Advise, Assist, Enable – REME Support to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation INHERENT RESOLVE Operation SHADER 16

Combined Joint Task Force – Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (CJTF-OIR) is the ongoing operation to Advise, Assist and Enable (A2E) partnered forces until they can independently defeat Da’esh in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, to set the conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. Operation SHADER is the UK contribution to this ongoing military intervention against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.

Since the transition to the current partnered mission phase in 2021, the tempo of kinetic operations in Iraq has decreased considerably; with coalition forces no longer providing a direct combat role in Iraq. With this transition, the quantities and demands of equipment have also dropped, but the Corps are still very much providing Equipment Support (ES) to the Theatre, be that at reach supporting deployment, in Cyprus, or in the Middle East on other missions, as well as providing technical and non-technical staff support to this mission.

UK Mobility Company LAD – Erbil Air Base

• WO2 Paul Mitchell – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

• Cpl Harrison Barton – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

• Cpl David Franks – 21 Engr Regt LAD

• LCpl Ross Binnie – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

• LCpl Akil Gurung – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

• Cfn Daniel Hume – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

WO2 (AQMS) Paul Mitchell – LAD IC

1st Bn Grenadier Guards are currently the resident UK Mobility Company (UKMC) LAD on Op SHADER 16, as well as having contributed force elements to Op SHADER 15, all at Joint Operating Base (JOB), ZORBASH located in Erbil Air Base. The Mission Specific Training was intense and required the LAD to undertake multiple range packages and exercises; gaining the same deployment standard as our Infantry counterparts. This was of course in addition to our own special to role training. This has served us well though, and on multiple occasions we have been called upon to serve as Commanders on the ground, as well as conducting guardian angel duties for engagements alongside our partner forces. The LAD currently maintains 16 Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs), and a Company+ of weapon systems; none of which are without their challenges. With delayed supply lines and standard CAV problems working in a tough, hot environment, the LAD have had to find unique engineering solutions to overcome challenges; both when in camp and deployed forward. The team have embraced life in Erbil, and whenever there is a challenge, the LAD are there. This was certainly the case when LCpls Binnie and Gurung were up before the sun to take part in the gruelling 18-mile Norwegian speed march. Despite sore feet, morale was still high after crossing the finish line. I think they were also glad to be out from underneath a CAV for a few hours, which as the pictures show, is definitely their natural habitat!

Cfn Daniel Hume

I have really enjoyed deploying to Iraq on my first Operational tour. It has given me the opportunity to increase my engineering knowledge as well as having the opportunity to deploy forward as Vehicle Mechanic; supporting patrols up to 300km away from our base location. Having the responsibility of making engineering decisions away from my chain of command is a great experience. I most enjoy working with the team within the LAD, as we all work superbly together to achieve common goals. At the end of the day though, it’s definitely a work hard play hard ethos here in Erbil.

LCpl Akil Gurung

This is my first Operational tour, and I am fully enjoying the experience working on unfamiliar equipment. The CAV fleet has been a real challenge to keep out on the ground. The main challenge I face is sourcing ES MAT, and I have really enjoyed engaging and building relationships with contractors to ensure that the LAD are able to maintain equipment when the pressure is on. A great part of my time in Iraq has been deploying forward to give the UKMC close ES; testing my engineering skills when faults arise and formulating plans to accomplish the missions. However, I have most enjoyed assuming the role of CAV Commander, which has tested me, but I also know the experience will benefit me greatly and will be something I can rely on going forward in my career.

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Capt Nathan Weaver IEng REME – SO3 J4, UK NSE Arifjan (1 CS Bn REME)

With Op SHADER being one of the few operational campaigns currently available to an officer, this was an opportunity to be seized. Working within HQ BRITFOR, a fully staffed headquarters forward mounted under PJHQ, my principal role across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA) is advising COMBRITFOR on all J4 functions (Equipment Support, Logistics, Contracts & Infrastructure) as well as policy advise across the UK Land Component. The role is varied and has the freedom to travel by US air assets, so I can prioritise time both in Kuwait and Iraq across multiple sites where UK Forces Elements are based.

An interesting study of first-line ES in action, has been the support to the PICEA variant of CAV. These critical force protection assets were delivered in February 2022 new from storage and have been challenging for the UKMC. It has been hugely satisfying seeing how well the LAD have responded and dealt with numerous teething problems with regards to both the environment and climate we are operating in, going from 40+ degrees in June and July, to sub-zero throughout December and January.

Another capability for the MOD seen in the CJOA has been the new Rapid Sentry (RS), Counter (One-Way) Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), which has involved working closely with Thales and the RAF Regt to trial and deliver these assets. The RS system works using Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) and a laser-guided beam rider system to track a target more than 6 km away and the opportunity to be involved with this has proved an excellent chance to stretch my engineering credentials. The tour hasn’t all been work however, there has been opportunity to travel to Kuwait City, as well as visit some Iraqi sights such as the Victory Arch and Unknown Soldier Monument.

Lt Col Stu Jones CEng REME

– Chief Strategic Communications, HQ CJTF-OIR (Outreach Group, 77th Brigade)

As I reflect on the words written in this article by those more worthy, I am reminded firstly that at the time of writing I am the only member of the Corps currently out here supporting CJTFOIR not at trade so to speak, and secondly that this is probably a good thing.

Whether it’s Cpl Franks inspecting and maintaining weapons across an entire country on his own, Q Mitchell and the team in Erbil up to their elbows in POL underneath a seemingly endless stream of CAVs, or Capt Nathan Weaver turning his gaze and attention to detail on anything even remotely J4 related to great effect, I have been gladdened to see that operational ES matters are still being tackled in keeping with the finest of our traditions. The LAD team in Erbil in particular, has drawn much praise and has a solid reputation within the CJTF for keeping operationally fit kit exactly where it needs to be (insert comment about punches and fists here…).

As to me not being at trade, my days of crawling around under a breech trying to find a 10mm socket that I already know is lost forever under the turret floor, are long gone. This doesn’t matter though, as it’s obvious from the spirit and performance of those on their first operational tours out here, that the future of the Corps remains in safe hands. AeM.