Vol 64 No 7: Mar 2013
1 RGR - A hat trick of HERRICK 2 RGR - Army Canoe Polo Champions QGS - Op HERRICK 17 Update Gurkhas in the kingdom of Tonga The Gurkha Welfare Trust aims to relieve poverty and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen of the British Crown and their dependants by rais- ing funds for distribution in Nepal through the Trust’s field arm, the Gurkha Welfare Scheme, and by responding to welfare needs as they arise in the UK.
A big thank you from The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The Trust would like to extend its grateful thanks to all serving members of the Bri- gade of Gurkhas for all your support in 2012. Your generosity via the One Day’s Pay scheme and your help at so many of our fundraising activities have enabled the Trust to continue its care for our elderly retired Gurkha soldiers and their dependants. Thank you!
The Gurkha Welfare Trust, PO Box 2170, 22 Queen Street, Salisbury, SP2 2EX www.gwt.org.uk . Telephone: 01722 323955 . Email: [email protected]. Registered Charity No. 1103669 Vol 64 No. 7 March 2013 Editorial Staff Contents
Editor: Mrs Janette Patterson 1 RGR 2,3,4,14 & 15 Assistant Editor: LCpl Rakam Thamshuhang GSPS QGS 5 - 9 Telephone: 01980 618012 (94344 8012) Photo News 10 - 11 Fax: 01980 618938 (94344 8938) e-mail: [email protected] Nepali Page 12 - 13 MOD Users: [email protected] Bde Band 15 Please send your articles together with good quality 2 RGR 16,20 photographs (300 dpi), through your unit’s Parbate Rep, to: BGN 17,19 The Editor, Parbate Office, HQBG, Trenchard Lines, QOGLR 18 Upavon, Pewsey, Wiltshire SN9 6BE ITC Catterick 18 Parbate is published every month by kind permission of HQBG. It is not an official publication and the views expressed, unless specifically stated otherwise, do not reflect GCS 19 MOD or Army policy and are the personal views of the author. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Editorial Staff. No responsibility for the Front Cover: quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the Editorial Staff or Publishers and advertisements are accepted on the express condition that they in no Prince Harry and Capt Chandra Saheb reunited in Op HERRICK 17 way contravene the provisions of the Trades Descriptions Act 1968 nor any other prevailing Consumer Legislation. The Editorial Staff and Publishers cannot accept responsibility for the Picture Below: result of errors or omissions in articles or advertisements. Prince Harry Giving a tour of his office to Capt Chandra Saheb Parbate is designed by CGS Design Studio, and produced using recycled paper. 1 RGR
A Hat Trick of HERRICK
By Capt Chandra Pun, 2IC D (Kandahar) Coy
fghanistan is a country at the The US’s response was Operation Enduring We were based in FOB Delhi and manned crossroads between a number Freedom, which began on 7 October 2001, two check points; JTAC HILL and BALACLAVA. Aof historically important and with US and British aerial bombing of Taliban Both Check Points were located at either large empires, including British, Russian, positions and known terrorist training camps. end of a gravel road which was running Persian, Indian and Chinese. Mountainous This weakened the Taliban, who were then, from west to east. The gravel road acted as a and in many areas largely inaccessible, seemingly, defeated by the Northern Alliance. borderline between the protected community it has developed its own unique culture The US Military subsequently took control of to the North and an area known as without the influence of a central much of the country and began the process “no-mans land” to the south and east. controlling authority. Pride, tradition and of establishing a democratically elected At that time we were able to engage anyone religion make for an explosive mix. government, starting with the Bonn Agreement within our arcs under Rules of Engagement It shares borders with Pakistan in the south in December 2001. Crucially though, 429A, as these areas were used by insurgents and east, Iran in the west and the Central the Taliban had not been completely defeated, only, to attack us or to smuggle arms and Asian States of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and and as a result the insurgency that we explosives into the protected community. Tajikistan in the north. A narrow strip of land are facing today took hold and began It was a dangerous time with little respite from in the extreme northeast leads to a short to undermine the democratically elected fighting - we even took over the check points border with China. With an area of 647,500 government that had been installed. from the Coldstream Guards under small square kilometres, it is slightly larger than It was this resistance to the Government of arms fire contact. There was a high threat of Spain and Portugal combined. Most of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) accurate Small Arms Fire (SAF), IDF attack Afghanistan is between 600 and 3,050 that led to British forces being deployed, (107mm), RPG and a very low threat of meters in elevation. with their focus being on prosecuting a Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) during that The attack on the World Trade Centre on counter insurgency campaign in 6 key districts period. We didn’t concentrate on Counter 11 September 2001 killed 2,823 people in Helmand Province, namely; Lashkar Gah, Insurgency (COIN) at that time; we mainly from many countries including 67 Britons. Gereshk, Sangin, Musa Qaleh, Now Zad and focussed on holding ground and defeating The attack by Al Qaeda was the product Garmsir. But in 2009 a coalition force uplift saw a brave and persistent enemy; although we of several years of planning and was in the US taking responsibility for the majority of occasionally supported the villagers by building part co-ordinated from Taliban held areas Helmand province including Garmsir. a water pump and distributing warm clothes. of Afghanistan where Al Qaeda had Op HERRICK 7 (Sep 07 – Apr 08) Looking into the overall pie chart across the established itself. The United States and ‘Stay low, move fast’ was the motto whole Area of Operation (AO), Garmsir was its allies were left with little choice but to used in HERRICK 7. the most contacted AO within Helmand invade Afghanistan, with their intent being province during HERRICK 7 with up to 47 to destroy training camps and replace the I deployed to Garmsir in Helmand province as contacts occurring every day, with a mixture Taliban regime that was supporting terrorism. 5 Platoon Commander B (Sari Bair) Company of SAF and IDF being fired at our locations. The invasion was considered legitimate by in the ground holding role. Although 1RGR Daily life was quite basic; we operated with the International Community as Al Qaeda deployed as Battle Group, we were attached very limited welfare facilities and without fresh had directly attacked the United States. to the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR). rations however we used to have messing
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every 2 days. Although we were only one Coy Op HERRICK 12 (May – Nov 10) Rules of Engagement (ROE). Card A for self Group operating in Garmsir, we managed ‘Stay low, move slow’ was the motto defence was used throughout the tour due to establish three further new Check Points used in HERRICK 12. to increased risk of civilian casualties. to the south and east before we conducted 1RGR Battle Group deployed to the Nar-e- The IED threat was extremely high and our TOA (Transfer of Authority). We used our Saraj AO in Helmand province in a ground therefore vallons were used on every occasion. WMiKs and Pinzgaurs as ambulance vehicles holding role. As I entered PB3, I was stunned After the first three months off the tour there (these were unprotected and open vehicles to find that all the soldiers were living in was a green on blue incident which occurred in with a mounted gun on top), had limited tents. Clearly there was no IDF threat. PB 3 and resulted in 3 x Killed in action amounts of ISTAR equipment and survived by As A (Delhi) Company 2IC, I took over the (OC -Maj Bowman, Pl Comd- Lt Turkington applying basic soldiering skills in an incredibly Ops room (from where all operations were and Sect comd- Cpl Arjun Purja) and 4 x austere environment. controlled) from the Grenadier Guards. wounded in action. Immediately after this A number of times IDF and RPG landed As the Company started to conduct Ground incident we moved further south west to inside the FOB, which was only 150 x150m. Defence Area (GDA) patrols, we realised establish new check points which helped to We were very lucky that no one was injured there was a high threat of SAF, IEDs and push bad memories of PB 3 out of our minds. as on one occasion 3 x 107mm rockets landed suicide bombers. Our ground patrols focused Meanwhile, one of the Coys from 1 Lancs took inside. Finally we completed the 6 month tour on Biometric Enrolment and ex-spray, over PB 3. with only 3 x seriously injured casualties; this link analysis, hearts and minds, and Counter Initially, we found it was quite hard to could have been far worse and had it not Insurgency (COIN). The ISAF mentoring team establish new Check Points in RAHIM KALAY been for the outstanding soldiering skills and started to teach weapon training, medical (it was an area known as an insurgent strong- endurance of our Rfn, it would have been. skills, basic map reading and use of radios hold) and check points were constantly hit by During Herrick 7 I had the honour of serving to the Afghan National Army and Police. Underslung Grenade Launchers, RPGs, SAF with Harry Saheb (Prince Harry), when he was We encouraged them to conduct Vehicle and grenade attacks. However, we managed appointed as FAC (Forward Air Controller) Check-Points, foot patrols and compound to establish a number of positions in forward to control air assets for us. We looked after searches. Wherever possible we conducted locations in order to dominate the ground. him very well, and we taught him how to eat joint planning and preparation prior to Despite the various threats, the ground call curry by using his hands. conducting joint patrols and operations with signs regularly patrolled in and around the Later, B Company 2 RGR deployed in Garmsir the ANSF. We started to encourage them to village to protect the community. Gurkhas during Op HERRICK 9. They showed me some share our ops room, in contrast to HERRICK 7 were known as desert rats in HERRICK photographs of Garmsir bazaar. The gravel where ops rooms would have been completely 12 because we never stopped or moved road was properly black topped and Garmsir out of bounds to the ANSF. On patrols we backwards during contacts, but instead kept bazaar was crowded and full of people in encouraged them to take a lead, or at least pushing towards Insurgents’ firing points. an area where we used to conduct patrols put an Afghan face on Operations. This made it difficult for the enemy to with live rounds. Our sacrifice and loyal For example, whilst they were conducting withdraw or hide their weapons inside the contribution toward Garmsir had clearly had compound searches ISAF would be providing compounds. Village elders and Local nationals a significant effect on the area; and knowing flank protection for them. Compared to of RAHIM KALAY village praised our hard that I felt some sort of satisfaction. HERRICK 7 it was different in terms of work prior to our departure from their village.
Op HERRICK 17 (Sep 12- Apr 13) ‘Stay in your PB and don’t move’ is our motto now in use in HERRICK 17. 1RGR personnel are deployed in various locations under different units’ command. D (Kandahar) Company deployed to Nad-e-Ali AO in PB Wahid under 1 Mercian command within an Afghan Transition Enabling Company (ATEC) role. We took over from 1 Royal Welsh. PB Wahid is located on the southern side of the NeB canal which runs east to west.Our AO is huge and most of the area is covered by villages which are dominated by ALP and AUP Facing Page with the NeB canal protected by ISAF and the PB 3, where we ANA. Our mission is to support advisory teams, lost 3 brave Gurkha soldiers. We will sustain the ANSF in the area and protect the remember them. Canal Zone to our south. Right: Harry saheb and We are mainly involved in providing support Capt Chandra having to advisor teams in terms of manpower, Dhendo (Gurkha cake) in Garmsir vehicles and taxi-services. Advisory teams
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are responsible for mentoring the AUP, ALP and ANA in their check-points. This is known as the transition phase and involved responsibility of AOs being handed over to the ANSF at a rapid rate. Every week we conduct joint planning for joint operations by holding security shuras, which will allow us to create joint ISAF/ANSF patrol matrices. Compared to previous HERRICKs our framework patrols are significantly reduced and our remit for conducting patrols are limited. Therefore our patrols had to be partnered, or else limited to short range GDA patrols for force protection purposes. Although we are in an ATEC role we conducted a number of Ops with the ANSF into the DASHTE – where the SAF and IED threat was extremely high. On a number of occasions we supported the ANA and AUP Conclusion. My experiences throughout my years. It will be the continued development of directly and indirectly. three HERRICK tours have been different, a strong Government of the Islamic Republic The IED and SAF threat was extremely high though ultimately the goal has always been the of Afghanistan(GIRoA) backed by a functioning throughout the tour; however there was same. It is satisfying that during HERRICK 17 and confident ANSF delivering a meaningful limited threat of IDF. More sophisticated - which is likely to be my final tour, that the and prosperous future to a secure population ISTAR assets are introduced in HERRICK ANSF is taking up the reins and are now that will serve as evidence of our efforts. 17 which really help us to observe IED responsible for security. It demonstrates that We feel proud of our contribution and hope for seeding teams during both day and night. the sacrifices and hard work have not been for the best for Afghanistan’s future, secure in the However, due to the more restrictive rules of nothing and that a real difference has been knowledge that RGR’s reputation is stronger for engagement of this tour we found it difficult made. Ultimately, the question of whether our endeavours here. to engage them. This was really frustrating we have been successful in our mission in and created a lot of anger in the ops room. Afghanistan will not be answered for many Jai RGR
7th Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon
By Pte Aditya Gurung GSPS
s usual 1RGR continued their participation in the charity events like the Folkestone Half marathon, Awhere hundreds of people regardless of their age and occupation participated. This event was 7th Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon, which was organised by Mr Ray Johnson. The objective of this event was to raise funds for the Kent Association for the Blind people. More than 450 participants took part in the race. It was 30 September 2012 on a chilly Sunday morning when 11 serving personnel from 1RGR, including myself were up for the marathon, a distance of 13.1 miles. Under command of CSgt Ganga Gurung we gathered and performed stretching and warm up before the marathon. The HQ CSM Saheb and Capt Roylance Sahib were present to encourage us, later Roylance Saheb too joined us in the running. People were all over the place, stretching and doing their the sea. It took 1:15:25 hr for the first runner to complete the route, admin before the race. All of us got a paper with serial number and the last one got through in 2:52:58 hrs. All of us were exhausted. printed on it. We pinned it on our T-shirts, which would work as our The one who comes first is as equally exhausted as the one who identity on the completion of the race. comes last. No matter what rank you get, it is the participation The race started at 1000 hrs. The marathon was fun, as we could see that matters. all kind of people running alongside us. The route went through the We look forward to the next year’s marathon, hoping more serving Folkestone beach. Everybody enjoyed the cool breeze and nice view of personnel would join the charity event.
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resulted in a massive swing others were not so lucky. In the Op HERRICK 17 Update in how the deployed systems end a good time was had by all are used. HICSSS personnel and it was a new experience for By Maj D R Orr, OC 246 GSS have had to develop a stronger our American guests as well as ver the past year, a system that emulates those understanding than ever of what some of the British members of 246 Gurkha Signal found in theatre in order to deliver is required form various users the Squadron. There has also OSquadron has been realistic mission specific training to in theatre. This has allowed the been no shortage of sporting incredibly busy with the build the deploying troops. Squadron to tailor the services challenges, with HICSSS personnel up to, and deployment on, The members of the Squadron provided thereby assisting with competing well in both the 25 km Op HERRICK 17. spent the summer between a smooth transition. DANCON March and 5 km relay, The main body of the Squadron Stanta and Salisbury Plain, the Christmas Sleigh Race, and catching glimpses between On top of all of the good work challenging the US Marine Corps deployed as the Helmand the Squadron has achieved during Information Communication training of the Olympics and to games of basketball. Queen’s Jubilee on the TV in the tour so far, 246 Gurkha Services Signal Squadron (HICSSS), Signal Squadron has also found With the R&R period now well with the task of providing makeshift FOBs. Finally the Squadron deployed in November opportunities to make the most under way and the end date robust strategic and operational of what little spare time there is. in sight, 246 Gurkha Signal Communication and Information and quickly got to work taking over form 16 Signal Regiment. In true Gurkha style, the Squadron Squadron are working well to Systems (CIS) to British and has arranged many messing deliver a plethora of services coalition forces within Helmand For all those deployed on functions, hosting both other to 9000 supported users in Province. Section and individual Op HERRICK 17, transition has units from within the Brigade of Helmand. Many of the Squadron detachments have also been been the name of the game. Gurkhas and introducing members are making plans for their return deployed in support of the This is no different for HICSSS of the US Marine Corps to Nepali and all are looking forward Theatre STA Battery and the and the closure of various culture and cuisine. By far the to the new opportunities the Role 3 Hospital. bases has required numerous largest of these was the coming year has to offer as During the build up to the tour, changes to the main network. Squadron’s Tihar celebrations. 2 Signal Regiment is re-rolled the Squadron supported 4 The tour has turned out to The festivities and games went and re-equipped for the Mechanised Brigade during be highly dynamic from a CIS on late in to the night, with some challenges of a post their two main pre-deployment prospective. The increased finding good fortune had been HERRICK world. exercises. This involved deploying focus on redeployment has bestowed upon them, whilst
Tour so Far First few weeks were quite busy since we all had to get an idea on each other’s trade so By LCpl Singha Gurung that we could get on with resolving faults when the responsible individual is away our of us from 246 GSS, 2 Signal from Det doing sangar duty, guardian angel, Regiment arrived in FOB Shawqat on prowler, vehicle search team or any other F7 November 2012 for much dreaded camp security related jobs. winter tour of Op HERRICK 17. On our We are supporting 1st Battalion the Mercian arrival we couldn’t help but notice big Regiment HQ in FOB Shawqat along with mud walls which dominates the FOB and their 5 PBs within our AO. All of us have been is the most prominent feature within the deployed to Out Dets in order to resolve faults compound, reminder of the remains of and also to carry out husbandry checks of Afghan-Anglo war. communication equipments. Apart from our mission related communication equipment we Sgt Netra Rai had already been there Sig Sagun doing new job 10 days earlier than us. HOTO with 16 Signal look after other welfare kits such as FOB Wi-Fi, Regiment went pretty smooth and we took BFBS and Welfare phones. First person from our detachment has gone over complete responsibility of ICS Det of Visits from our commanders in Bastion have on R&R and there will be one person absent TSU NDA from 9 November 2012. Cpl Sailen been quite more often than we anticipated. at a time until end of March. With one less Thapa has been responsible for VSAT and There have been more than 8 visits from our person we knew it was going to be busier Promina, I with the servers and LCpl Lalit Department Heads in just more than days but surprisingly we have been coping Gurung with Kestrel links. Sig Sagun Limbu 2 months. Visits have always been helpful very well. It all goes down to the dedication has been more of a Telemech than his actual since we have been getting tips and guidance by all Det crews on understanding not only trade Royal Signals Electrician. on maintenance of our equipments. theirs but each other’s responsibilities.
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Colonel In Chief, Capt Amrit OC BSN Tp greets Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, Col-in-Chief Royal Corps of Signals HRH Princess Anne Visit during her visit to HICSSS and JFCIS on 18 Dec 12. I was in the second team and in our team there was myself , LCpl Paul By Sig Khusdil Limbu Renton, LCpl Andrew Clark and Cpl Khagendra Gurung. HRH Princess Anne and her husband arrived exactly on time and were met by the n 18 Dec 2012, our Colonel in Chief, HRH The Princess JFCIS(A) Comd and Deputy Comd. They were shown around the Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence Squadron and met other Royal Signals personnel. Our team first met Ovisited HICSSS. It was a surprise visit as we were just told Vice Admiral Sir Timothy. He was very friendly and approachable as he there would be a visit but not who the visitors were. It was only talked to every one of us in turn. Later on, we had the opportunity to apparent in the morning of the visit that the VVIP would be our meet HRH Princesses Anne. Our team leader Capt Amrit introduced Colonel in Chief and her husband as we were briefed on some her to every one of us. The Princess was very friendly, approachable royal protocols. and easy to talk to. She shook hands with all of us and asked about HICSSS had two teams of 5 lucky people selected to meet the Colonel our jobs, families and day to day life in Afghanistan. So far this VVIP in Chief. The first team leader was OC HICSSS, Maj David Orr and the visit has been the highlight of my tour. This sort of opportunity does second team leader was OC Bastion ICS Tp, Capt Amrit Gurung. not come often and I find myself lucky to say I was there.
A Short note on Base Remediation and Closure (BRAC)
By SSgt Suresh Gurung, Bastion ICS Troop e are in transitional phase in Afghanistan. The ANSF under the banner BRAC. During BRAC, Ware now better trained and HICSSS Base Closure Teams (BCT) go to the gradually taking over the responsibility base in question and set up rapidly deployable SSgt Suresh onboard Merlin on his way to PB1 BRAC of security of their country. By the end communication capability in order to support After BRAC is complete, the shut down of 2014, they will be fully in charge of Commanders with continued services during order is given by the local commander and security in Afghanistan. base closure. Once this is set up all original the BCT team tear down rapidly deployable During this transitional phase, a lot of bases CIS equipment is recovered back to Helmand communication capability and recover back are closing down or transferred to the ANSF ICS Signal Squadron at Camp Bastion. to Bastion.
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No Comms No Bombs
By Sgt Dhan Gurung
t’s been a very busy start which includes Kestrel Links, to the tour so far with a VSAT Links and FOB-WiFi, which Iquick handover from 16 Sig provides welfare phones and the Regiment. We have had several internet facilities to the soldiers short notice taskings from our out on the ground. Ops team with high priority Our task also includes conducting faults that need to be fixed recce of all the PBs in preparation as soon as possible. for the future BRAC tasks, which So far I have gone to 12 Patrol help us to determine manpower Bases (PBs) and Forward Operating requirements and time estimates. Bases (FOBs) in just two and half So far we have closed 3 PBs. months. I was deployed to fix the The FRT is very busy going out to Kestrel Link in PB Durai as soon the forward locations. There are as I took over my post as the busier times ahead but the good Forward Repair Team (FRT) IC after thing about being busy is that it finishing my RSOI training. We are makes our tour go quicker responsible for repairing faults out – 2 and half months have elapsed in PBs and FOBs within Helmand, in blink of an eye! LCpl Raja(Right) Working on Kestrel link
BITS Team Update
By LCpl Roshan Baidya
ase ISTAR Technical Support (BITS) Config Man. Now we get a little bit spare time works for 5 RA STA (Surveillance in Bastion. This time has been well used for Band Target Acquisition) Battery some organised revision in the workshop by providing technical support and help desk senior members of the team. manned 24/7 for ISTAR network. As a Class 2 CSE, working in BITS team has The BITS team comprises of Sgt Nirakal been fantastic. We have opportunity to play Gurung (Det Comd), Cpl Saroj Rana, around with routers, switches, building servers Cpl David Johnson, LCpl Roshan Baidya, and clients and configuring other ISTAR assets LCpl Sunil Gurung, LCpl Ryan Bull, LCpl under the supervision of highly experienced Gareth Stanley as Forward Repair Teams. Class 1 CSEs. It has helped us understand The importance of ISTAR network has been the layer 3 network and IP schema well. felt widely as it provides better eyes for Working on our own when we are out on the the ISAF forces on the ground and helps ground for fault findings have given us more Commanders in their planning and execution confidence and experience on the jobs. of Ops. It allows live video streaming and There is a saying, `Time flies like a flick when recording from Base ISTAR assets including you get busy’, the busier we get, the quicker PGSS, PGST and PTDS, which are US assets. the tour ends. Last two months have gone We started deploying fixing point to point radio so quickly that I only realise it when my R&R LCpl Sunil checks PIDU links, putting new radios for redundancies and was coming up in less than a week. clearing outstanding faults. We had a busy We have been to most of the Out Dets flying appreciate your job when you fix it and say tour recently, deploying to most of the MOBs, on Osprey, Chinook, Merlin and even on IRG well done and thank you. So far, we are FOBs, PBs and CPs. At times, deployments (Road) moves. Working out on the ground enjoying and loving our job as part of BITS were required on the same day you get back to with different people everyday and to learn team. We are looking forward to making this BSN. It was busy but enjoyable. Things started how the other units work is an experience. tour a great success and return back home settling as network got more stable after some What gives us more pleasure is that safely with our head held high and making intense routine network management by Net commanders and colleagues on the ground our Regiment proud.
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Service Desk ‘The Face Of The HICSSS’ LCpl Manoj Khaling By LCpl Nirmal Rai at Service Desk
n today’s IT dominated world we are and Export data) requests, incidents recording The most commonly used method of reporting not strangers to calling a service desk and escalation to the right resolver groups. incidents to us is by phone. Some users prefer Iin order to report incidents or to BASTION service desk is a focal point for to walk-in to our humble portacabin to report express our grievances with regards to anything to everything. We strive to bring any incidents directly to us. Others email, the services provided by the different normal level of service after an incident has while some use the newly introduced online companies or agencies. As service desk been reported to us and feedback plays Routine Incident report form. Additionally we operators we deal with such service very important role to the customers on the have to deal with contractors and visitors who request calls 24/7, averaging a call in reported incident. have business with either HICSSS or JFCIS(A) every 2 min during the day. Since the takeover from 16 Signal Regiment on a daily basis. In addition to that we also face walk-in on 10 Nov 12 we have dealt with an influx Due to the nature of the job it requires a customers, contractors and visitors in between of new personnel in theatre. The transition great deal of interpersonal skills. To make it the calls. Well, in a nutshell, we are extremely process is never an easy task. We have since even interesting we have to deal with some busy. The shopping window we provide is not implemented BMC Remedy as a single Incident very frustrated or rather annoyed customers just like Mumbai call centre but also the face reporting tool which replaced the legacy occasionally. This also means we have to be of HICSSS, the face of Royal Signals and most Computer associated service desk (CAS D) and prepared to take some abusive calls too. So importantly QG Signals. Well, the intensity Service Desk Express(SDE). However, SDE is still there is no room for complacency at all. On and the pace of work was not something that used for reporting Full Operational Capability a positive note, such situations only help was trained in MST but learning by doing and FOC+(Thales). The improvement in fault to improve and develop us as competent continual improvement. reporting system has contributed directly to the service providers. Without the service desk, Like many organisations BASTION Service Desk integration of Incident management processes customers do not have primary point of also acts as a Regional Point of Contact (RPOC) into the Service management infrastructure. contact for any service request and all stages for Helmand AO. The team consist of SSgt As mentioned earlier, BASTION Service Desk of service restoration. Suresh Limbu, LCpl Nirmal Rai, LCpl Bhesh acts as Local Point of Contact (LPOC) for more To sum it up, three months have gone in the Gurung, LCpl Manoj Khaling and LCpl Man than 2000 users based in BASTION JOB and blink of an eye. The second half of the tour Gurung. The service desk operators deal RPOC for similar number of users outside will hopefully be as interesting and eventful with varieties of requests. It ranges from BASTION. The number of users, however, as the first half. At the moment we are all customer’s account requests on various does not truly reflect all the assets and services looking forward to our well deserved R&R. systems that HICSSS provide, IMPEX (Import we cover.
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the appropriate manpower, Mobile Communication Unit (MCU) the process could have been completed within three hours By Cpl Dipendra Rai (FOB Oullette) however there were concerns rather than the three days it took as to whether the ISO container due to the hostile conditions and he Kestrel Mobile Due to the ongoing changes in could support the weight of the constant IDF threat. Communication Unit the FOB and various base closures three disks and motor. (MCU) has been very across the theatre, the plan However there was constant T Moreover, we were unable to supply of brew from one of our important asset for the was pushed from JFCIS(A) for place our ladder in the right communication across the Oullette to add four more links to det member LCpl Gyan Rai to the place due to the unstable nature work area which kept us going. theatre. Theoretically, the mast rebroadcast or secondary Kestrel of the ground and short length is designed to hold four radio links for different out locations. In The work party, myself and Sgt compared to where the mast Rabi Lama had never listened to links due to the restriction these locations, we had already was situated. As such, we had to of weight and frequency set up successful links via the the BFBS Radio as much as we dismantle all the disks with the did while performing the task. considerations. It could go up Op PISTOL fibre cable between heavy motor carefully considering to 30m in height. Oullette to LKD. Thanks must go to BFBS Radio. the fact that it was very There was no need to go to the This MCU is particularly used for The new Kestrel mast has been hazardous in terms of the health gym throughout the task since the wide area network (WAN) set up to provide robust and and safety issues that we learnt the task itself turned out to be link radio connections in theatre. resilient links between Oullette through training in the UK. enough work out for the day. It is very authentic once it is fully to PB Clifton and Operation With no support of falling derrick Despite the concerns and up, however there are many Coordination Centre District and insufficient space to dismantle risks, with careful application considerations such as ground Lashkar Gah Durai (LGD) the tower, the whole process was judgement and common sense, clearance, air interference, space with further links yet to be very difficult. This difficulty was we were able to bring the mast on the ground. The mast can established. Due to the hazardous multiplied over time due to the down successfully which brought only be prepared whilst it is on environment of our FOB, cautious dress state been raised to two, us mere joy in the end. the ground and it covers 30x30m planning was required in order requiring us to carry an extra space on the ground. to tear down the pre-existing 15kgs of personal protection The whole MCU has been With frequently changing and Kestrel mast infrastructure. With equipments. Furthermore, with accounted and sent back to BSN. evolving infrastructure across no falling derrick on the 20 metre the theatre, the tempo of J6 mast, it became a delicate operations and development in operation to bring the tower FOB Oullette has been extremely down without damaging a nearby high. Although the total strength ISO container, barbed wire set up of Combined Force in the and Hesco wall. FOB is being shrunk down to With the small team of two, Company level, there is no sign Sgt Rabi Lama and Cpl Dipendra of any reduction in terms of Rai had to deal the obstacle. communication infrastructures. This was achieved by laying Previously there were two links, down the Kestrel mast on the maintained via the Kestrel MCU. top of the Stabad ISO container; LCpl Gyan fixing Kestrel Dish
LKG ICS Troop second smaller project, fits in with the theme working at speed resulted in a happy HQ. across the whole of Helmand, base closure. The work to strip out numerous HERRICKs’ By Lt Rich Greener On arrival we inherited the outline plan of how worth of flooring and a horrific amount of ince arriving in LKG, Troop has been Transition Support Unit (TSU) LKG HQ would legacy cabling was completed quickly giving kept busy with various projects both be prepared for the winter, but not until we the Civil Contractors over 2 days to refurbish inside and outside the wire. The busy dug into the detail ourselves did we find out the tent by themselves. This is where friction S started to creep in and a 2 day refurbishment pace of life and long days have not dinted what a large task this would be. As all good the troop’s morale, the Troop OC, Lt Rich plans it appeared simple, however left the turned in to a 7 day refurbishment. We were Greener in a close third place on the “Most Troop OC wondering at what point it would now most definitely behind schedule. Parcels Received” leader board. The parcels not survive contact. However as a testament to the confidence have generally been enjoyed communally The work started on time, finishing the build the HQ had in the “temporary build” the TSU and so you could argue that the good of the temporary HQ in record time, 2 days had decided to conduct an Operation whilst moral has been Haribo fuelled. ahead of schedule. The first potential issue there, giving the team an extra day or two to Since last time, LKG ICS Troop has undertaken was dealt with seamlessly as we moved the complete the new and permanent. two main projects, the largest getting one whole HQ in a few hours one night from one This they did, and with minimal fuss, the of our Battle Group HQ ready for winter, the tent to the replacement one. Everyone in and whole HQ was moved back in one evening.
Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 9 Photo News
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1. BGP - Rect Intake 13 during attestation parade on 4 Jan 13 led by OC BGP Capt Rabindraprakash Tulachan.
2. BGP - GOC HQ Sp Comd, Maj Gen Colin Boag inspecting Rect Intake 13 during attestation parade.
3. BGP - Maj Gen Colin Boag, Maj Hitman Gurung MVO (GM BGN) with Rect Intake 13 and their families.
4. BGK - Capt Rambahadur Limbu VC, Lt Col E A Davis (COS BGN) and Maj Hitman Gurung MVO welcoming Nepalese celebrities during the meeting and greeting programme for Rect Intake 13.
5. BGK - Capt Rambahadur Limbu VC congratulating/welcoming Rect Intake 13.
6. BGK - Farewell & Welcome to Dr Martin Kitson, SSgt Dugendra Tamang, SSgt Moore, SSgt Williamson & their family.
7. BGP - Gurkha Coy Recruiting Assistant Staffs, Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force and British Gurkhas Pokhara at the Annual Central Selection Cup, a friendly tournament. BGP won for the year 2012.
8. HQBG - Familiy visit to the Clarence House, London.
9. QGS - Col of the Regt presenting Overall Champion Trophy to Sig Funghang and Vishnu flanked by Comd, Gurkha Major and Gurkha Adjutant of the Queen’s Gurkha Signals.
10. ITC Catterick - T/Rfn Santosh Tamang 5 Pl awarded Best Overall Volleyball Player in Recruit Intake 2013 Inter-Section Volleyball competition. 8 5 Pl 2 Sect were the overall winner.
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Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 11 12 Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 13 1 RGR / BDE BAND
Major Rambahadur Pun Gurkha Major 1 RGR
Having achieved a distinction grade on his Mortar Pl Comd. He then returned to 1 RGR Junior Leadership Cadre, he was promoted to on promotion to Captain (QGO) in August Lance Corporal in 1992. He was promoted 2006 and assumed the role of Bn Training to Corporal in 1994 and to Sergeant in 1997. Officer, which involved training the battalion In 1999 he was promoted to CSgt and took for its deployment on Op HERRICK 7. over the post of CQMS A Coy and deployed He deployed on Op HERRICK 7 in September to Kosovo on Op AGRICOLA. Thereafter, he 2007 as a Battle Captain. On return from assumed the most challenging post of his operations in March 2008, he was appointed career to date as the first Gurkha instructor 2IC C Coy which led to another operational to instruct at the Platoon Sergeant Battle deployment on Op HERRICK 12 in Afghanistan. Course at the Infantry Battle School Brecon. He was selected for an Intermediate Regular Following his tenure at Brecon, he returned Commission (IRC) in November 2010 and to the unit on promotion to WO2 in January assumed the post of Regimental Career 2002, and assumed the appointment of CSM Management Officer (RCMO). He was Sp Coy. promoted to Major on 31 July 2012 and appointed the Gurkha Major on 21 December aj Rambahadur Pun was He was commissioned to Lieutenant (QGO) 2012, and subsequently Commanding Officer enlisted into the Brigade of in April 2003 and appointed a Platoon Rear Operations Group on 10 January 2013. MGurkhas on 9 February 1985 at Commander in A Coy, where he deployed to British Gurkhas Pokhara. On completion Bosnia on Op OCULUS. On his return, He is happily married to Tila, with whom he of his basic training at Training Depot he successfully completed the Mortar Platoon has two children, Kirti and Kamal. He is an Brigade of Gurkhas (TDBG) in Hong Commander Course and was subsequently all-round sportsman and enjoys keeping Kong, he joined 2/2 Gurkha Rifles. posted to Gurkha Coy (Mandalay) as the himself fit.
Major P W Norley - Director of Music, The Band of the Brigade of the Gurkhas
ajor Paul Norley In 1996 he was selected to A Staff Appointment saw him began his musical attend the Bandmaster’s course become the Training Design Mcareer at the age at the Royal Military School of Team Warrant Officer at the of eight, learning to play Music, Kneller Hall, graduating in Headquarters Directorate Corps the cornet and, later, tenor 1998 with prizes for instrumental of Army Music, Kneller Hall. horn with the Devon based performance and composition. In his spare time he enjoyed a Totnes Band. He was also awarded a Licentiate run of contest successes as the In 1982 he joined the Army, Royal School of Music Diploma in Musical Director of Verwood enlisting into the Band of The Bandmastership and a Bachelor Concert Brass. He is a member Junior Leaders Regiment, Royal of Arts Degree in Music. During of the National Association of Armoured Corps. On completion his time at Kneller Hall he became Brass Band Conductors and of training he joined the musical director of Thames Brass. was accepted as a member of Regimental Band of The First Royal In January 2000 Major Norley the Association of Brass Band Tank Regiment and was posted took up position as Bandmaster Adjudicators in 2004. to Germany. During this period of the Band of The Light Division, Major Norley was commissioned he served with 5 Armoured Field the first Bandmaster appointment in 2006 to become the Director Ambulance in the first Gulf War. of the new millennium. In 2004 of Music of The Band of The In 1994 Major Norley was posted he graduated from the Open Royal Irish Regiment. Upon the to The Band of The Royal Lancers. University with a Masters Degree disbandment of the Regular Prior to this he enjoyed two in Classical Studies and was Band in October 2007, The North years as musical director to the awarded the Licentiate Irish Territorial Army Band was Hungerford Town Band. National College of Brass re-named and equipped as ‘The Diploma in Conducting. Band of The Royal Irish Regiment
14 Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 1 RGR
Our First Operational Tour HERRICK 17 (INTAKE 2010)
By Rfn Rabi Singh Thakuri
nlisted in 2 groups, western (10 Dec 2009) and eastern (17 Dec 2009), Eform up to become a unique intake, that’s intake 2010. Doing 9 months hard training in Catterick, amongst 176 T/ Rfn, only 90 T/Rfn got chance to become a Rifleman and marry up with two RGR For the first 7 days, we did RSOI package Within four months we got the chance to take Infantry Battalions in Brunei (2 RGR) and which was quite interesting. It was like part in operations to close CP Shaparak, CP Shorncliffe, Folkestone (1 RGR),45 in each. refreshing and updating new techniques Sola, CP Prrang and PB 1. Normally we went I have gained a great honor to become a and SOPs for Afghanistan. It mainly focused there and provided force protection to the part of 1 RGR. I would like to share my on CIED, Op Barma, VP 360 and medical closures. We were under TACO(N) of the call feelings on how Intake 10’s HERRICK 17 has drills. On 12 October, 1Pl deployed onto sign holding that area until the completion of been so far. the frontline at CP Prrang in the village of the close down process. However, the closure Kunjak, in the middle of the Malgir district of of CP Prrang was a little different, because After all sorts of PDT training and enjoying Helmand province. it was our CP. The dismantling process was 2 weeks of PDL, our coy (A DELHI) coy CP Prrang was held by 3 Rifles before our not as hard compared to when we built it up, deployed to Afghanistan on the first week of however, last night was unforgettable; doing October as a part of 40 CDO RM. hand over take over. The start of the tour was spent patrolling, purchasing goats and sangar duty without cover, ladder sangars, chickens for messing, and having shuras. fatigues throughout cold and chilly night was Everything has two parts; good and bad. quite horrible and dangerous, but enjoyable too. Now after the close down, we are in (TA), he was appointed as its first The same applied to the people of Kunjak. PB 2 and enjoying a different environment. Director of Music. This was Though there were people who liked and We mostly do sangar duty and patrols both followed by appointment as respected us, there were a few who hated us mounted and dismounted. too. As a daily routine, we used to normally do Director of Music of The Band Overall HERRICK 17 has been a mixture of of The Kings Division, based in routine patrol, making a big loop of the village and doing hasty shuras with key leaders and different tasks. This tour changed us from Weeton, Lancashire in 2008. inexperienced and immature young rifleman During this year he accepted the villagers. We celebrated Dashain in the CP by receiving Tika and blessing from the seniors. into strong and furious frontline fighters. post of Musical Director to the It changed our way of thinking and National Youth Marching Band, Comparing HERRICK 17 to HERRICK 12 our developed our skills to fight against world an ongoing and immensely task was totally different. Hence the threat terrorism. We are doing well but still have rewarding role. was different from the one told to us by two months to go. No one knows what’s He was appointed as Officer our experienced Gurujis. We didn’t face any going to happen tomorrow. We hope it will Commanding Training Development dangerous situations for the first few weeks be fine with no more blood and tears. though our Gurujis and Saheb used to remind Team, Headquarters Army Music, We will remain proud of our history and Kneller Hall in September 2010, us not to let our concentration drop as anything could happen when we least remember those who have gone before us acting as the Chief Examiner and and those who have fallen next to us. Testing Standards Authority for all expect it. Unfortunately their prediction came true and as a result we had to face a I would also like to remember our fallen stars; the musicians in the British Army. late Lt Drummond-Baxter Saheb ( 1PC) and In January 2013, Major Norley grenade attack and a Green on Blue incident within one month. Due to the events we the late Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar realised a long term ambition and Guruji, may their souls rest in peace. was proud to be appointed as suffered four casualties and two KIA. Director of Music of The Band of As HERRICK 17 is a transition phase we took Jai A (Delhi Coy) The Brigade of Gurkhas. part in the closure of many check points. Jai 1 RGR
Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 15 2 RGR
Luckily two last minute goals in quick succession by Major Hellier pushed 2 RGR A Team into the final with 2 RGR B Team drifting into third place. The final was equally close with the RLC two one up at half time. 2 RGR A Team showed incredible composure under pressure coming back to win the final three goals to two. With 2 RGR in first and third place, although the RLC had come agonizingly close, 2 RGR were triumphant and crowned the Army Champions. We returned to Brunei and rested before Christmas leave. Due to other Royal Navy commitments the Army and Inter-Services Canoe Polo Army Canoe Polo Championships Championships were moved from November to February: 2 RGR had weeks before we had 2012 & 2013 to defend our new title, during which another arduous jungle exercise (Ex Ulu Sikhari) stood By 30141899 Rfn Yalambar Rai in our way. Canoe training had to wait as the battalion deployed into the Labi. RGR have made big waves in the be between an angle of 80 – 100°, this is Following intense training of two one and a Army sporting community by not to prevent broken ribs or damaged kidneys, half hour training sessions a day for ten days 2 only competing in, but by winning common injuries in canoe polo. Player tackles we returned to ‘Pompi’ to compete in the the Army Canoe Polo Championships in must be a one handed push below the neck. Army Canoe Polo Championships 2013. This 2012 and again in 2013! If the opponent capsizes, and attempts to time it was the REME (2011 Army Champions) who stood in the way of a RGR rollover. (We Whilst Elephant and even Bicycle Polo are Eskimo roll the tackler must allow him to knew the REME had a good team and good popular, I believe Canoe Polo is a first in the get his head and one shoulder out of the financial support as our old and damaged history of the Royal Gurkhas Rifles and indeed water before pushing him back under water. boats we train on, are their ‘hand-me- the Brigade of Gurkhas. This may also be In defence, the aim is to kayak tackle the downs’). I am proud to announce that not the first time Parbate readers have heard attacking team to drive them away from your only did 2 RGR A team beat the REME six about canoe polo and so, if water sports float goal, and player tackle anyone near the ball. goals to four, but that 2RGR B team also beat your boat, read on to find out more about So how did 2RGR paddle its way into Army them to secure first and second place in the the fastest growing team contact sport (well canoeing and regimental history? Since the Army Canoe Polo Championships 2013. fastest growing team sport in 2 RGR anyway)! return to regimental duty of Major Hellier, Following both Army Championships 2 RGR Canoe polo is a very dynamic and aggressive Officer Commanding C (Tamandu) Company, paddlers then remained for the Inter-Services sport that requires adept kayaking skills, 2RGR Canoe Club has been reborn. On return Championships. Most of the 2 RGR paddlers good ball control, strong team play and from a particularly arduous and challenging were selected to paddle in the Army Canoe spatial awareness, incredible aerobic and deep jungle exercise, even by C Coy’s extremely Polo squad and got the opportunity to anaerobic fitness and exceptional discipline. high standards, news of the Army Canoe Polo paddle with and against ex-Olympic paddlers Championships at the end of November 2012 A canoe polo squad is made up of ten and a couple of GBR Canoe Polo players. reached 2 RGR Canoe Club. After a week of paddlers, eight in the pool per match, five The standard of the Inter-Services compared intensive training twice a day, two teams flew paddlers in play and three rolling substitutes. to the Army Championships was like going to UK to brave horrendous winter winds and The aim of the five paddlers is to get the ball from the Championship to the Premiership. floods to compete, luckily indoors. to the other end of an Olympic sized pool It has given 2 RGR Canoe Club a taster and The competition was sponsored by the Royal and throw the ball into the opposition’s goal an aiming mark in terms of standard of Navy and held at the RN Sports Lottery funded which is suspended three meters in the air. kayaking as well as the game, and hopefully gym complex, HMS Temeraire. You cannot paddle or move with the ball but not an unrealistic aspiration as to the quality must throw the ball, within five seconds, The 2012 Army championships saw paddlers of kit and equipment we could expect if we to a team mate or a few meters away and come from across the army including the are to compete at a higher level. then paddle the kayak to retrieve the ball. RLC (2005 and 2007 Army Champions), The Inter-Services provided extremely Players can make a tackle on any opponent R Signals, Int Corps, AGC and even the valuable experience and has lifted the within three meters of the ball. To tackle, RAMC. 2RGR B Team nearly caused an upset standard of 2 RGR canoe polo. Following the a player can either ram his kayak against the when following the Qualities of a Sportsman Championships, Maj Hellier has received opponents’ kayak, known as a kayak tackle to the letter, in particular ‘plays the game for contact from the Combined Services Team, or push the opponent upside down, this is the game’s sake and plays for his side and not GBR Canoe Polo Team and an invitation for known as a player tackle. A kayak tackle can for himself’ were beating 2RGR A Team which the Gurkhas to compete in a Canoe Polo be as hard as the player can paddle but cannot would have ensured a RLC victory. competition in Italy in July 2014.
16 Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 2 RGRQGS / BGN
From a personal perspective the whole experience, both on and off the water was incredible. When not competing we visited the Gurkha Museum and our gratitude goes to the curator who gave us a bespoke tour. We also visited HMS Warrior 1860, one of the world’s most significant historic warships. She was built to counter French developments in naval shipbuilding and when she was launched she was the largest, fastest and most powerful (in terms of firepower and armour) warship in the world. So powerful in fact that 2 RGR Scoring against RLC none of Britain’s enemies ever dared take her on in battle. She retired twenty-two years later and supportive to the Gurkhas, as were the and action game. If you are within three having never fired a shot in anger! staff of HMS Warrior. meters of the ball the opposition are trying to She did however revolutionise naval warships ram you at full speed or capsize you so you and was the prelude to the Dreadnought. On the water I feel I have developed my personal skills, improved my paddling fitness must think under pressure, be situationally The Dreadnought contributed significantly to and now have a far better understanding aware, be decisive, operate as a team, have the arms race which in turn contributed to of the game and the tactics. I learnt that in excellent personal skills and be extremely fit. the start of the First World War. I thoroughly canoe polo you must control your aggression, It is a contact sport and being rammed at full enjoyed both the Gurkha Museum and my any cheating is counter-productive with two speed by an opponent certainly takes its toll first time onboard a warship and took a lot referees and the game is very strict which in so you need to be physically and mentally fit. away from the visits. I also gained much from turn teaches self discipline. Being unable to Skills that are useful on operations as much as meeting and interacting with members from paddle or move with the ball makes canoe polo there are on the water. That is why 2 RGR won across the Army and indeed the other Services. a true team sport, regardless of personal ability. the Army Canoe Polo Championships. Thanks should go to both the Royal Navy and If you have the ball you have five seconds to the Royal Air Force who were extremely kind use it or lose it which makes it a fast thinking Jai 2 RGR
Safe and Skill Driving Training 2012
By Sgt Binam Rana QGE, AMTO BGK
he Mechanical Transport (MT) Department, led by Capt Diwan Limbu (MTO) and co-ordinated Tby Sgt Binam Rana organised a mandatory yearly training package during the period of 18-19 Dec 12 in the Chovar area, Kritipur which has a historic symbol for Kathmandu valley. 20 drivers from British Gurkha Kathmandu and Dharan were called in to participate in the 2 day training package, which comprised of: Cross-country Driving Training Vehicle recovery procedure FMT 3-2 procedure Reversing Land Rover with trailer All the drivers were looking eager to participate in the training. To make it interesting, it was announced that the driver who would park the trailer in a designated parking space without making any error in one go, would win a prize of Rs 1000. However, it ended up in a tie between Mr Amit Thapa and Mr Surendra Gurung, who shared the prize. The training was a great success with everyone gaining the valued knowledge and experience.
Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 17 QOGLR / ITC
Charity Night QOGLR Ladies
By Mrs Chanda Tamang, w/o Capt Palijar Tamang
fter the over-indulgence of Christmas and New Year’s numerous parties, we were ready to raise some funds for Aa charity. This time, we chose the Aama Ghar (Mothers’ House), a charity based in Kathmandu where Mrs Dilsobha Shrestha singlehandedly looks after a number of old people (mothers and children) who have been victims of gross neglect and abuse by their own family. With the GM didi’s guidance, a fancy dress ladies party was organised on 19 January 2013. The party was organised at a very short notice but Mrs Dilsobha Shrestha from the Aama Ghar despite the appalling weather, the turnout was fantastic. receiving a cheque from the Comd, GM and RSM 10 QOGLR. The fancy dress charity party was held at Connaught Leisure Centre in Aldershot. Traditional Nepali food was prepared by QOGLR RCWO and Just before returning UK from their Duty Trek, Comd QOGLR Lt Col his team of volunteers, which according to the guests of the night, was Blackmore, GM Major Khimprasad Gauchan and RSM WO1 Roberts, the best gruel ever. The fancy dress itself was a great idea as the ladies handed over a sum of NRs 1 lakh 37 thousand to Dilsobha Shrestha, turned up in all sorts - Amy Winehouse, Cruella de Vil, the Japanese which was received with heartfelt gratitude. geishas, Minnie mice, swarm of pirates, Roman kings and even a Maid It was a very successful event and our heartfelt thanks go to all the Marian! The best costume prize was taken by Cruella de-Vil, a well- volunteers and the ladies who attended the charity event. It was not deserved win. No Nepali party would not be complete without a round just a QOGLR ladies party but open to all members of the society. It was of Bingo and raffle draw. Finally, to conclude the evening, the floor was great to see everyone coming together to raise money for such a worthy on fire with ladies putting their dancing avatars on. cause in Nepal. The Hospitality Show 2013 - NEC Birmingham
By LCpl Ishaq Thakuri
his year’s nationwide As this was my first competition, The Hospitality to my surprise I won the gold Show British Open award as a Class Winner, Best in T Category and Senior Grand Prix competition was held in the National Exhibition Centre D’Honneur. Most significantly, (NEC), Birmingham between it is an honour to be declared as a 21st to 23rd January. This Senior Grand Prix D’Honneur. competition runs every year Besides producing the various where we get an opportunity cuisines on a daily basis for to show our culinary skills in soldiers, we managed to do various categories. something spectacular with There were larder, pastry, sugar blocks of fat and won fantastic craft, restaurant plates, live individual rewards. To compete in cooking and numerous other a national level competition is no competition classes. ordinary thing, but to be a winner at that level is extraordinary. Three Gurkha chefs from 2ITB Cpl Kedar Singjali, whilst many competitors with their piece Gurkha Company Catterick Pte Raju made a dragon sculpture. of art. We were excited about the To win those prestigious awards competed in this competition in We completed the sculptures by competition and more importantly was a huge achievement for us, the “Works in Fat” category. manipulating blocks of fat with about the results. Finally the for Gurkha Company, for Gurkha Cpl Kedar Singjali and I were our bare hands over a period judges announced the winners: Chefs, for QOGLR and for The in the senior class and Pte Raju of two weeks. We took our Cpl Kedar Singjali won a silver Brigade of Gurkhas. Thapa was in the junior class. sculptures on the 20th January to award; and Pte Raju won a gold Jai Gurkha Chefs I made a horse sculpture as did the exhibition where there were award in the junior category. Jai QOGLR
18 Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 BGN / GCSQGS
Expedition to Manang
By Unit Correspondent Indeed, it was a unique experience and to be able to see the Manang n early Jan 13, four British in its unspoiled setting was simply Gurkhas Pokhara (BGP) out of this world. The en-route Ipersonnel (Capt Rabindra, to Manang was nothing short of WO2 Chandra, Sgts Nil and adventure, adrenaline rush and Aslal) conducted a four day of fun, but was equally strenuous motor biking trip to Manang. especially for the motor bike riders The expedition took us to some owing to the rugged road coupled of the most enthralling places with loose stones, dust and icy en-route to Manang that we patches, which had to be endured could ever imagined and was truly at frequent intervals. conditions were such that it was natural landscape of Manang touched by the people that we There were also many occasions not worth taking the risk of riding district, and gave us a close view came across with their humble where we had to come off our bikes. The journey offered us of Mt Lamjung, Mt Annapurna II smile and rich hospitality. the bike and walk as the road some of the best awe-inspiring and Mt Gangapurna.
our efforts not to capsize were unsuccessful Ex SITTANG GURKHA and we all were soaking in the November cold water. By Rfn Jangabahadur Rai GCS Fortunately, the sunny weather was on our side. At the end of the activity, we definitely build our confidence in water and learned few new skills and drills. The second activity was Mountain Biking. In the early morning, each individual was issued with a mountain bike and helmet and were taught on how to ride bike up hill, down hill, on bends and sharp corners, by our instructor. Then we headed on a planned and challenging route. As it was very first time most of us had ridden a bike on such a difficult route, it was a long and tiring day, but worthwhile for all of us. The final activity was Rock Climbing. Unfortunately, due to safety issues, the decision was made by our instructors not to go outdoor climbing, so we went to the Swansea indoor xercise Sittang Gurkha was an After five hours drive, the team arrived climbing centre instead. In the morning Adventurous Training Exercise at Penally Training Camp where we were we handed over our accommodation and Eorganised by Gurkha Company accommodated throughout the training. loaded our kit into the minibus and moved Sittang (GCS), planned by Capt Mukunda SSgt Deepak Gurung (Team Leader) briefed to climbing centre. On arrival, we were given Gurung, led by SSgt Deepak Gurung and us about the facilities of the camp and the a basic lesson on the basic drills and skills conducted by the JSATC (Joint Service training programme for the following day. required for climbing. However, we found Adventurous Training Centre) instructors There were three activities to be conducted, it no different from outdoor climb apart from Adventurous Training Wing at Castle Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking from being in a warmer environment. It was martin over the period of 26 - 29 Nov 12. and we were divided into groups to attend all another worthwhile day and activity! After the the activities. climbing, we headed straight to Camberley and The aim of the exercise was to introduce arrived back late in the evening. individual to Kayaking, Climbing and Mountain One of the aims of the training was to Biking and develop individual’s confidence on introduce and build confidence on water and In summary, a short but very worthwhile training where we learned lots of new skills water, climbing and mountain biking. the Kayaking was the only activity to achieve and drills. We had faced new challenges and On immediate return from Ex DV, on 26 this. After a safety brief and basics skills, built ourselves a stronger. I look forward to November 2012 12 members of GCS and capsizing drills training, we started take part in similar activities in near future. departed to Castle Martin Training Camp in kayaking along the river. Despite the South Wales on Ex Sittang Gurkha. instruction and training from our instructor, Jai Gurkha Company SIttang
Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013 19 2 RGR
Gurkhas in the Kingdom of Tonga ‘Ex Khukuri Laka Atu’
By Unit Correspondent
combined training team from In addition to consolidating relations The 2nd Battalion The Royal between Britain and Tonga, the exercise was A Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) and The an opportunity for British soldiers to once complete lesson plan as they would have to New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) again work alongside their New Zealand for a classroom of new recruits. The lessons conducted a two week training course in counterparts. Every year an RGR company delivered focused upon field craft and first The Kingdom of Tonga. The instructors group deploys on Exercise Pacific Khukuri aid, with topics ranging from the ‘Duties of a consisted of a Platoon Commander and 3 to New Zealand. The varied terrain of New Sentry, to the ‘Recovery Position’. Sergeants from 2 RGR and a WO2 and a Zealand’s South Island provides a valuable Given the initial difficulties which the Physical Training Instructor (PTI) from the training alternative to the jungle that the students had had on day one, the final NZDF. The two week course ran from the Brunei based Gurkha Battalion usually standards achieved were hugely impressive. 19 - 30 November 2012 and was held in operates within. The efforts of the students were awarded by Taliai Military Camp. The name of the exercise was chosen by the a graduation ceremony and buffet style lunch The aim of the course was teaching British Defence Attaché to New Zealand, during which gifts were exchanged between instructional techniques to NCOs in the Lt Col Tim Woodman. The Khukuri knife all three nations involved. Cpl Siale TDS, who Tongan Defence Service (TDS). The 12 symbolises almost 200 years of loyal Gurkha was selected as the most improved student students selected to attend the course were a service to Britain, whilst ‘Laka Atu’ in Tongan, on the course, was particularly pleased, mixture of Junior and Senior NCOs who came loosely translates as ‘moving forward’. ‘Exercise Khukuri Laka Atu has given me from across all three branches of the TDS. As the name of the exercise suggests, more confidence as an instructor. I am very With the TDS aiming to increase the number the progression made by the students was grateful for the efforts of the Gurkha and of courses it runs in Tonga, the need for considerable. For a few it was revision of New Zealand instructors. Thank you’. instructors is greater than ever as Lt Colonel instructional techniques which they had K. Fakalolo, who commands the Training already been taught, however for most, The success of the exercise did not go Wing of the TDS confirmed, ‘We are grateful the course syllabus contained new material. unnoticed as in the previous week, the British that 2 RGR and The NZDF have come to Minister of Armed Forces; The Rt. Hon Andrew Tonga to work with our NCOs. Over the The course started with short presentations Robathan had visited Tonga. On the same coming year, the Training Wing is hoping to given by the students about various aspects day in which he presented medals to Tongan increase the number of training courses run of Tongan culture. The presentations allowed servicemen and women recently returned from in the country. Exercise Khukuri Laka Atu will students to talk confidently about topics Afghanistan, he was given presentations on provide the emphasis for us to do so.’ about which they were already familiar, the ‘Kava Drinking Ceremony’ by the students, before moving onto more complicated as well as being informed of 2RGR’s recent role Given the Tongan contribution to ISAF in military instructional material. In addition, on Herrick 14. Exercise Khukuri Laka Atu was Afghanistan, Exercise Khukuri Laka Atu was it allowed the instructors to get an early a great success and enjoyed by all involved. a good opportunity for Britain to improve insight into Tongan culture. With a batch of recruits joining in the coming the already positive relationship that exists months, the TDS will not lack the instructors between London and Nuku’ Alofa. A Tongan From the outset, the similarities between ready for the challenge of conducting basic platoon is currently guarding Camp Bastion, Nepali and Tongan culture were evident with training. Lt W. Plumley 2 RGR at the close of and the TDS is on its fourth rotation. the family structure forming the backbone of the exercise said, ‘We are grateful to have had With an entire population of only 100,000, both societies. At the end of the two weeks, the opportunity to work alongside the TDS Tonga provides the highest ratio of soldiers the students underwent a final summative and NZDF. We have learnt a great deal in the to ISAF than any other nation. assessment. They produced and delivered a process and have made some good friends’.
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20 Parbate Vol 64 No 7 March 2013