Queen’s Gurkha Signals

Queen’s Gurkha Signals

246 Gurkha Signal Squadron, part of 2 Signal Regiment, deployed to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 13, in August and took over the Helmand Information Communication Services Signal Squadron (HICSSS) role. The Squadron had troops and detachments scattered throughout Helmand Province. The Squadron Headquarters and a Troop were based in Camp Bastion and a Troop was in Lashkar Gah. Forward Troop had its Information Communication Service (ICS) detachments deployed out to Forward Operating Bases (FOB) and Patrol Bases (PB) at Juno, PB2, Gereshk, Shawqat, Shazad and Sangin. The Shazad ICS Detachment commanded by Sgt Dipak Gurung also comprised Cpl Min “Bhale” Gurung (RSE), Cpl Naresh Rai (CSEng (T)), LCpl Liam Megson (CSEng (I)) and LCpl Yam Gurung (CS Operator). The detachment supported the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment Battlegroup (BG) Headquarters, part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, in Combined Forces Nad-E-Ali (North). Originally the detachment supported the Theatre Reserve Battalion, 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. The ICS provided by the detachment to the Battlegroup included the Mission Secret (MS) network and Blue VoIP phones provided through the ‘OVERTASK' system, using a VSAT satellite bearer. A SWE=DISH satellite bearer also provided Promina Red and Black voice and data services. FEPS generators supplied power for the Communications “SPECTRE” cabin, the HQ building and most of the FOB which was looked after by the ICS electrician Cpl Min. The detachment also had responsibility for 1st Line Technical Support to the OVERTASK Remote Access System (ORAS) sites providing Mission Secret services to the front line in PB ‘Khamar’ and PB ‘Wahid’. A Direct Line Of Sight (DLOS) system called Project KESTREL was also installed in Shazad to improve the bandwidth and speed of MS network traffic, but was still being engineered to become fully operational. The everyday jobs included maintaining and sustaining ICS services to the Battlegroup around the clock, which was done exceptionally well with minimal manpower. Usually the crew was involved in fixing issues on users’ computers and phones as well as on the servers, satellite bearers and power supply. The detachment handled Statement of Requirements and Requests for Change, and wherever possible delivered capability. Manpower was also provided for force protection of the FOB. Life in ICS Shazad settled into a good routine. Accommodation was in an 18 x 24 tent. Boilers were installed so we had hot showers. Toilet facilities were very basic and limited to ‘desert roses’ (polyethylene pipes spiked on the Queen’s Gurkha Signals Life in a Forward Operating Base By Sgt Dipak Gurung ground) and disposable silver bags. Amenities were basic, even though the base was expanding into an FOB. There was ‘wifi’ internet in the welfare room and Iridium hand-held Paradigm phones were used for welfare phone calls. There was also BFBS radio reception and a television in the communal area where we could relax during any free time. It was an interesting tour working in a forward location. Although we settled into a regular pattern of life, we remained vigilant and ready to react to insurgent fire and the threat of attack. We respected our infantry comrades at the checkpoints who were involved in difficult and dangerous situations daily. Small-arms fire was very frequent in FOB Shazad with the insurgents actively targeting the helicopters when they were landing and taking off. The locals also enjoyed shooting the surveillance balloon that carried a number of high-powered cameras that were used for observation. When we first arrived, there was no perimeter for the camp and locals could walk in and out freely. However we have established an all round HESCO perimeter built by a troop of 69 Squadron The Queen's Gurkha Engineers, part of 29 Regt RE. Sadly, when building the camp perimeter, a young sapper, Ishwor Gurung, was killed in action when working on top of a 30-foot tall “super” sangar roof. Usually, the checkpoints in and around FOB Shazad were fired on by the enemy every day. The roar of gun fire from the artillery battery next door, Apache helicopter fire and GPMG bursts reverberated throughout the day and night. The spirit in the detachment was constantly buoyant. We received lots of mail and parcels from home. Furthermore, we were visited by the CO, Lt Col Knott, and our OC, Maj Dagless. Our thanks go to the welfare charities for sending us free goodies and in particular to Mrs Dagless (Maj Dagless’s mother) for continually supplying us with delicious homemade shortbread. ICS Detachment Shazad did well. The support to both Battlegroups was outstanding and we kept it going until we handed over to 3 (UK) Divisional Signal Regiment. No matter how vulnerable our position in a forward location, everyone’s morale was high and we were keen to keep providing close support to our comrades in the front line. Jai 246 GSS!
source: khukuri-2011 pdf