IRONMAN: amputee Royal Marine conquers triathlon DefenceFocus Royal Navy | Army | Royal Air Force | Ministry of Defence | issue #255 SEPTEMBER/11
FINAL tests Hundreds of ground crew have kept RAF planes flying over Libya combatbarbie NANAVIGATORVIGATOR
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Lyne tells how 3 royal anglian group keeps the peace in cyprus Op Tosca– P12
P24 Medics on patrol Regulars Navy medics in Helmand p5 In memoriam P26 no ordinary joe Tributes to the fallen Marine Joe Townsend is an Ironman
P20 verbatim P28 KEEP HEALTHY Meet doyen of the DIO, Andrew Manley Symptoms of testicular cancer p22 my medals p31 Crowning glory Corporal of Horse Andy Radford Win an overnight stay in the Crowne Plaza p30 PUZZLES P26 Crossword, chess and sudoku Exclusives
P7 Groundworks Keeping fast jets airborne over Libya
p10 Have they got news for you Helmand’s press pack is thriving p22 p18 designs on lashkar gah P31 Royal Engineers’ plan post-2014
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 3 EDITOR’SNOTE
DANNY CHAPMAN ago where the RAF personnel involved DefenceFocus in Operation ELLAMY are based. And in So maybe the Arab Spring has become the this issue we herald the work of the often For everyone in defence Arab Summer, in Libya at least (no sign unsung ground crews who have made it Published by the Ministry of Defence of summer in London yet), with joy on the possible for the Tornados and Typhoons Level 1 Zone C streets as it looks like the game is up for to strike at key Gaddafi targets. While the MOD, Main Building Gaddafi. Even if he has not been caught by message from our leaders at the moment is Whitehall London SW1A 2HB the time you read this it would seem there clearly one of the mission is not over yet and General enquiries: 020 721 8 1320 is little hope left for his former regime, won’t be until the Libyan people are safe and the “Free Libya Forces” and National from violence, how long the RAF are needed EDITOR: Danny Chapman Tel: 020 7218 3949 Transitional Council will be taking over the in Italy and the various Royal Navy ships email: [email protected] running of the country. needed in the Mediterranean remains to be
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Ian Carr There is already much difference seen. Of course we’ll keep our online pages Tel: 020 7218 2825 of opinion amongst commentators over updated with the latest developments. email: [email protected] whether the toppling of the Gaddafi regime Apart from events in Libya it has been a ASSISTANT EDITOR: Leigh Hamilton vindicates the NATO mission in Libya or pretty quiet month in Defence. It’s Ramadan Tel: 020 7218 5988 whether the country will now descend so things in Afghanistan have been fairly email: [email protected] into civil war. Time will tell. One thing is quiet, with the exception of some large ASSISTANT EDITOR: Lorraine McBride for certain though, and that is all three scale attacks by the Taliban, notably against Tel: 020 721 82341 Services, in particular the RAF and Navy, the British Council offices in Kabul. email: [email protected] have been very busy indeed over the last five I guess September, with the return ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tristan Kelly months supporting the NATO campaign, of Parliament, the end of Ramadan, a new Tel: 020 7218 4252 and their involvement has clearly made brigade beginning operations in Helmand, email: [email protected] a difference. and the 10th anniversary of 9/11 all ART EDITOR: Mark Eagle Defence Focus writer Tristan Kelly occurring, things will become hectic again. Tel: 020 721 8 3658 visited the base in Italy a couple of weeks Maybe the English summer might begin too. email: [email protected]
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4 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 inmemoriam DEATHS ON OPERATIONS - 26 JULY to 26 AUGUST
Marine James Robert Wright Aged 22, from Weymouth, Dorset, Marine Wright joined the Royal Marines Marine James Robert Wright, from J in November 2008. Joining J Company he Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, made many close friends, and had been serving as part of Combined Force carving out a very successful career. He Nad ‘Ali (North), was killed in Helmand was an immensely proud J Company province, southern Afghanistan, on ‘Jester’ and lived up to the true spirit of Friday 5 August 2011. the Company; hardworking, professional He was wounded by a grenade, yet socially robust. For Marine Wright, which was fired into his unit’s base at being in the Royal Marines was the Checkpoint Kamiabi when it came under supreme job, and he was looking forward attack following an extraction back to to a long and successful career wearing base after his patrol engaged insurgents the coveted Green Beret. in Nad ‘Ali district. He was evacuated He leaves behind his grandparents, to the hospital at Camp Bastion where father David, mother Sallie, sister Katie, sadly, despite medical treatment, he and partner Shelley, who is expecting later died of his wounds. their baby.
Lieutenant Daniel John Clack while, in Switzerland, driving for a ski chalet company, exercising his passion Lieutenant Daniel John Clack, from for skiing and adventure. 1st Battalion The Rifles, was killed in He joined the Army in 2009 and Afghanistan on 12 August 2011. commissioned from the Royal Military The ten-man patrol he was leading Academy Sandhurst into The Rifles was struck by an improvised explosive in April 2010, serving as 8 Platoon device, killing him and injuring five Commander, C Company. other members of his patrol while they Since his arrival, Lieutenant Clack were entering the village of Dactran, had become immensely popular with Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand his Riflemen, to whom he showed great province, to speak to the local nationals, empathy and loyalty. He was known as a and discuss a shura due to take place man of integrity, and driven by doing the the next day. right thing. Aged 24, from North London, He leaves behind a loving family: Lieutenant Clack studied at Exeter his mother Sue, father Martin, brother University before working, for a short James, and fiancée Amy Tinley.
Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging he flew the Tucano and Hawk before becoming a ‘Creamie’ Qualified Flying Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging of the Instructor on the Hawk at RAF Valley, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (The teaching both students and instructors. Red Arrows) was killed when his Hawk He went on to serve with IV (AC) Squadron T1 aircraft - Red 4 - crashed around 1km - ‘Happy IV’, based at RAF Cottesmore, south east of Bournemouth Airport on flying the Harrier GR9. Saturday 20 August 2011. He was proud to support coalition Flight Lieutenant Egging, aged ground forces when flying operational 33 from Rutland, flew the Harrier GR9 missions in Afghanistan. He became the before joining the RAF Aerobatic Team. Squadron Qualified Flying Instructor He became interested in flying at an early during his last year on ‘Happy IV’, making age, inspired by his airline pilot father who the transition to teach on the Harrier used to allow him into the cockpit for take Operational Conversion Unit, RAF off and landing. Wittering, in 2010. Flight Lieutenant Egging joined the He leaves behind his wife, Emma. RAF in 2000. Selected for fast jet training (Note: this is not an operational death)
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 5
FEATUREGroINTERVIEWundCrew
Armed and dangerous: Senior Aircraftman Boland from 3 (Fighter) Squadron removing the pins from a Typhoon
Ground Works a team of hundreds is making sure the raf’s fast jets get the job done in the skies over libya. tristan Kelly reports.
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 7 GroundCrew
ut these in your ears,” says usual three to four, checks are required Squadron Leader Phil Leighton after only around 35 sorties. Then, a as he hands me some ear further team of engineers will fully check plugs seconds before yet the power, flight, avionics and weapons another Typhoon screams systems. After two such maintenance “P along the runway. regimes the jets return to the UK for an in The jet disappears into the clear blue depth service and overhaul. sky over the southern Italian air base of Gioia del Colle bound for Libyan airspace. Air to ground Our attention is then taken to a stationary, Over on the other side of the sprawling though no less noisy, Tornado GR4 sitting area of the base that the Italian Air on the apron in front of us, connected to a Force has given to British forces for the starting unit with its fuselage being swept duration of the operation, a Typhoon of 3 of any possible debris. Squadron Leader (Fighter) Squadron sits ready to receive its Leighton, the Chief Engineering Officer for II compliment of air-to-air and air-to- (Army Cooperation) Squadron, shouts over Nuts and bolts: 3 (Fighter) Squadron ground missiles. the roar that the engines have failed to armourers attach weapons to a Typhoon Crouching under the wing is Weapons fire properly. Technician Corporal Owen Watkins, ready to carefully manoeuvre an Enhanced testing times Paveway II ground attack missile from a The Tornado is one of 16 from II (AC) hydraulic jack onto the aircraft. It will take Squadron stationed at Gioia as part of 906 up to an hour to fully load and calibrate. He Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW). The pressure is one of numerous armourers who load is on to quickly diagnose the engine dozens of missiles onto the Typhoons problem. The squadron are currently each day. operating at twice their normal tempo, with It’s mid-August and more than 700 planes departing on sorties day and night. missiles have been dropped by the RAF News coverage almost exclusively focuses crews based in Italy. But Corporal Watkins on the ‘pointy end’ of operations - the final is not complaining, for him the chance to put blasts and bangs as air crew reach the Heavy lift: an airman from Movements his training into action has been extremely climax of their missions to degrade the removes a Tornado engine from a truck rewarding. “It’s nice to do it,” he grins. fighting ability of forces loyal to Colonel “Back in the UK we have been using just Gaddafi’s former regime. So it’s easy to practice missiles, so to be out here doing it forget the effort on the other side of the with the real stuff is great.” Mediterranean that is putting them there. What Corporal Watkins doesn’t like is Of the 600 or so RAF and Army seeing any of the missiles again when the personnel deployed to Gioia del Colle, only plane returns. From time to time planes a very small proportion actually kit up and do return with weapons not deployed. This ascend to the cockpit. The vast majority, is unpopular with engineers - it means such as Squadron Leader Leighton, are having to go through the laborious process employed in servicing the multi-million- of removing the weapon before certain pound aircraft, organising the armaments, maintenance procedures can be carried communications and intelligence, and out. But they’d rather have the extra work countless other tasks. than a trigger-happy pilot. “We appreciate It takes three hours to remove a that if the pilot can’t positively identify the Tornado engine and the same time to Sunny forecast: Flying Officer Rebecca Parfitt target and is clear to drop, he can’t fire, but of the Mobile MET Unit reinstall it. But after further checks it is it’s disappointing to see them come back.” with visible satisfaction that Squadron Making his final checks he attaches Leader Leighton informs me that this the bright red ‘missile-armed’ warnings Tornado engine has now fired and the and the Typhoon is ready for the pilot and problem has been rectified, meaning a final pre-flight checks. Corporal Watkins lengthy scrutiny by his engineers has been will return to the aircraft on the runway to avoided. Diagnostics have brought up a remove the warnings and will be one of the couple of avionics issues, so Squadron last to see the aircraft leave on its mission, Leader Leighton will hand the plane over to hoping it will return somewhat lighter in a experts in that area for further checks. But few hours’ time. the plane should be back out on the runway, ready for that night’s sorties. no brake in operations Further pressure is applied to For Corporal Watkins and the Typhoon the engineers by the fact that each engineers the focus is on getting the plane Tornado used on Op ELLAMY enters ready for action and in the air as soon as primary maintenance on the base after Ticking over: Senior Aircraftwoman Philippa possible, but for Corporal Neil Dobson approximately 200 flying hours have been Williamson from General Engineering and his fellow ‘Squippers’ it is all about Flight works on the engine of an completed. As missions over Libya are stopping the thing when the job is finished. aircraft tractor lasting five to six hours rather than the In addition to maintaining the pilots’
8 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 FEATUREINTERVIEW
Underrated: II (AC) Squadron engineers jack up a Tornado GR4 at Gioia del Colle so they can replace a bracket on the right hand wheel Pictures: SAC Sally Raimondo Sally SAC Pictures:
night-vision equipment and flight suits, after 20 deployments, compared with forecast divided into colour states; blue Squippers (Survival Equipment Fitters) around 50 on normal use in the UK. being good and red bad. In turn these are are concerned with the Typhoon’s arrester aligned with the limits on what conditions parachutes. Unfolding what looks like a typhoons, tornados and thunder planes can either depart or return in. “We giant green jellyfish, Corporal Dobson At ‘Hotel Gioia’, the three-storey green very much try and tailor each forecast explains that while Typhoons can land and office block that has been taken over by 906 to each individual sortie,” she explains, stop perfectly adequately using only their EAW as the HQ for the operation, is another “when they are going, what they’re flying brakes, parachutes are used due to the piece in the jigsaw: Flying Officer Rebecca and what they are aiming to achieve when extremely high level of operations. Parfitt and her Vaisala field met station. they go there. But it’s not just the air assets “Using the brakes generates huge A reservist from the Met Office she is part that we provide information for; it’s also amounts of heat,” he says while pulling of the Mobile Met Unit and is based in Italy engineers and communications people. straight all the 15 or so fabric tentacles to make sure pilots and planners have the Everyone needs to know if there is a of the ‘jellyfish’, carefully checking latest readings and forecasts. thunderstorm or strong winds coming.” for damage. “The engineers need to Speaking of her Vaisala (a mobile With the mess tent buzzing with access the engines quickly on landing to weather unit) with the same enthusiasm activity as the chefs and caterers prepare check oil levels etc, but if the brakes are as pilots of their fast jets, Flying Officer for the 7pm rush it is obvious just how cooked it means they can’t access them Parfitt explains that while it may be clear many different skills and roles it takes to immediately, so it really slows the whole blue skies and topping 30 degrees Celsius keep just one jet in the air. process down. If they deploy the chute and today, the weather here can change Tornado crewman Weapon Systems use the brakes less we can turn the plane rapidly, and violently. “Thunderstorms Officer Flight Lieutenant Mark Tolman around much quicker.” here are a key feature” she says. “We of II (AC) Squadron says that despite the The packing process, not dissimilar to are 1,000ft up and have some interesting aircrew receiving much of the glory, the getting a very large sleeping bag into a very local topography. The westerly winds effort of all the ‘backroom staff’ is not lost small stuff bag, is carried out by a team of drive air up the hill and gives it that extra on the pilots. “There’s no way that the two and can take up to an hour. 276 have punch it needs to generate some fairly big pilots or the engineers could do it on their so far been packed on the operation. The thunderstorms.” own,” he says. “It’s the support team, the level of operations is also taking its toll on Combined with Met Office data from guys behind that you don’t normally see or the chutes, which detach completely on the UK as well as Italian state forecasts, hear about that make the difference. You deployment and are recovered from the she delivers around seven updates to need absolutely everyone otherwise it just runway, with most having to be replaced pilots and planners a day, with the weather doesn’t work.” DF
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 9 afghanmedia
Press pack: Afghan journalists explain how life has changed over the last two years (inset) the conference facility in the Governor’s media suite, Lashkar Gah
Pictures: Michelle Callus FREE PRESS SHOCK AS LOCAL JOURNALISTS TELL IAN CARR afghan government IS making a difference
wo years ago I visited the The demeanour of the journalists was, systems was a major worry. Although even Governor’s media centre in to be honest, still grim, but their views had this concern was balanced. “Because of Lashkar Gah to interview some changed. “In Helmand over the last two projects in Marjah and Nad ‘Ali people see T local journalists to get their views years there has been lots of change. The that the government is doing something for on life in Helmand province. Afghan National Army has improved and them, so they are starting to trust them,” The media centre was a basic, narrow there is security over a wide area. If you said Haroon. room in Hotel Bost. In the room was an remember, before, just a few kilometres Attitudes to ISAF were still cool, but a old table with an oilcloth sheet on it. The from the Governor’s office used to belong to tacit nod was given to their role in having surroundings were grim, as were the media the Taliban,” said Mohammed Haroon. provided a chink of light for the future. sitting opposite me. “With the government too there have “For three decades people come, they “As reporters we are really pleased been many improvements. The way it fight and then they leave. But now with with the Taliban, they are really fast at works in Lashkar Gah they now want to do our security forces improving, if they can getting information to us,” I was told as the same in other districts. Because of this, be given the equipment and material they fingers were jabbed at me. “People are not people now make homes here and grow need, they will be able to establish security,” happy with the foreign forces,” they said. crops, people are even moving here from said Khanzad. “Things are getting worse day by day.” Kandahar,” said Mr Khanzad. The journalists were at last able to look This year I had a chance to go back “People are happy about their security at issues other than security. “Now there and meet many of them again. What a and between civilians and the military there is less poppy, people grow more wheat, difference. The media centre now has a has been good co-operation,” he said. but it is very cheap. If the farmers could fully equipped conference facility, which is Not everything is perfect of course. export to other places, other countries, they often filled to capacity, and the media suite They told me that people in remote villages would get better prices and it would be very frankly would be the envy of many a British were still frightened of the insurgents, and helpful,” said Noor Ahmad Noori. government department. corruption in the administrative and judicial That sounds like a good news story. DF
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peace for a generation
Eastern promise: in East Patrol’s part of the buffer zone, a farmer is permitted to exploit the land
12 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 for 37 years the un has supervised the ceasefire in cyprus. Ian carr mEetS the uk troops on op tosca
here is no weekend in Nicosia, just situations aren’t handled properly. George Best lies on a table. On a desk day six and day seven. Such are “You can’t understand this until you stands an unopened bottle of champagne. the demands of the job for the 300 go out into the buffer zone and see for In what was once a comfortable residential T troops of 3 Royal Anglian Group yourself,” says Colonel Hughes. “As you area, a car stands abandoned after its and the various military attachments which travel round it you will see that, in places, owner fled to take cover from a hail of make up the UK’s current contribution it looks like a scene from Gallipoli, with bullets. to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus machine gun bunkers and trench line More poignant reminders that a state (UNFICYP). observation posts. I can assure you that of peace is not something you can take Many people still think of Op Tosca, both sides take this very seriously.” for granted include the battle-damaged the UK’s biggest overseas operation after The buffer zone is a difficult concept buildings, some of which, like the hospital, Afghanistan, as the ‘flip flop’ tour. But to get your head round, and its uniqueness were strafed almost to destruction. anyone posted here who thinks that the embodies the challenges that face those The central buffer zone fulfils the most important piece of kit they will need is who must patrol it. The issues are complex. stereotype of a contested frontier keeping a Frisbee is in for a shock. For a start each side has a different idea two communities apart. At the crossing Since the 1974 Turkish response to a about what the zone actually is. “The points, uniformed officials stamp your military coup on Cyprus, which was backed Turkish view is that it is a no-man’s land, passport before you go on your way. by the Greek Government in Athens, Cyprus whereas the Greek Cypriots see it as a But elsewhere the nature of the zone has been divided by a buffer zone. For buffer zone but with all the land in between is not so black and white. It is almost a state almost four decades, two opposing forces, being legitimately owned by people who of mind. Within it, to the east and west, of around 60,000 troops, have jealously have the right to use it for economic there are 15,000 people living and working.
No-fly zone: an abandoned passenger No show: in Nicosia’s buffer zone, shops Front line: buildings in the buffer jet in the UN Protected Area have been closed for nearly 40 years zone are stark reminders of the war Picture: Ian Carr Picture: Pictures (l&r): SSgt Ratisalv Ochotnicky Ratisalv (l&r): SSgt Pictures
scrutinised each other’s every move. Every activity,” said Colonel Hughes. In places it is quite porous, with people sandbag added to a fortification, each Then there is the nature of it to regularly moving across it. aerial added to a checkpoint, is noticed and understand. It runs for 180km across the Ensuring that those moving through, protested against. north, occupying three per cent of the farming the land or working in the factories Sandwiched between them are 860 land, including some of the most valuable in the zone, have the necessary permission unarmed UN troops. It is their job to patrol agricultural land on the island. It is 7.4km to do so is also the job of the patrols. It this buffer zone, often in searing heat, and at its widest, and at its narrowest, in the requires tact and professionalism. “We impartially maintain the status quo by centre of Nicosia, it is a little over three might see someone harvesting asparagus spotting and reporting any infringements metres wide. “Here it’s called ‘Spear and ask to see their permit, “says Gunner of the conditions of the ceasefire and Alley’, because the Greeks and the Turks Chris Cobb of West Patrol. “They might not intervening as necessary. For, although the used to lean out of their bedroom windows like it, which is understandable. It’s like fighting between the Greeks and the Turks and try and stab each other with bayonets someone telling you what to do in your own may have stopped nearly 40 years ago, no taped to broom handles,” Lieutenant Chris garden. We let them have their moan, keep peace agreement has ever been signed. Finbow tells me later as I trudge round it in it friendly, and keep the temperature down.” Colonel Gerard Hughes, UNFICYP 40-degree heat. Sometimes the patrols have to deal Chief of Staff, explains: “It is our job The central part of the buffer zone in with hunters, “You can get eight or so with to maintain a stable platform for the Sector 2 runs through the centre of Nicosia. dogs and guns. We’re unarmed and they Cyprus peace process by preventing any Walking along it is a bizarre experience. can get a bit uppity; after all you’re spoiling reoccurrence of the fighting, or any military Butting right up on either side is the vibrant their fun. If they don’t have the right activity which would disturb that process.” capital city going about its business, yet in permits we get them to leave. Sometimes, But surely there isn’t anything to this narrow corridor the clocks stopped as they slope off, they may fire off a round worry about anymore is there? If this is nearly 40 years ago. Shops are frozen in behind you just to make a point. But they your point of view, a thousand incidents a aspic, their shelves filled with forgotten know there’s no point in shooting you, it year would prove you wrong. Some may brands waiting for customers who never would only make their lives difficult,” said seem trivial, after all, what’s a bit of name- come. In a showroom, cars sit under a layer Gunner George Turrell. calling between adults, or stone-throwing. of dust with just 38km on the clock. In a The responsibility for patrolling Sector
Picture: Ian Carr Picture: But things can escalate all too easily if tailor’s shop, a framed picture of a youthful 2 lies with the UK. It is arguably the most
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 13 OpToscaREport
of land in the buffer zone is under constant review. “We change the use of the zone where we want to change it. It’s not a free for all,” said Lieutenant Colonel Lyne. “Everything has a nuance. It is essential that you understand the context and likely outcomes before making any decisions or taking action because the knock on effect either on your patch, or in a neighbouring sector, could be considerable.” The operational planning here is the same as in any other theatre of operations, and having situational awareness is an important way to get ahead of the game. “If I send a unit out,” says Lieutenant Colonel Lyne, “they are as situationally aware of what’s going on in the buffer zone as I am.” A crucial element of the UNFICYP troops’ work is building up relationships Blues in twos: Gunners Chris Cobb with the opposing forces; getting to know and George Turrell of West Patrol the individuals and understanding the
Picture: Ian Carr Picture: background to why things have happened. “That way if a violation is reported, such as overmanning at a checkpoint, it is solved much more quickly because you are talking to someone in the Opfors (opposing forces) who knows you and who will sort it out,” said Lieutenant Colonel Lyne. Things at the micro-level really matter. When the Opfors leaders come together for discussions, at an impartial location in the buffer zone, it is the UNFICYP troops’ job to make sure it happens and goes smoothly. “ That sounds easy, but if you are there to enable them, you’d better make sure it’s done right. You don’t want to be the person that upsets it all because you have got your timings wrong and one side arrives early and gains a perceived advantage. All these little diplomatic niceties are great No careful owners: a showroom in when they work, but if you cock it up, it the buffer zone in Nicosia has the potential to cause great affront
Picture: SSgt Ratisalv Ochotnicky Ratisalv SSgt Picture: – all perhaps because a soldier didn’t understand that all-important operating complex of the sectors. “In the city, you have dealt with in isolation.” context,” added Lieutenant Colonel Lyne. the dense urban issues and the proximity Knowing exactly where the boundaries “That’s great for the wider development of population,” explains Lieutenant Colonel of the buffer zone are is not straight forward of the guys,” he added, “where else are Richard Lyne, 3 Royal Anglian Group’s either. “With today’s surveying technology they going to work in a mission where their Commanding Officer. “In the west, you have you would expect a set of very precise direct involvement and the decisions they primarily farming and minor commercial datum points,” said Lieutenant Colonel make as soldiers has such an impact?” activity. In the east it’s more about land Lyne. “But, when it was established, it was Lieutenant Colonel Lyne sees the type ownership and construction.” For example, done quickly by drawing a line on a map of work in Cyprus as a fundamental part of two farmers may have a dispute over who with a green crayon. So, for example, whole the role and development of a soldier. “In owns a piece of land and it may fall to the blocks of buildings are in the buffer zone any military activity you need people with patrol to calm things down. “Expansion of because they appear under the line.” a spectrum of experience, from combat the city as you see it today is constrained on It is cartographer Sergeant Liam operations to peacekeeping roles,” he says. either side by the buffer zone,” continues Asquith’s job to fine tune what is in and “At the end of combat ops in Afghanistan, Lieutenant Colonel Lyne, “so the value of what is outside the buffer zone, and to who knows what the next challenge will be? that land is increasing almost on a daily provide the information needed for the It may well be a peacekeeping op.Today you basis, so land ownership issues are a authorities to make decisions about plans need soldiers with that delicate balance of constant theme. The variety of issues is the for developments within the zone. For that mindsets, who can wade in and get things great thing about this operation. Whatever is another factor that UNFICYP must take sorted, but who are also able to step back happens in the buffer zone has some kind of into account in maintaining the status quo. and think about things – the UNFICYP military impact either directly or in second And, to help restore a state of experience certainly exposes you to a or third order effect terms. Nothing can be normalisation, the use and development unique challenge in that respect.” DF
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BIGPICTURE
Operations Room Royal Navy ratings at work in HMS Liverpool’s ops room during patrols off the coast of Libya. The Type 42 destroyer has moved to action stations approximately 30 times in the 100 days she has been patrolling as part of Operation ELLAMY Picture: LA(Phot) Caz Davies Picture:
16 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 vitalnumbers
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RAF Association (RAFA): Service Complaints Comradeship and care for current Commissioner: To make a and former RAF members. rafa. complaint or seek advice, contact: org.uk/welfare.asp. SCC@armedforcescomplaints. independent.gov.uk HIVE: Tri-Service information covering issues like education Naval Personal & Family Service and health. 167 offices. hive.mod. and Royal Marines Welfare uk. For out-of-hours’ emergencies call the NPFS duty worker in Royal British Legion: Charity the relevant next-of-kin area providing financial, social and emotional support to vets and or RM unit. NPFS East and serving, and dependents. Overseas - 02392 726 159 (via www.britishlegion.org.uk or call Officer-of-the-Watch). NPFS 08457 725 725. North - 01436 674 321 - (via duty naval base officer Ex. 4005) SSAFA Forces Help: Supports NPFS West and Eire - 01752 555 serving personnel, veterans and the families of both. Practical 220 - (via Officer-of-the-Watch). and financial assistance and RM Welfare - 01752 836 395 - emotional support.ssafa.org.uk (via duty officer, guardroom RM or call 0845 1300 975. Stonehouse).
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 17 AFGHANENGINEERS
Man with the plans: Major Mike Eytle and his team are preparing the way for 2014
Picture: Ian Carr Designs on the Future at lashkar gaH a royal engineers team is helping build a future beyond 2014 writes ian carr
uilding a new future for doing on their behalf,” said Major Eytle. Afghanistan has a more tangible An important part of the team’s work meaning for Royal Engineers is to develop Afghan expertise so that they BMajor Mike Eytle and his team will be able to plan, build and maintain than it does for most people. their own infrastructure in the future. Based at Lashkar Gah, they work for At the moment, the FCO and DFID the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction are the thematic heads for the district Team (PRT) as an engineering design planning budget, signing off work in consultancy, giving advice on a range accordance with the programme of work of projects that have been identified as prioritised by Governor Mangal. critical to the long-term success of the “We provide expertise across the whole transition of authority for security in the engineering process, including design province to the Afghans. and the placing of contracts for packages “Our job is to plan and deliver work of work. We know how to tender, project- in accordance with PRT requirements. manage, and go through the acceptance The newly-formed 28 government line and handover stage of a project. We also ministries are, with our help, beginning to perform the function of clerk of works Material world: concrete is replacing mud prioritise projects and to start to take on throughout the build phases. These are as the building material of choice
Picture: Ian Carr Picture: the work that, until now, the PRT has been skills that the construction industry in the
18 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 UK take for granted, but here they are new concepts,” said Major Eytle. And it is these types of skills that the team needs to pass onto Afghans in the line ministries. At the moment Major Eytle and his team regularly go out on the ground to check on their projects. The fact they are soldiers helps. “We have to beg, borrow or steal trips on patrols when we want to take a look,” said Major Eytle. Usually the stops are made en route as part of the patrol, with the engineers having no more than 20 minutes to make their assessments. “Because we are trained soldiers, we can get out to these places, Grand designs: 3D computer simulations, like this one of buildings and we are used to making quick, detailed at Bost Airport, help contractors understand what is required appraisals. But we’ve also got to check that the contractors are doing what they should be doing.” With the clock ticking to 2014, when the Afghans will need to be able to cope for themselves, and with an involvement in more than 100 projects ranging from the building of checkpoints to the construction and development of Bost Airport and the Helmand Police Training Centre, there is a lot to do. There are 17 in the team, with a core of eight who have a range of engineering skill sets, each of whom has responsibility for roughly a dozen projects at any one time. There are two Afghans attached to the team who have been brought in from Kabul. “People with the right skills are hard to find, but it is our intention to grow those skills; we are pushing hard,” said Major Eytle. According to him, the development of the road network has delivered the biggest gain so far. “It benefits the military and civilians alike, as it connects the district capital with villages and allows the Dig for victory: work underway for economy to grow,” he said. hardstanding buildings at a police checkpoint
New canals and irrigation systems Charlie Walsh Pictures: are also being created, with much of the maintenance already being taken care of by “We help companies to understand have had to teach our guys, when designing, Afghans. Such work, of course, is critical for what they need to do to satisfy pre- they need to do it to Afghan standards using the future of communities that depend on qualification questionnaires, just saying local materials and building methods, such agriculture, but more has to be done. ‘yes we can do the work’ isn’t enough. We as using arches and mud blocks, and to do it An important part of the team’s work send out the invitations to tender, and to traditional standards,” said Major Eytle. is carrying out needs assessments to help afterwards we back brief the companies But, while mud has been used the thematic heads and line ministries to who haven’t been shortlisted to explain successfully for centuries, concrete identify priorities, and to compile a list of why,” said Major Eytle. It’s time-consuming is becoming the must-have material, what already exists and make decisions work, but essential. presenting the engineers with another about what could be improved. “We also Naturally, when sending out tenders, challenge. “Using concrete is OK as long as have to make sure that Afghans know how Major Eytle and his team must translate the they use it properly, reinforcing it correctly to maintain things; they can’t just keep specifications into Dari and Pashto, but in a and remembering to tamp it down to building new things,” said Major Eytle. country where so many are illiterate, often remove air pockets,” said Major Eytle. To ensure that good practice is documents cannot be read and many even So there is a lot for the team to do, followed, a database of competent struggle to understand the concept of plans, from ensuring that local contractors know companies who have demonstrated their maps and drawings. To get round this, the how to lay concrete properly to helping the ability to tender for and produce work of an engineers include in the requirements Government decide what matters most acceptable standard is being compiled. Of printouts of 3D computer simulations of to the district. But if it’s a checkpoint, or the 500 or so companies on the database, what the end result should look like. a Chamber of Commerce that needs Major Eytle’s team has done business with But it is not just the Afghans who have building, Major Eytle and his men are the 150 of them. had to learn to look at things a new way: “I guys you want on the job. DF
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 19 verbatim Never waste a good crisis Andrew Manley, the man chosen to manage the new Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), TALKS to Leigh Hamilton ABOUT HOUSING, REBASING AND BUDGETS
DF: The DIO is a newly-formed part of the MOD. Can you explain what its key tasks and priorities are? AM: DIO was stood up on 1 April this year and its task is to manage all of the property assets of the MOD. It’s also there to maintain and construct new facilities and to provide all of the soft facilities management, including cleaning and catering on the estate. The core of Defence Infrastructure is the old Defence Estates organisation. Some people say that the big difference between the two is that Defence Infrastructure not only determines where people live and work, it also determines how people live and work. There is not a single person in the military that doesn’t live in one of our houses, work in one of our offices or train on part of our estate. Every day we touch the lives of every single person working in this organisation. We manage everything that Defence Estates did, plus some stuff that was out in the TLBs, plus all of the PFI contracts that look after the estate. In numbers, we’ve gone from being around 4,000 people to around 7,000 people and, while Defence Estates spent about £1.9bn a year, Defence Infrastructure will spend £3.2bn. Amongst our priorities is focusing on what we call an operational model, which is identifying what it is we do and how we do it. We also need to fix the less-than-perfect management information systems that underpin what we do. Our relationship with the user is also a priority area, and we are putting together a set of processes that will mean we work with the user to determine their long term demands of the estate and then do the operational planning year-on-year. We contract everything in from industry, so we are in the process of realigning a lot of the contracting that we are doing. The MOD engages about 500 different contractors on the infrastructure side, and we should rationalise that down into a much smaller number. The other priority is to Picture: Harland Quarrington Picture: rationalise the estate.
20 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 which we consider to be redundant. Directionally, DF: There seems to be less media criticism lately what it says is we will be in fewer places, but where of Service accommodation - have there been we are, we will have a bigger presence and a more improvements? sophisticated lay down of all the facilities you would AM: The quality of Service accommodation has expect to find in a garrison town. improved, especially family accommodation. Through The RAF rebasing means one very big change in a gradual programme of investment 96 per cent of it is that we will migrate the activities at RAF Leuchars in now considered ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Scotland up to RAF Lossiemouth, which is about 126 We’ve also invested a huge amount of money miles further north, and Leuchars will become an in the Single Living Accommodation Modernisation Army garrison. (SLAM) project. We have 130,000 single living bed What does all this mean for individuals? It spaces around the UK. Some of it is very, very good, means another move for a lot of people, but it’s not but half is still to the standard that we would consider unusual to find military personnel who have moved unacceptable. A lot of this is used for very transitory every two or three years during their career in this moves of troops who are moving around the country organisation. or going to an overseas assignment, but our intention Our plan is to work with the Services to try is to try to bring all of that older accommodation up to and mitigate as far as possible the impact of those standard, as far as possible. moves for people, such as moving them as part of the natural cycle in their careers. DF: Are further improvements to accommodation As you look at the new employment model, possible in the current financial climate? which is to try to provide greater stability for service AM: Budget restraints are not helping at the moment, personnel families going forward, obviously we’re but then the problem with Defence Infrastructure is that there is always a greater demand for accommodation, workshops and training estates than there ever is budget to provide it. One of the DIO’s key Every day we touch functions is to provide a balance between the demand of the user on one side and the available budget on the other. That’s exactly what the organisation is there the lives of every to manage, so that tension is an inherent part of our business model. We spend a large sum of money, but that doesn’t single person working absolve you of making hard choices. Single Living Accommodation is one we feel very sensitive about, in this organisation and it has a very obvious manifestation for single personnel who can one day be living in a brand spanking new living accommodation block that we looking to try to get a situation where the lay down built in the last two or three years, and suddenly find becomes rather more permanent. That allows us themselves in something that probably dates back to then to invest in a more routine basis in the sites that the 60s that hasn’t been upgraded for some time. we value, and stop spending money in one place just to find that we’ll then move units out of it. DF: You have been made the Senior Responsible We are working on a plan on how we do rebasing Owner for basing. How significant a change will the but this is a project that is going to last a decade. rebasing review have on the estate, and what will it mean in practice for personnel? DF: Is the future bright for DIO? AM: The biggest challenge that the DIO has got this AM: At the moment we’ve got a government which minute is how we rebase the Army out of Germany has made some very clear decisions about the and associated moves for the other two Services. The future of the military. We will progress with the Secretary of State has announced that, by the end of implementation of those decisions. That’s point the decade, the Army will be fully based back in the number one. UK, with the exception of Expeditionary Forces. That, Point number two is that we are in a time of tight of course, will have a significant impact, and we now budgets at the MOD following the global financial have to work out exactly which garrisons and bases crisis. They always say never waste a good crisis, we will use to accommodate the whole of the Army in because a good crisis can be the basis on which to the UK. initiate positive changes. The next point is that, with It will be the first time, I think, that we will my arrival from outside plus the preparedness of the have the majority of the Army in the UK for several current management team in DIO to really tackle the hundred years, which is no mean undertaking. You’re issues, we’ve suddenly got the opportunity to move not just talking about the soldiers, but their families forward and really transform this organisation. and all the support structures for them. It’s probably a once-in-a-decade opportunity On the ground it means that we will invest in to change what was an estates organisation, that certain bases to increase the capacity, and we will was not much loved by anybody in Defence, into recycle some RAF bases into being Army garrisons. something that might just be seen to be dynamic, We will equally look to close down a number of things effective and efficient. DF
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 21 MYMEDALS
Conspicuous Iraq Gallantry Cross Tours like Iraq are what most Afghanistan was definitely my people join the Army for, favourite tour. In 2006, we were though I had mixed emotions; Picture: Harland Quarrington Picture: going into Musa Qal’ah for a I didn’t know what to expect recce in Scimitar tanks and got but as a section second- fairly close to a village but didn’t in-command, I enjoyed the realise that the villagers had responsibility. Saddam was fled. All that remained were still in power when we went a few tractors and trailers, in. I was one of 40,000 soldiers which we now know were stationed in Kuwait waiting to filled with insurgents. We go over the border. Then, when kept a few Spartan vehicles on we crossed, there was nothing. high ground to give us cover, We stayed well clear of the but as we moved through population. As an Engineer, I the village our first vehicle looked for mines and helped got hit by a rocket-propelled build the field hospital. I missed grenade. Seconds later, our my family, but you try your best second vehicle got hit by an to crack on with the job and the improvised explosive device, camaraderie was brilliant. instantly killing three soldiers. Insurgents tried to ambush us from both sides, raining down Afghanistan I picked I have loads of memories of Compo up, Afghanistan, and every single day was a memory in itself. chucked him I had transferred in 2004 to over my shoulder The Life Guards where the and ran back to ceremonial side makes me so My Medals proud, and my first Trooping our Scimitar [the Colour] was a great day, Corporal of Horse Andy Radford, aged 29, joined despite a few nerves. A perk machine gun fire. the Royal Engineers in 1997. He now serves in of rank is that I get to pick my Travelling in a third Scimitar, own horse, so I normally pick all my training kicked into life The Life Guards and has been awarded four Jorrocks. and I fired into the ambush medals. Interview: Lorraine McBride. Afghanistan was very area. We didn’t think that different to that. Obviously, anyone could have survived the day in Musa Qal’ah, when I the explosion when suddenly somehow extracted back to HQ. was influenced by my gran who won my Conspicuous Gallantry our commander spotted a body But there was no time to switch was forever reminiscing about Cross, is going to remain in lying 50 metres from the blown off. While a Chinook flew Compo my granddad and her brothers my mind, but as hard as it up Scimitar. to Camp Bastion hospital, we who fought in the Second World undoubtedly was at times, our With the vehicle in flames, went back down with the Paras War, including my great uncle entire troop stuck together we initially thought the ‘body’ to extract bodies, including one who won a Military Medal. My with non-stop banter every day. was an insurgent, but realised it of my best mates. first tour to West Belfast was a Anything is fair game, and any was Trooper Martyn Compton. It was an honour to be very good eye-opener, mainly issue that anyone has is picked Immediately, I put on my helmet recognised, but at the same because we didn’t know who on. It sounds harsh but if you and webbing and exchanged time a total squadron effort. At was who. I mainly built anti-riot show you’re fed-up, you get glances with my commander, my investiture, the Queen was screens for riot marches, which twice as much stick, so it’s best sharing silent agreement that very well informed; in fact, she was something you’d never to put up and shut up or give it I would run 70 metres to get pretty much knew everything see in England. Our reception straight back. Compo. Luckily, as I fought about Compo and asked how he was definitely mixed and locals One of the funniest moments my way forward, two soldiers was. I was very impressed. either loved or hated us. My was in Now Zad when we were sprinted the length of the blown ‘lowlight’ has to be getting hit mortared all day, every day. up vehicle and gave me some with a brick in the throat by a There was a lull in mortar fire fire cover while I ran to Compo, kid, which was more funny than when we decided to dress up in who was barely conscious. anything else. He was probably anything we could find before I picked Compo up, chucked Northern Ireland only 10, the same age as my making our own camp video him over my shoulder, and Joining the Army was all I ever eldest son, but he had a good to lighten the mood. Even the ran back to our Scimitar and wanted to do as a small boy. I throw on him! Afghan soldiers joined in.
22 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011
NAVYMEDIC
Bag of tricks: Royal Navy Leading Medical Assistant Iola White (foreground) provides healthcare advice to local Afghans Navy medics on patrol in Helmand province Medical Assistant TANYA Wilson is one of around 75 members of the Royal Navy currently providing nearly 80 per cent of the front line medical cover in Helmand province.
aving joined the Royal Navy in to over 450 patrols per week, the team of also mentor the Afghan warriors who 2008, MA Wilson was last year Navy medics, with an average age of 25, serve alongside the ISAF troops and pass offered the chance to attach can expect to be out on the ground with on valuable healthcare advice to the local H to the Royal Marines for their their infantry colleagues for anything population. six-month tour of Afghanistan, and she between one and twelve hours at a time. One of 25 female Navy medics serving jumped at the chance. As well as looking after the British in Helmand at the moment Medical Providing lifesaving medical support Marines and soldiers, the Navy medics Assistant Wilson is currently working as
24 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 Wade in: Royal Marines from J Company, 42 Commando, cross a canal during a patrol in northern Nad ‘Ali district
Picture: Sergeant Ben Perkins RM
All smiles: Medical Assistant
Tanya Wilson David Hillhouse Leading Airman (Photographer) Picture: the medic for J Company, 42 Commando on the ground. armour, rifle and ammunition: Royal Marines. As well as providing immediate first “The weight is heavy but I need to She has swapped the wards of the aid at the scenes of incidents, she has also make sure I have everything, in case Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth found herself treating the Marines for less anything happens while on patrol. I can’t for the front line in Afghanistan where, serious ailments: complain really because what I carry isn’t since arriving in Nad ‘Ali back in April, “When I’m back at the patrol base, I anything compared to the amount of stuff she has been busy taking part in regular treat the guys for all sorts of things that the guys have to have with them.” patrols and operations with the men might be bothering them. We’ve seen The Navy medics currently in Helmand of J Company. She says it’s been quite quite a lot of heat injuries too, which isn’t will return to the UK when 3 Commando challenging: surprising given the conditions.” Brigade’s deployment ends in October “The work out here is so different to During the summer, temperatures in and, following a short period of leave they what I do at the hospital. I see a lot more Afghanistan can reach up to 50 degrees will resume their normal roles of looking primary healthcare and constantly feel on Celsius, and Medical Assistant Wilson after the sailors on board the Royal Navy’s standby, waiting for something to happen. says the heat has been the hardest thing warships and at shore establishments. It means it’s quite stressful because you to get used to; especially when she and Medical Assistant Wilson has enjoyed can never properly relax or be off duty.” the Marines have to conduct patrols in full her experiences: “It’s been really tough at Over the course of the deployment, body armour, and carry up to 35kg of kit. times but the best thing about working with Medical Assistant Wilson has had to deal For Medical Assistant Wilson, that the Marines, and J Company in particular, with serious life-threatening injuries from comprises mostly medical equipment and is their professionalism, banter and the improvised explosive devices, and other supplies that she might be required to use morale they provide. They’ve really made wounds sustained by the troops in combat when out on the ground, as well as body me feel part of their team.” DF
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 25 ironmanTriathlon Man of steel amputee Marine Joe Townsend has rACED to ironman glory. Interview: Lorraine McBRIDE
ew PEOPLE could match Marine Marine used to being at peak fitness, you grey lake buzzing that he’d smashed his Joe Townsend’s sheer athletic sense that some moments must have been personal best by 25 minutes. Next, he piled achievement, and grit. On a overwhelming, and he doesn’t disagree. onto an adapted race bike that he pedalled F sweltering day this summer (one “It was gutting to go from being big into with his hands, and set off. of the few), he completed the 140-mile physical fitness to totally dependent on The final segment was the marathon, Ironman Triathlon for the Headley Court others. I couldn’t wash, eat, and when I but nothing prepared him for the warmth team, and was the only double amputee to started in the gym, I could barely lift half-a- of the crowd. “They were amazing. Tens complete the entire course. kilo. My body fat just stripped down to of thousands of spectators lined the The Triathlon comprises a 2.4-mile nothing.” streets, and they all knew my name for swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2- Luckily, he made the mental leap some reason. It was surreal, but when mile marathon, which Marine Townsend almost instantly, so was able to banish any I came along feeling tired and people undertook on a racing wheelchair. thoughts of “why me?” from his mind. He screamed my name it really helped me He lost both legs in Afghanistan, credits the Marines for making morale- pick up the pace.” in February 2008, in an IED explosion. boosting visits to him in hospital. Then, The toughest part of the course was “Suddenly, I was thrown up into the air when he arrived at Headley Court in June the bike ride, but even pain wasn’t enough with a huge bang,” he says. “It was surreal. 2009, he met other injured Marines in the to dampen his spirit. “I was going to make I remember flying through the air and same boat and felt instantly at home. it to the end. I wanted to be an Ironman.” hitting the ground. “ When it dawned on “Headley Court has the biggest At one stage of the marathon, him that he had been injured, he thought, military banter you could possibly find,” hundreds of able-bodied triathletes “Crap, it is me who has been hit!” he says. “To have that support from the shuffled at a snail’s pace, but when they Amid the chaos, and despite a lads, when you are laughing and joking, spotted Marine Townsend they broke into shattered elbow, he showed remarkable makes everything easier.” He also credits applause and reinvigorated themselves. composure by reaching for a tourniquet. patients’ remarkable progress to Headley Crossing the finish line, he let go his “I could see my right leg was missing Court’s dedicated, caring staff. feelings. “I was filled with a massive sense and the other was hanging off,” he “My physio, Kate Sherman, has been of overwhelming emotion. I don’t like to remembers. “But I knew that I had to stop with me from day one, and it is down to admit it, but I cried my eyes out,” he says, the bleeding.” Amazingly, he didn’t feel her nagging that I have pushed as far as I finally showing that he is flesh-and-blood a thing, as adrenaline and shock surged have.” But he also knows the frustration of like the rest of us. through his body. “But when I woke up, I how slow treatment can be, and counsels Every penny raised by the 20-strong was in a lot of pain,” he explains. lads who struggle mentally. “I gee them up True Spirit Headley Court team will be His next memory is of being patched and tell them, ‘Look, I’ve done it mate, you split between Headley Court, the British up by his fellow Marines, who loaded him can do it too’.” Limbless Ex Servicemen’s Association, the onto a stretcher and raced towards a Marine Townsend’s own watershed Royal Marines Association and ABF The helicopter to fly to Camp Bastion. There came last summer, when he vowed to give Soldiers’ Charity. he fell into darkness until he woke up, a up his wheelchair after struggling to adapt So what’s next? Marine Townsend, fortnight later, in Selly Oak’s intensive care to his prosthetic legs. aged 23, is taking a breather before unit to see the pale, drawn faces of his dad “It was such hard work, and I found returning to Headley Court for more rehab. and brother by his bedside. myself spending more and more time in a He has endured more than 40 operations In his morphine fog, Marine Townsend wheelchair,” he says. to date so, understandably, he’s hazy on thought he was still fighting in Helmand “Eventually I decided the only way that what his future holds. But he would make a and asked, in bewilderment, “What the hell I was going to get rid of my wheelchair was natural motivational speaker. are you two doing out here?” if I gave it up. I spent a couple of months of He dreams of representing GB in the It was the start of a five-and-a-half- really hard graft on my legs, getting used Paralympics Triathlon in 2016, and only a month marathon stay in hospital that was to them, and now I’m full time on them.” fool would bet against him. often touch and go. “During those first Since then, he has stoically learned “Along the way, there have been so few weeks, I was rushed into emergency to live with the phantom pains. And six many massive achievements for me,” he surgery a few times and they didn’t know months’ hard training has transformed grins. “From being bed-bound, to sitting whether I would come back out,” he says. his fitness. Although, in January, he could in a wheelchair, walking on prosthetics, “My mum was called in a few times to say barely swim, after a few lessons in Headley relearning to drive, and learning to cycle goodbye.” Court’s pool, he improved enough to take and ski, but Ironman is definitely the After six weeks, Marine Townsend the plunge in Heron Lake off the M25. biggest achievement of my life.” DF was moved to the burns and plastics ward During the Ironman event in Bolton, to begin the slow path to recovery. For a Marine Townsend climbed out of the To donate, log on to www.truespirit.org.uk
26 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 Pictures: Hayley Wright at the Ironman finish line finish Ironman the at M N o ordinary Joe: Joe: ordinary o arine Joe Joe arine T
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By Nick Imm, a Naval Surgeon Commander in HM Naval Base, Faslane
Hello from the medical centre at HM Naval Base Clyde. Compared with most tumours, testicular cancer is rather unusual. Firstly it tends to affect younger men - it is the most common cancer in those aged 20-35 years. In fact, one man in 500 can expect to develop the disease by the age of 50. Secondly, it’s also unusual for another important reason - when it is diagnosed early, it has a cure rate of more than 90 per cent. Some men are more at risk than others. Your risk is increased if you have a first degree relative (brother, father, son) with the condition or if you have a history of undescended testicles. So, what are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
n a lump in the testicle n swelling of the testicle n an aching sensation in the abdomen or groin n a feeling of heaviness or dragging in the scrotum
Testicular cancer is the most common type to strike young men but highly treatable if caught early Testicular cancer
28 | www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 ,
Summer Food Test set: test yourself often and keep healthy Poisoning
A simple Summer Barbecue can be deadly if food is undercooked. Follow our tips for al fresco dining
Every year in the UK it is estimated that there are around one million cases of food poisoning, resulting in 20,000 people needing to be hospitalised and nearly 500 deaths. Almost half of all cases are due to bacteria such as Salmonella and there are significantly more cases during the summer. The barbecue appears to be a key factor in the seasonal increase. Very often when barbecuing, basic hygiene is forgotten and people do things they would not dream of doing in the kitchen. Not all lumps are cancer so The most common problem in warm, soapy water between is cross-contamination, often temperature readings to avoid don’t panic – cysts and swollen caused by using the same tongs cross-contamination. veins are common too. for raw and cooked meat. Although the barbecue may Useful tips: heat up the tongs and so help • Wash your hands thoroughly Obviously, you’re only going to find a lump if destroy some bacteria, if a after handling raw meat you look for it. That’s why all men should check raw steak is put on and then a • Use separate utensils for raw their testicles about once a month. When you’re cooked burger taken off, there and cooked meat relaxed - after a shower or bath - gently roll each is an immediate transfer of • Never put cooked food on a testicle between finger and thumb. You’ll probably germs. The same applies to the plate or surface that has been notice the epididymis - a soft bit at the top of each transfer of food to plates. If you used for raw meat unless it testicle. Other than that they should be like smooth have raw meat on a plate and has been washed thoroughly plums. What you need to be concerned about are any after cooking it put it back on • Do not put raw meat products irregular hard lumps or swellings. the same plate, the cooked food next to cooked or partially If you do find a lump, make an appointment to soaks up the raw meat juices cooked meat on the BBQ see your GP. Don’t put it off for ages - you’ll only and its associated bacteria. • Cover and refrigerate worry more. Ask to see a male doctor if it would Bacteria such as E. coli and leftovers within one hour make you less anxious. Not all lumps are cancer so Salmonella are killed by heat. otherwise throw away. don’t panic - cysts and swollen veins are common Raw meat must be cooked too. Your GP will be able to tell you if any further properly to a safe internal This article is intended as tests are needed. temperature to avoid food- general information only. If If your GP is concerned, you’ll be quickly borne illness. you or a family member have referred to your local hospital for an ultrasound Colour alone is not a reliable any medical concerns, please scan. This is simple, painless and takes just a few indicator that meat is safe to contact your GP or medic. minutes. The scan can tell the difference between eat. Meat can turn brown before simple cysts and cancerous growths and any further all the bacteria are killed but a treatment will depend on the result. digital food thermometer can New medicines have led to a high cure rate provide an element of accuracy. for testicular cancer. Most patients cured of this Make sure you check each condition will have no long-term side effects and piece of meat or patty as heat This article comes to you most will retain their fertility. As with most medical can be transferred unevenly from CS Healthcare, the problems, the quicker you seek help the better, so across the barbecue. Roasts, specialist provider of get in the habit of checking yourself every month. chops, other beef cuts and fish health insurance for civil Stay healthy and I’ll see you next month. should be cooked to an internal servants. Telephone temperature of at least 145ºF. 0800 917 4325. n This is general information only. If you have any Remember to always clean cshealthcare.co.uk medical concerns please see your medic or GP. DF your digital food thermometer
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 29 PUZZLES sudoku chess I have two news items for you this month. The first is to tell you that the MOD finally has a chess team competing in Compiled by: the annual CSSC games this Carl Portman month. I am privileged to be the captain and I will tell you how it went and introduce you to the team next issue. We are called The MOD Hatters which says it all really! We’ll be playing quickplay chess at 25 minutes per game so we’ll need to be on our toes. Still, we are the MOD and strategic war games should be what we are is in check and therefore to move, and black good at – no pressure then. is relishing the position when the king goes The second point is to note in your to e2. How did white surprise black? Send Fill in the grid so that diary that the best chess players in the your answers to me at carl.portman282@ every row, every world will be playing in the London Chess mod.uk column and every Classic from 3-12 December at the Olympia The first correct answer out of the hat 3x3 box contains the Conference Centre. Check out the details wins a copy of the DVD ‘The ABC of the numbers 1 to 9 online at www.londonchessclassic. Modern Slav’ by Andrew Martin, valued com and please do find reasons to go. at over £20 and supplied by those lovely The organiser, Malcolm Pein, has done people at Chessbase, so please visit www. Solution to the everything possible to make this festival chessbase.com August 2011 puzzle of chess one of the best experiences you The answer to August’s problem was n Send in your Sudoku solution will ever have. You can even play the great 1.Bxc7+! Kxc7 (1…Ka8 2.Rxe1 Rxe1 3. by 30 September and you could Viktor Korchnoi if you book in time, so keep Qd8+ mating and if 1…Kc8 then 2.Rxe1) win a Maglite torch. Our address is watching the website. 2.Nb5+ Kb8 3.Qa7 checkmate. Winner to be on page 4. For more info, visit www. maglite.com, and for nearest stockist Study the following position from the announced. July and August winners will details call Burton McCall on 0116 234 44. game Nunn-Seirawan, Monaco 1994. White be announced shortly.
topical solution (no peeking)
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30 | defencefocus.www.mod.uk/DNEefenceInT | JUNEt erne2010 t/DefenceNews | SEPTEMBER 2011 To win, offers just email your name, address and phone number to [email protected] by n One night’s accommodation 10 Oct 2011. Include the phrase n A bottle of Prosecco and home-made ‘Sicily’ in the amaretti biscuits in room upon arrival subject line. n Three-course Sicilian dinner in Refettorio n Breakfast n A signed copy of the book ‘Made in Sicily’
The Crowne Plaza London - The City at 19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 6DB, is delighted to offer one Defence Focus reader and their guest the Made in Sicily package, with an exclusive upgrade to a Club Room. The prize is subject to availability and must be taken by 31 January 2012. Please note the menu lasts until 10 December 2011. Should the prize be taken after this date, guests must choose from an alternative menu. For further information about the mamma mia! Win a Made in Sicily package, and bookings, contact: 020 7438 8000, visit www.crowneplaza.com/londonthecity or hotel break for two www.refettorio.com.
To celebrate the launch of Michelin- everything Italian, Refettorio promises Terms and conditions: The prize is for a Made in starred chef Giorgio Locatelli’s latest once again to bring ‘a little corner of Sicily package and will include an overnight stay for book, ‘Made in Sicily’, Refettorio, one Italy’ to the heart of the city. During two, a bottle of Prosecco and home-made amaretti of London’s finest Italian restaurants, the promotion, Refettorio’s head chef, biscuits in room on arrival, three-course Sicilian dinner in Refettorio restaurant, breakfast, and a located at the Crowne Plaza London - Alessandro Bay, will produce a special signed copy of Giorgio Locatelli’s Made in Sicily The City, will be the setting for a Made Sicilian-inspired taster menu, replicating book. It is valid until 31 January 2012 and is subject in Sicily promotion from 3 October to 10 dishes from the book. to availability. There is no cash alternative. Travel December 2011, priced from £275. The Sicilian-themed package and all extras are not included in the prize. Entrants must be over 18 years of age. Maintaining its authentic links with includes the following:
To w just email your name,in, address and phone number to [email protected] by tank warfare 10 Oct 2011. Include the phrase WORLD OF TANKS is the first medium tanks, or become a ‘Roccat’ in the and only team-based online heavy sniper with long-range subject line. action game dedicated to howitzers, each tank has its armoured warfare. Throw own advantages and can be yourself into epic tank battles extremely effective when of the Second World War with operated by a true tank ace. other steel cowboys worldwide. But being a great tank Your arsenal includes more commander alone isn’t enough than 150 armoured vehicles to win. In World of Tanks, victory from America, Germany and is achieved by combining your the Soviet Union, detailed with combat skills with other team historical accuracy. members, each playing their A flexible system of own role on the battlefield. authentic vehicle upgrades This fantastic prize allows you to try any of the comprises a gaming mouse, vehicles and weapons in the keyboard, headset from Roccat game. Whether you prefer gaming products, and gold to exhaust your foes with credit for the online game. enter the draw Send your name, address highly manoeuvrable light For more log on to and work phone number to steve.houlton152@ tanks, make deep breaches in www.worldoftanks.eu or mod.uk by 31 October. Include the phrase Quad enemy lines with all-purpose www.gem.co.uk Safari in the email subject line. Good luck!
SEPTEMBER 2011 | ISSUE 255 | 31 combatbarbie