanks to protect the Coy and Tolays which were tasked with clearing a village. Having a Tolay operating independently sent a huge capability message to  ISAF. Whilst on this task they dealt with a potentially complicated casevac of 3 Warriors wounded in a grenade attack, the simple plan shone through and highlighted to all that advising the ANA can be two way learning relationship. The second operation was the clear and build of a CP in vicinity of an area West of Gereshk that has been known to accept insurgent activity. This was a 3/215 (Maiwand) Bde planned and executed operation where the advisors stepped back and followed to inform all of ANA locations and intentions for overall situational awareness. The operation is in its final stages and will be reported on in more detail at a later stage.

Finally improvements to Camp Gereshk (ADV30 base location) are continuing as winter starts approaching, the temperature fluctuates between 10 degrees at night and 30 degrees during the day. The communal areas have been ripped out and rebuilt so what were sun shades now have better protection from wind and rain by the addition of walls and corrugated iron roofs. Indents for tent thermal lining and space heaters will soon be in and REME are checking electrical cabling to ensure that we are health and safety compliant!

 Keep checking back for more 2 Rifles updates.