Op UNITY Commonwealth Games MACA Tasking

Written By: Sgt Kelly Smith, 678 Sqn 6AAC

The Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXII Commonwealth Games and more commonly known as Birmingham 2022, was an international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth of Nations that took place between 28 July and 8 August 2022.

Op UNITY was a Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA) tasking, in which the MOD was asked to provide additional security in support of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Whilst deployed on Op UNITY, I was 2IC of a team, running our efforts on the Eastside of the venue with the IC running the South-Side.

On task, we were providing search, security, and safe admittance to the Games within the Personal Search Areas (PSA) and Accreditation Lanes. This unique role provided us the opportunity to work in mixed cohorts of regular and reserves

personnel from all 3 services, alongside civilian security contractors, civilian volunteers, ReAct charity volunteers and working closely with a variety of police forces.

The requirement was everchanging, with very long hours and days to ensure that procedures were adapted to provide visitors with safe passage to the games. The hard work was worth it though, one highlight was meeting Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, who thanked everyone for their time and commitment to the tasking. I was also fortunate enough to watch boxing, netball, and the closing ceremony between shifts.

It was great to be in a public facing role and bask in the excitement of the local communities and spectators who had travelled from far and wide to watch the Commonwealth Games. We met many of the athletes and even managed a

quick work out with the Kenyan boxing team. Many returning visitors to the Games brought us sweets and chocolate in appreciation, having seen the Armed Forces' efforts in keeping the Games safe and protected.

We had thousands of people coming through the PSA daily. I personally felt an overwhelming sense of community from all the Commonwealth athletes and supporters. It was amazing to see how sport can really bring people together, the feeling of love and respect for all was inspiring.

I was one of three soldiers from 6AAC deployed, being spilt across different shifts and locations. I found being assigned to a high-profile role gave me the ability to test my command skills at all levels, working with a variety of organisations and adapting to the changing daily requirement. Being the only AAC Servicewoman on task gave me an extra sense of pride and determination to display the strengths of the AAC and being a positive role model to many school groups and clubs that came through.

For my effort on task, maintaining safety and security of the Games I was awarded the West Midlands Commander’s Coin, the only one issued at the Commonwealth Games, so felt a massive sense of achievement and appreciation.