Operation Herrick order of battle
This is the Operation Herrick order of battle, which lists the British forces that have taken part in the duration of Operation Herrick between 2002 and 2014
Ground Forces
Kabul
Operation Herrick began in 2002 on the end of Operation Fingal, which saw Britain hand command of the ISAF force to Turkey. At that point, the deployment was scaled back from 2,100 to approximately 300, primarily concerned with security in Kabul, and manning the UK Afghan National Army Training Team (UKANATT).
In 2003, the deployment in Kabul was expanded to battalion size when two Provincial Reconstruction Teams were established, along with a rapid reaction force, based around a light role infantry battalion, the Afghanistan Roulement Infantry Battalion (ARIB).
ARIB Deployments
- October 2003-April 2004: 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- April 2004-October 2004: 1st Battalion, The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment)
- October 2004-April 2005: 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot)
- April 2005-October 2005: 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- October 2005-April 2006: 1st Battalion, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry
- April 2006-October 2006: 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment
- October 2006-April 2007: 45 Commando, Royal Marines
- January 2007-May 2007: Elements of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Theatre Reserve Battalion)
- April 2007-October 2007: 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards
- October 2007-April 2008: 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh (Royal Welch Fusiliers)
Helmand
In January 2006, the Government announced that, due to the worsening situation in the south of Afghanistan, a brigade sized formation numbering approximately 3,300, Task Force Helmand, would be deployed to Helmand Province.[1]
Deployments
Operation Herrick IV
May – November 2006:[1]
- HQ, 16 Air Assault Brigade
- Household Cavalry Regiment - 1 sqn
- 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
- Elements of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling), 83rd, 87th and Ulster Defence Regiment)
- 216 Signal Squadron
- 7th (Parachute) Regiment Royal Horse Artillery - 1 bty
- 9th Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 bty
- 39 Regiment, Royal Engineers
- 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- 29 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 13 (Air Assault) Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 7th Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 16 Close Support Medical Regiment
- 5th Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 Battery (STA
- 1 Regiment Royal Military Police - 114 Pro Coy (RMP)
- Elements of The 2nd battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Theatre Reserve Battalion)
Operation Herrick V
November 2006 - April 2007:[2]
- HQ, 3 Commando Brigade
- The Light Dragoons - 1 sqn[3]
- 45 Commando, Royal Marines
- 42 Commando, Royal Marines
- 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 bty of UAVs
- 29th Commando Regiment Royal Artillery
- 9th Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 28 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- 59 Independent Commando Squadron, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- Commando Logistic Regiment
- 27 Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 29 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 22 Field Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps
- Elements of The 2nd battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Theatre Reserve Battalion)
Operation Herrick VI
April – October 2007:[4]
- HQ, 12 Mechanised Brigade
- The Light Dragoons
- 2nd Royal Tank Regiment - 1 Sqn
- 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards[5]
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment[5]
- 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot)*
- 19th Regiment Royal Artillery
- 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 bty of UAVs
- 39th Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 Troop of MLRS
- 3rd Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 9th Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 26 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- 4 Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 4 General Support Medical Regiment
- 212 Field Hospital (V), Royal Army Medical Corps
- Somme Company, Comprised mainly of elements of The London Regiment (V), also a platoon of Grenadier Guards and individual members of the Reserve Forces.
In February 2007, it was announced that an additional 1,400 troops would be deployed to Afghanistan, primarily formed as a battlegroup around a light infantry battalion, the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (Royal Welch Fusiliers).
*Renamed as 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) 01/09/07
Operation Herrick VII
October 2007 - April 2008:[6][7]
- HQ 52 Infantry Brigade
- 258 Signal Squadron Royal Corps of Signals - Bde HQ
- Household Cavalry Regiment - 1 sqn
- 40 Commando, Royal Marines
- 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards
- 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th, 19th and 33rd/76th Foot) (Green Howards)
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- 4th Regiment Royal Artillery
- 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 bty of UAVs
- 39th Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 Troop of MLRS
- 36 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 170 (Infra Sp) Engineer Group, Royal Engineers
- Elements of Kings Royal Hussars
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- Elements of 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare)
- Elements of 3rd Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 27 Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 5 General Support Medical Regiment
- 1st Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 101 Provost Company, Royal Military Police
Operation Herrick VIII
April – October 2008:[8]
- HQ 16 Air Assault Brigade
- Household Cavalry Regiment - 1 sqn
- Queen's Royal Lancers - A Sqn
- The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling), 83rd, 87th and Ulster Defence Regiment)
- 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
- 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
- 7th (Parachute) Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
- 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 bty of UAVs
- 39th Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 Troop of MLRS
- 23 (Air Assault) Regiment, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 170 (Infra Sp) Engineer Group, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- 13 (Air Assault) Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 6 Supply Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 16 Close Support Medical Regiment
- 7th Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
*Elements of the Theatre Reserve Battalion, 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires) were deployed in support of both 16 Air Assault Brigade and 3 Commando Brigade
Operation Herrick IX
October 2008 - April 2009:[9]
- HQ 3 Commando Brigade
- 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards - 1 sqn
- 42 Commando, Royal Marines
- 45 Commando, Royal Marines
- 1st Battalion, The Rifles
- 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment - 1 Armoured Infantry company group
- 2nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment - Theatre Reserve Battalion deployment
- 29 (Commando) Regiment Royal Artillery
- 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 bty of UAVs
- 39th Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 Troop of MLRS
- 24 (Commando) Regiment, Royal Engineers
- 77 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 35 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 170 (Infra Sp) Engineer Group, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- Commando Logistic Regiment, Royal Marines
- 3rd Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Operation Herrick X
April – October 2009:[10]
- HQ 19 Light Brigade
- The Light Dragoons
- 2nd Royal Tank Regiment - 1 Sqn
- 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
- 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards
- The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters)
- 2nd Battalion, The Rifles
- 4th Battalion, The Rifles
- 40 Regiment Royal Artillery
- 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 bty of UAVs
- 39th Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 Troop of MLRS
- 38 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 170 (Infra Sp) Engineer Group, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- 19 Combat Service Support Battalion
- 4th Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 2 Medical Regiment
- 173rd Provost Company [Royal Military Police]
- 5th Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 Battery (STA)
- NORMANDY Coy, 4th (V) Battalion, The Mercian Regiment
Operation Herrick XI
October 2009 - April 2010:[11][12]
- HQ 11 Light Brigade
- The Household Cavalry Regiment
- 1st Royal Tank Regiment - D Sqn
- Elements of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment
- 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards
- 3rd Battalion, The Rifles
- A Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh (Royal Welch Fusiliers)
- 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th, 19th & 33rd/76th Foot) (Green Howards)
- 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
- 28 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 170 (Infra Sp) Engineer Group, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- 104 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment
- 261 Signals Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals
- 1 Battery from 5th Regiment Royal Artillery
- Elements of 256 (City of London) Field Hospital (V)
- Theatre Logistics Group - 9 Regiment RLC
In October 2009, the total force was increased to 9,000 personnel with the addition of several other units:
- 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment - 3 coy
- 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire & Border) - 1 coy
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland - 1 coy
Operation Herrick XII
April - October 2010:[13]
- HQ 4 Mechanized Brigade
- 206 Signal Squadron Royal Signals
- Royal Dragoon Guards - 3 sqns
- Queen's Royal Lancers
- 40 Commando, Royal Marines
- 1st Battalion, Scots Guards
- The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border)
- 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire)
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- 4th Regiment Royal Artillery
- 21 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- 3 Medical Regiment
- 34 Field Hospital
- 1st Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 101st Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Theatre Logistics Group - 8 Regiment RLC
- Weapon Intelligence Specilist Company
Operation Herrick XIII
October 2010 - April 2011:[14]
- HQ, 16 Air Assault Brigade
- 216 Parachute Signal Squadron
- Household Cavalry Regiment - 1 Sqn
- 2nd Royal Tank Regiment - 3 Sqn, HQ Elements
- 1st Battalion, Irish Guards
- The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling), 83rd, 87th and Ulster Defence Regiment)
- 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
- 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
- Elements of 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
- Elements of 4th Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
- Z Battery (STA), 5th Regiment Royal Artillery
- 7th (Parachute) Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
- 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 bty of UAVs
- 39th Regiment Royal Artillery - 1 Troop of MLRS
- 23 (Air Assault) Regiment, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 170 (Infra Sp) Engineer Group, Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- Theatre Logistics Group - 17 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC
- 13 (Air Assault) Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 6 Supply Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 16 Close Support Medical Regiment
207 (Manchester) Field Hospital-212 (Sheffield)Field Hospital
- 7th Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Operation Herrick XIV
- HQ 3 Commando Brigade
- The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys)
- The 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales')
- 30 Commando (IX), Royal Marines
- 42 Commando, Royal Marines
- 45 Commando, Royal Marines
- 1st Battalion, The Rifles
- The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Staffords)[17]
- 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- 29 (Commando) Regiment, Royal Artillery
- 53 (Louisburg) Battery RA
- 24 (Commando) Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers,
- 32 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- 32 Reg Royal Artillery
- Elements of 33 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Engineers
- Elements of 11 EOD Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Royal Logistic Corps
- Commando Logistic Regiment, Royal Marines
- 2 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Operation Herrick XV
October 2011 - April 2012:[18][19]
- HQ 20th Armoured Brigade
- 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards
- The Queen's Royal Hussars (Queen's Own and Royal Irish)
- The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
- 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
- 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters & Foresters)
- 2nd Battalion, The Rifles
- 5th Battalion, The Rifles
- 35 Engineer Regiment, Corps of Royal Engineers+ 11 Fd Sqn 38 Engr Regt
- 1 Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 1 Medical Regiment
- 3 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
- 110 Provost Company
- Elements 33 Engineer Regiment(EOD)
- Elements 170 Infra Sp Engr Gp Royal Engineers
Operation Herrick XVI
April - October 2012:[20]
- HQ 12 Mechanised Brigade
- The King's Royal Hussars.[21]
- The Light Dragoons.[21]
- 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards.[21]
- 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards.[21]
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.[21]
- 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th, 19th and 33rd/76th Foot) (Duke of Wellington's).[21]
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh (Royal Welch Fusiliers).[21]
- 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles.
- 3rd Battalion, The Rifles.[21]
- 4 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.[21]
- 1st Royal Tank Regiment.[21]
- 19th Regiment Royal Artillery.[21]
- 26 Regiment, Royal Engineers.[21]
- 16 Regiment, Royal Signals.
- 4 Logistic Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.[21]
- 10 The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.
- 4 Medical Regiment Royal Army Medical Corps.[21]
- 228 Signals Squadron.[21]
- 174 Provost Company, Royal Military Police.[21]
Operation Herrick XVII
October 2012 - April 2013:[22]
- HQ 4 Mechanized Brigade
- The Royal Dragoon Guards
- The Queen's Royal Lancers
- 1st Battalion, Scots Guards
- The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border)
- 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire)
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- 40 Commando Royal Marines
- 4th Regiment, Royal Artillery
- 93 (Le Cateau) Battery 5th Regiment, Royal Artillery
- 21 Regiment, Royal Engineers
- 7 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 12 Logistic Support Regiment
- 3 Medical Regiment
- 1st Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 150 Provost Company, Royal Military Police
- 1st Armoured Infantry Brigade
Operation Herrick XVIII
- HQ 1 Mechanized Brigade
- 215 Signal Squadron (Brigade Headquarters)
- Household Cavalry Regiment (Formation Reconnaissance)
- 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (Armoured)
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Armoured Infantry)
- 4th Battalion, The Rifles (Mechanized Infantry)
- No. 2 Coy, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards (Brigade Operations Company)
- The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (Light Role Infantry)
- 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border) (Light Role Infantry)
- 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (Light Role Artillery)
- Z Battery, Royal Artillery (Surveillance & Target Acquisition)
- 22 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- 3 Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 5 Medical Regiment, Royal Army Medical Corps
- 6 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Operation Herrick XIX
October 2013 - June 2014:[25]
- HQ 7 Armoured Brigade
- 207 Signal Squadron (Brigade Headquarters)
- 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's) (Formation Reconnaissance)
- The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys) (Armoured)
- 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards (Light Infantry)
- 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) (Armoured Infantry)
- The Highlanders, 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (Armoured Infantry)
- 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment (Light Role Infantry)
- 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (Light Role Artillery)
- 32 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
- 32 Reg Royal Artillery (UAV)
- 2 Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
- 2 Medical Regiment, Royal Army Medical Corps
- 2 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Operation Herrick XX
June 2014 - December 2014:[26]
- Elements of 20th Armoured Brigade HQ
- HQ 102 Logistic Brigade
- 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards
- Elements of the Queen's Royal Hussars
- Elements of 5th Regiment Royal Artillery
- 26th Regiment Royal Artillery
- Elements of 39th Regiment Royal Artillery
- Elements of 47th Regiment Royal Artillery
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
- Elements of 35 Engineer Regiment
- Elements of 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic)
- 64 Works Group Royal Engineers
- 1st (United Kingdom) Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment
- Elements of 10 Signal Regiment
- Elements of 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) (Electronic Warfare)
- Elements of 15 Signal Regiment (Information Support) (Information Support)
- Elements of 30 Signal Regiment
- Elements of 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
- 2nd Battalion, The Rifles
- 5th Battalion, The Rifles
- Elements of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps
- 1 Logistic Support Regiment RLC
- Elements of 6 Regiment RLC
- Elements of 7 Regiment RLC
- Elements of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment RLC
- Elements of 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC
- Elements of 29 Regiment RLC
- 1 Medical Regiment
- 34 Field Hospital
- 3 Close Support Battalion REME
- Elements of 102 Battalion REME
- Elements of 1st Regiment Royal Military Police
- Elements of Special Investigation Branch (United Kingdom) Royal Military Police
- Elements of Close Protection Unit Royal Military Police
- Elements of the Military Provost Staff
- Elements of 1st Military Working Dog Regiment
- Elements of 1 Military Intelligence Battalion
- Elements of 2 Military Intelligence Battalion
- Elements of 4 Military Intelligence Battalion
- Elements of 7th Battalion The Rifles
- Elements of 150 (Yorkshire) Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
- Elements of 159 Supply Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
- 2 Operational Support Group Royal Logistic Corps
- Elements of Headquarters Expeditionary Forces Institute and 148 (Expeditionary Forces Institute) Squadron Royal Logistic Corps
- No. 7 Force Protection Wing RAF (HQ)
- No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment
- No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment
- Number 2 Tactical Police Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Number 609 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Logistic Support
Supporting the UK force is HQ Joint Force Support (Afghanistan)(JFSp(A)). This 1* headquarters has commands the Theatre Logistics Group, Theatre Provost Group, Theatre Medical Group and Theatre Equipment Support Group. It also includes elements of the Engineer Group, coordinated by the Joint Force Engineer. These force elements are split between Kandahar Airfield and Camp Bastion. JFSp(A) is a joint command and currently the HQ is made up of 101 Logistic Brigade staff and augmentees.
Aerial Assets
Army Air Corps
The Army Air Corps operated the AgustaWestland AH.1 Apache and the Westland Lynx AH.9/9A in Afghanistan.
AgustaWestland AH.1 Apache - 3 Regiment: (Jan 11 - Jan 12, Sept 12 - unknown)[27]
| Sqn | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 653 | Dec 09 - May 10[28] | Sept 11 - Jan 12[29] | Jun - Nov 13[30] | ||
| 662 | Sept 07 - Jan 08 | May 09 - Sept 09 | Jan 11 - Apr 11 | Sept 12 - Jan 13[31] | Sept 14 - Dec 14 |
| 663 | Jan 08 - May 08 | Sept 09 - Jan 10 | Apr 11 - Sept 11 |
AgustaWestland AH.1 Apache - 4 Regiment: 654 & 664 (May 10 - Jan 11)[32]
The regiment was the first Apache regiment in Afghanistan from 2006 and the regiment's role in Afghanistan ended during April 2014.[33]
| Sqn | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 654 | Sept 08 - Jan 09 | Sept 10 - Jan 11 | Jan 12 - May 12[34] | Sept 13 - Jan 14[35] | |||
| 656 | May 06 - Sept 06 | Jan 07 - May 07 | Jan 09 - May 09 | ||||
| 664 | Sept 06 - Jan 07 | May 07 - Sept 07 | May 08 - Sept 08 | May 10 - Sept 10 | May 12 - Sept 12[34] | Jan 13 - May 13 | Jan 14 - Sept 14.[36] |
Westland Lynx - 1 Regiment: (Mar 09 - Mar 12 & Sept 12 - Sept 13)
| Sqn | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 652 | |||||||
| 661 | May 13 - Sept 13[37] |
Westland Lynx - 9 Regiment: (May 07 - Sept 08, Sept 09 - May 11, Sept 11 - Sept 12 & May 13 - May 14)
| Sqn | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 659 | During September 10 | ||||||
| 669 | |||||||
| 672 | May 2010 - unknown |
Royal Air Force
The air component of British forces assigned to Operation Herrick is based at Kandahar Airfield and comes under the overall command of 904 Expeditionary Air Wing. In August 2004, Britain announced that 6 Royal Air Force Harrier GR7 jets from No. 3 Squadron would deploy to Afghanistan, marking the first time RAF ground-attack jets have been deployed to the country. They fully arrived in September.
- Harrier detachment (Joint Force Harrier):[38]
- No. 3 Squadron RAF from September until December 2004.
- No. 1 Squadron RAF from December 2004 until April 2005.
- No. 4 Squadron RAF from April until July 2005.
- 3 Sqn from July until October 2005.
- 4 Sqn from October until December 2005.
- 1 Sqn from December 2005 until May 2006.
- 4 Sqn from May until September 2006.
- 1 Sqn from January 2007 until June.
- 4 Sqn from June until October 2007.
- 4 Sqn from February 2008 until April.
- 1 Sqn from April until August 2008.
- 4 Sqn from December 2008 until April 2009.
- 1 Sqn from April until June 2009 (Last British Harrier Squadron in Afghanistan).
- No. 1419 Flight RAF - The support helicopter force consists of 5 AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3 helicopters with crews rotated from the two RAF squadrons between October 2009 and May 2013.
- Tornado detachment - Eight Tornado GR4 aircraft were stationed at Kandahar tasked with providing close air support to British, Coalition and ISAF ground forces. These replaced the Joint Force Harrier aircraft - eight Harrier GR9
- No. 12 Squadron RAF from June 2009.
- No. 31 Squadron RAF
- No. IX (Bomber) Squadron RAF
- No. II (AC) Squadron RAF
- No. 13 Squadron RAF
- No. 14 Squadron RAF
- No. 12 Squadron RAF
- No. 617 Squadron RAF
- No. 31 Squadron RAF
- No. 12 Squadron RAF
- No. 617 Squadron RAF
- No. II (AC) Squadron RAF
- No. IX (Bomber) Squadron RAF
- No. 31 Squadron RAF from March to July 2013.[39]
- No. 12 Squadron RAF from July to Unknown.[39]
- No. 617 Squadron RAF from unknown to January 2014.[40]
- No. II (AC) Squadron RAF from February.[41]
- No. IX (Bomber) Squadron RAF between June 2014 and September 2014.[41]
- No. 31 Squadron RAF between September 2014 and 11 December 2014.[42]
- Hercules detachment (6 Apr 06 - 14 Nov 14)[43] - Five C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from RAF Brize Norton (formerly RAF Lyneham) are also stationed at Kandahar to provide troop and supply movement capability in Helmand and wider Afghanistan. Three aircraft are C-130K models and two are C-130J, with crews taken from all four RAF Hercules squadrons:
- No. 1310 Flight RAF - The support helicopter force consisted of 8 Chinook HC4 helicopters with crews rotated from the three RAF squadrons, based at KAF with some forward deployed at Bastion:
- UAV Detachment
- No. 39 Squadron RAF from October 2007 based at Kandahar.[44]
Also under the command of 904 EAW are a number of ground based units of both the Army and RAF:
- RAF Regiment - A field squadron to provide ground defence for the airfield.
- Kandahar Airfield
- June 2006 - October 2006 No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment
- October 2006 - April 2007 No. II Squadron RAF Regiment
- April 2007 - October 2007 No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment
- October 2007 - April 2008 No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment[45]
- April 2008 - October 2008 No. 3 Squadron RAF Regiment
- During February 2010 No. II Squadron RAF Regiment
- During February 2011 No 15 Squadron RAF Regiment
- Camp Bastion
- During October 2010 No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment
- During February 2011 No. 2 Force Protection Wing RAF
- April 2011 - November 2011 No. 6 Force Protection Wing RAF
- November 2011 - Unknown No. 3 Force Protection Wing RAF
- June 2012 - November 2012 No. 5 Force Protection Wing RAF - first unit to use the new Foxhound patrol vehicle
- December 2012 - unknown No. 7 Force Protection Wing RAF
- Kandahar Airfield
- 1 Air Mobility Wing (1 AMW) is a specialist unit of the RAF trained in the loading and unloading of transport aircraft. This unit operates in conjunction with the Hercules detachment.
- Tactical Medical Wing - The TMW provides RAF medical services to all forces, and is particularly adept in the field of aeromedical evacuation.
- Mobile Meteorological Unit - Providing weather forecasting and reporting services to aircrew and commanders.
- 47 Air Despatch Squadron, Royal Logistic Corps - 47 AD Squadron is a specialist unit trained in the receipt, loading and preparing of stores by both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft.
Fleet Air Arm
Elements of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm squadrons regularly rotate with each tour.
- Harrier detachment (Joint Force Harrier):[38]
- 800 Naval Air Squadron from September 2006 until January 2007.
- Naval Strike Wing from October 2007 until February 2008.
- Naval Strike Wing from August 2008 until December 2008.
- Westland Sea King's (Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan)):
- 845 Naval Air Squadron - Sea King HC4+ - Camp Bastion.[46]
- April 2008-April 2012.
- June 2014-31 December 2014.[47]
- 846 Naval Air Squadron - Sea King HC4+.[46]
- October 2007-October 2011
- 845 Naval Air Squadron - Sea King HC4+ - Camp Bastion.[46]
The ASaC7 version of the Westland Sea King has been in use in Afghanistan since May 2009.[48]
- 854 Naval Air Squadron - Sea King ASaC7 - Camp Bastion.
- 857 Naval Air Squadron - Sea King ASaC7 - Camp Bastion.
- May 09-Jul 14
- From Mar 12 until unknown at least until Jul 14.[51]
- Westland Lynx's (Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan)):
- 847 Naval Air Squadron - Lynx AH.7/9A - Camp Bastion
References
Citations
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "3 Para soldiers on their way to Afghanistan". Ministry of Defence. 3 May 2006. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012.
- ↑ "Handover in Helmand as 3 Cdo Brigade replace 16 Air Assault Brigade". Ministry of Defence. 9 October 2006.
- ↑ "Light Dragoons gear up for Afghan deployment". Ministry of Defence. 22 September 2006.
- ↑ "12 Mechanized Brigade to replace 3 Commando Brigade". Ministry of Defence. 1 February 2007. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Tour of duty - the troops return". The Daily Telegraph. 26 September 2007.
- ↑ "52 Infantry Brigade to replace 12 Mechanized Brigade in Afghanistan". Ministry of Defence. 19 July 2007. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012.
- ↑ http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldhansrd/text/70719-wms0001.htm
|chapter-url=missing title (help). Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 19 July 2007. - ↑ "16 Air Assault Brigade to replace 52 Infantry Brigade". Ministry of Defence. 6 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012.
- ↑ "3 Commando Brigade to replace 16 Air Assault in Afghanistan". Ministry of Defence. 8 July 2008. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012.
- ↑ "19 Light Brigade to replace 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, in Afghanistan". Ministry of Defence. 16 December 2008. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012.
- ↑ "11 Light Brigade to replace 19 Light Brigade in Afghanistan". Ministry of Defence. 15 July 2009. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012.
- ↑ http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldhansrd/text/90715-wms0001.htm
|chapter-url=missing title (help). Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 15 July 2009. col. 79–82. - ↑ "4th Mechanized Brigade to replace 11 Light Brigade in Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 21 January 2010. Archived from the original on 23 March 2013.
- ↑ "16 Air Assault Brigade to replace 4th Mechanized Brigade in Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 14 July 2010.
- ↑ "3 Commando Brigade Take Command Of Task Force Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 11 April 2011.
- ↑ "3 Commando Brigade to replace 16 Air Assault Brigade in Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 17 December 2010.
- ↑ "First HERRICK 14 unit leaves Afghanistan". Ministry of Defence. 30 August 2011.
- ↑ "20th Armoured Brigade takes command of Task Force Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 10 October 2011.
- ↑ "20th Armoured Brigade to replace 3 Commando Brigade in Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 13 July 2011.
- ↑ "12th Mechanised Brigade to replace 20th Armoured Brigade in Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 9 February 2012.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 21.7 21.8 21.9 21.10 21.11 21.12 21.13 21.14 21.15 "RC – Southwest - Task Force Helmand". International Security Assistance Force(ISAF). 19 April 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
- ↑ "4th Mechanized Brigade to replace 12th Mechanized Brigade in Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 11 July 2012.
- ↑ "1st Mechanized Brigade takes over in Helmand". Ministry of Defence. 10 April 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
- ↑ "Units to deploy as part of Herrick 18 announced". Ministry of Defence. 12 February 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
- ↑ "Op Herrick 19 - 7th Armoured Brigade in Helmand". Defence Viewpoints. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
- ↑ "UK forces in theatre (from June 2014)". MoD. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
- ↑ "Army Air Corps soldiers honoured". British Army. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ "Wattisham Army Air Corps regiments in Afghanistan". BBC. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ "653 Squadron, 3 Regt AAC Operation Herrick 14: A Ground Crew Perspective". The Eagle. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ↑ "Sailors help give the Army’s Apaches wings in Afghanistan". Royal Navy. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ "UK's Prince Harry deployed to Afghanistan". CNN. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ "Prince Charles honours Apache crews". MoD. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ↑ "Wattisham: Christmas party held for the families of soldiers due to fly to Afghanistan". East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Diamond welcome for troops back from Afghanistan". MoD. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ↑ "Corby airtrooper embarks on final training exercise before deployment". Northampton Herald and Post. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ↑ "Apache flies 50,000 hours on operations in Afghanistan". MoD. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 "847 Lynx fliers complete final Afghan duty". Royal Navy. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 Herrick Harriers. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. 2009. p. 17.
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. September 2013. p. 27.
- ↑ AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. March 2014. p. 27.
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. July 2014. p. 7.
- ↑ "RAF Tornados leave Afghanistan for the last time". MoD. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
- ↑ "RAF Hercules Detachment Leaves Afghanistan". RAF. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
- ↑ March 2008, p. 8.
- ↑ March 2008, p. 9.
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 "Navy Sea Kings complete Afghanistan mission". MoD. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Latest deployment of UK forces to Afghanistan announced". MoD. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
- ↑ "Sea Kings help seize massive drugs and explosive hauls". Royal Navy. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ↑ "Operations in Afghanistan: Chronology of Events". MoD. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
- ↑ AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. October 2014. p. 33.
- ↑ "Baggers get back to sea". Royal Navy. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 "RNAS Yeovilton 847 squadron deployed to Afghanistan". BBC. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
Bibliography
- March, P (2008). The Royal Air Force Yearbook 2008. Fairford, UK: The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises.