IRAQ Photos

THE SHORT ROAD TO IRAQ

By LCpl Johnson – 9 Para Sqn RE

Having been told the news that 9 Para Sqn RE were to be returning to Iraq at the end of April, we knew that we would have a hectic time to prepare for deployment. Since all our stores were already packed as part of our high readiness commitment, it looked like a fairly easy start to a lot of work. Unfortunately for us, all of our stores were in wooden crates which were not allowed to be transported due to posing some sort of bio risk to Iraq! Thus everything had to be unpacked and swapped over to fibreglass boxes – the long days and evenings had started! The short notice nature of the deployment (first we were going, then not going then going again by which time valuable time had passed) meant that this was one of many late nights trying to get all the vehicles and equipment prepared for shipping.

That taken care of, we swiftly went off to Sennybridge to concentrate on our shooting skills. The weather as usual was perfect for acclimatisation purposes ie it was cold and wet for most of the week – just what’s needed before hitting the 50 degree heat of Iraq. Not ones to hang about or be burdened by such things as planned Easter Leave, we continued straight onto Thetford for our mandatory pre-deployment package. This proved to be hard work at times (staying awake during lectures), however, the practical training and demonstrations proved to be very useful and everyone gained essential knowledge and experience before deploying. Throw in some public order training (which was fun for the men playing the rioters and hard work for those behind the shields) and more equipment preparation and we were all ready for some pre tour leave – 2 weeks for most except those lucky individuals who got to go straight on ship with the vehicles or deploy as part of the advance party.

After a prolonged stint in Aldershot it was good to be deploying on Operations again – even if it was at very short notice. But then that is when the Squadron is at its best – doing in a few weeks what others take months over and being at the start line when it counts, ready to go, whatever the notice period.