Thread: The World's deadliest arms race (IEDs in Afghanistan)

Provoking.
Please spend a moment and spare a thought for our Serving and those of all nations in harms way in the pursuit of peace for us and our children.

Have a drink for those whom the battlefield made their grave.

On Jan 10 2013 I will have been in this noble and decent profession, yet every time I hear of a colleague or fellow Soldier being killed I offer a silent prayer and have a beer.

BTW, it's a **** of a country.

Merry Christmas
Ralph

I've watched a lot of documentaries on Aghan ( mostly BBC ), as I have had family serving with the MOD......but, the most disturbing part of that program, was the quote...

"Last month in London, the worlds biggest arms fair was held"

Dave

At this moment , this may be appropriate. We too, have people serving in Afganistan. Bob

Home > Global Operations > Afghanistan > Fact Sheet
Australia's Commitment in Afghanistan
Australia’s military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan is deployed under Operation SLIPPER. Australia’s military contribution includes an annual average of 1,550 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed within Afghanistan. These numbers vary depending on operational requirements and shifting seasonal conditions. Approximately 800 personnel provide support from locations within the broader Middle East Area of Operations, including our maritime commitment. In keeping with the ISAF strategy to strengthen civilian engagement in Afghanistan and to better integrate civilian and military efforts, Australia now has around 50 civilians working in Afghanistan, in addition to around ten Defence civilians.

Australia’s substantial military, civilian and development assistance focuses on:

• Training and mentoring the Afghan National Army 4th Brigade in Uruzgan province to allow transition of lead security responsibility for the province.
• Building the capacity of the Afghan National Police to assist with civil policing functions in Uruzgan;
• Helping improve the Afghan Government's capacity to deliver core services and generate economic opportunities for its people; and
• Operations to disrupt insurgent operations and supply routes utilising the Special Operations Task Group.

Force Elements Currently Deployed as part of Joint Task Force 633
Command and Control
Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 (HQJTF 633), based in the United Arab Emirates, provides command and control of all ADF elements deployed throughout the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) as part of Operation SLIPPER. JTF 633 is commanded by Major General Michael Peter Crane DSC, AM.
Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 – Afghanistan (HQJTF 633-A) - Based in Kabul, provides JTF 633’s interface with the ISAF Headquarters and other agencies in Afghanistan. HQJTF 633-A is commanded by Brigadier Simone Wilkie, AM
Land Operations
Combined Team – Uruzgan
CT-U is the name of the ISAF-led multinational effort in Uruzgan province.
CT-U ensures the right command structures, organisational structures, and resources are in place to enable the crucial integration of the civilian and military elements of the campaign, and the achievement of both civilian and military objectives.
CT-U comprises of personnel from the United States, Australia, Singapore and the Slovak Republic.
CT-U works under an ISAF flag.
US Colonel Gerald Hadley assumed command of CT-U in March 2012.
Australian Colonel Ben James is the Deputy Commander of CT-U.
In late 2012, Australia will assume leadership of CT-U. This is a positive step in the transition process through which security responsibility is transferred from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The new command role should be viewed as a positive part of the transition to Afghan security leadership in Uruzgan province and ensuring Australia, in concert with the Afghan authorities manage that process appropriately.
The current US enablers will remain in support of the Australian led CT-U.
Our leadership of CT-U will not lead to any net increase of ADF numbers in the province, and does not reflect the US significantly reducing its commitment to the CT-U coalition arrangement.

Currently, the Australian component of CT-U is called the Australian Task Force (AusTF) which includes;

• Australian personnel contributing to in the Headquarters CT-U (HQCT-U);
• 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Task Group (drawn from the Townsville based 3rd Brigade) - known as 3 RAR Task Group;
• A Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Support Element that includes force protection, managed works and a trade training school;
• A Force Engineer Construction Team;
• elements of the Force Communications Unit;
• A number of specialist elements including Shadow and Heron Unmanned Aerial System Detachments, Counter Rocket and Mortar (CRAM) Detachments and a Weapons Intelligence Team (WIT)
• Personnel working in the ISAF Role 2 Medical Facility; and
• The Commanding Officer of Multi National Base Command-Tarin Kot (MNBC-TK) and elements manage the airfield at MNBC–TK.

The ADF works closely with officers from other Australian government agencies, including the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This cooperation ensures comprehensive support and assistance to the ISAF campaign and the people of Uruzgan province.
Components of the Australian Defence Force deployed to Afghanistan in detail
Element of the Headquarters Combined Team – Uruzgan (HQCT-U)
Approximately 100 ADF personnel work within the HQCT-U providing support to operations in Uruzgan province. The headquarters commands, administers and coordinates the multinational operations of the CT-U.
3 RAR Task Group (3RAR TG)
3 RAR TG is engaged in mentoring and security operations in Uruzgan province.
3 RAR TG comprises approximately 730 ADF personnel commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Trent Scott.
3 RAR TG partnered mentoring
3 RAR Task Group is made up of three Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLTs), four Mentoring Teams (MTs), one Manoeuvre Support Squadron, one Engineer Squadron, and one Logistic Company.

These teams are structured to best support the mission of ongoing assistance in the development of the Afghan National Army’s 4th Brigade which consists of:

• Brigade headquarters;
• 1st Infantry Kandak;
• 2nd Infantry Kandak;
• 3rd Infantry Kandak;
• 6th Infantry Kandak;
• 4th Combat support Kandak; and,
• 5th Combat Services Support Kandak.

Australian soldiers operating in the OMLTs and CTs live with, train and provide support to their Afghan National Army colleagues at patrol bases in Uruzgan province, focused on the main population centres of Tarin Kot, Chorah, Deh Rawud and Deh Rafshan.
Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT)
Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) are teams of civilian and military personnel working together to facilitate the delivery of stability, governance and development activities at the provincial and district level.
In delivering the Commander ISAF’s counterinsurgency strategy of “shape, clear, hold and build,” there are more than 26 Provincial Reconstruction Teams operating in provinces across Afghanistan delivering on the “build” phase of the strategy.
The Uruzgan-based PRT is predominantly focused on governance and development programs. These are civilian areas of expertise and therefore it is appropriate that these efforts are led by a civilian.
Australia has provided the senior civilian coordinator in the Provincial Reconstruction Team who is from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Other Australian Government agencies involved with the PRT include:

• DFAT. Officials within the PRT build relationships with key tribal leaders and political actors in the province and assist the coordination of Australia’s whole-of-government efforts.
• AusAID. Development advisers within the PRT engage with the Afghan Government to identify projects and capacity building, liaise with implementing partners, and design and monitor a growing suite of stabilisation and development activities. The most senior AusAID officer in Uruzgan occupies the Deputy Director – Development position under the PRT. AusAID’s activities in Uruzgan focus on the health, education, agriculture, water and basic infrastructure sectors.
• The Australian Federal Police (AFP) capacity-building activities in Uruzgan focus on training Afghan National Police (ANP) officers at the Police Training Centre in Tarin Kot. A team of AFP officers provide: mentoring to ANP trainers; advice on the vetting of new ANP recruits; screening of existing ANP officers and training of ANP officers.

Australian Defence Force Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Support Element
The PRT Support Element provide Force protection to the civilian element of the PRT, a managed works team and the trade training school.
Approximately 65 ADF personnel are deployed to the PRT Support Element to provide force protection transport support.

Provincial Reconstruction Team civilian and military advisers engage directly with the Afghan Government and the community to:

• 
  
  • Enable the construction of roads, schools and other basic infrastructure in the province;
  • Engage local and provincial government officials, to improve governance capacity; and,
  • Facilitate the delivery of basic services such as health and education to the Afghan people.

These activities are critical to connecting the Afghan Government with the people in Uruzgan.
The Trade Training School, previously run by the Mentoring Task Force, has been conducting basic plumbing, carpentry, concreting and bricklaying courses since 2006.
An advanced construction workers course has been offered since July 2007, providing a greater depth of training in plumbing, carpentry, concreting and bricklaying as well as developing basic Foreman skills, with the overall aim of building sustainable Afghan trade professions.

Ongoing development projects being conducted by the PRT, supported by the ADF Managed Works Team, are aimed at enhancing health, education and other vital infrastructure within Tarin Kot, with ADF assisted projects having included:

• Food Storage cellars in Chorah.
• The Tarin Kot waste management facility.
• The Malalai Girl’s School in Tarin Kot.
• The Tarin Kot Ministry of Energy and Water compound redevelopment.
• The Rosie Khan Mosque in Shar Sheklayi. This mosque is being constructed in memory of Rosie Khan who was accidentally killed by the SOTG in 2008.
• The Sorkh Morghab Mosque Madrassa in East Dorafshan.
• The Chorah Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC) extension.

Some of the projects completed by previous Australian Defence Force rotations include:

• The Tarin Kot Boy’s High School upgrade which included the construction of a new 21-classroom building, administration building and bookstore.
• The Tarin Kot Boy’s Primary School redevelopment which involved a new 35-classroom building and an administration building.
• The construction of the Kowtwal Crossing - a 116 metre long, all-weather crossing over the Tiri Rud.
• The Dorafshan Basic Health Centre development that included building separate male and female clinics and staff accommodation.
• The Sorgh Morghab Bazaar Development which involved construction of 30 shops.
• The Talani river crossing.
• Sorkh Morghab Bazaar well. A new bore was drilled with the local windmill relocated over the new well.
• Economic Stimulus and Development Projects – Chorah. The commencement of works began at the end of December 2009. The order of priority for projects was:
  
  • Construction of a Women’s Park; and
  • A veterinary shelter and holding yard.
• An all-weather crossing in the Baluchi pass.
• Afghan National Army Patrol Base.
• A Police sub station.
• Sajawal School. The project saw the redevelopment of the school.
• Over-bridging operations on Highway One in the Ghanzi and Zabol provinces.
• The Baluchi Health Complex.
• Eastern Causeway.The causeway is a 68m reinforced concrete structure that provides all weather access across the the Garmab Mandah.
• Tarin Kot Hospital redevelopment.
• National Directorate of Security Headquarters in Tarin Kot.
• Yaklengah Comprehensive Health Centre has been provided with an extension and renovation to the building, along with staff accommodation.
• Tarin Kowt Afghan Health and Development Services Training Facility renovation included the provision of training facilities, medical storage and accommodation.
• Talani Boy’s School. The project saw the redevelopment of the school.

Australian Defence Force enabling capabilities deployed to Afghanistan
The following enabling units are deployed to Afghanistan in support of CT-U.
Unmanned Aerial System Detachment
Based at the Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, the Unmanned Aerial System Detachment from 20th Surveillance Targeting Acquisition Regiment operates the Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
The Shadow provides tactical aerial reconnaissance support to land forces in Uruzgan province.
The Shadow UAS commenced operations in Afghanistan in 2012.
Heron Detachment
The Heron Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) is a much larger aircraft than the Shadow Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and is capable of providing medium altitude reconnaissance, surveillance and mission support.
The Heron detachment includes 28 Australian Defence Force personnel.
Weapons Intelligence Team (WIT)
A key component of the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) battle is the Weapons Intelligence Team (WIT). The small unit analyses IED components used by insurgents so the Australian Defence Force can determine the best methods of countering the IED threat, through informing tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as equipment design and development.
Counter - Rocket Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) system
The Australian Defence Force has responsibility for early detection against rocket, artillery and mortar attacks at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.
A C-RAM ‘sense and warn’ capability has been operating effectively MNB-TK since late December 2010 and consists of a leased GAMB 740 radar, a number of Lightweight Counter Mortar Radars and associated Command and Control and warning equipment.
The C-RAM capability operates in several Forward Operating Bases within Uruzgan province.
Other Australian Defence Force Elements in support
Special Operations Task Group (SOTG)
The Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) is deployed to Southern Afghanistan to conduct population-centric, security and counter-network operations. At around 300 personnel, the SOTG is one of the largest, most potent Special Forces units in Afghanistan.
The SOTG is primarily based in Multi-National Base Tarin Kot but has command and liaison elements in Kandahar and Kabul.
It consists of approximately 300 personnel from the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments, the Special Air Service Regiment, the Special Operations Engineer Regiment, the Special Operations Logistic Squadron, and various other services, units and commands around Australia.
The SOTG trains, mentors and partners with Afghan National Police officers from the Uruzgan Provincial Response Company (PRC) and other branches of the Afghan National Security Forces, in order to build their capacity and capability to establish and maintain security and stability in the region.
SOTG operations are Afghan Police led in order to build confidence in the ANSF and improve the connection between the local people and the Afghan Government.
The Task Group also works closely with the co-located CT-U providing Special Forces support to operations in Uruzgan province.
The identity of SOTG soldiers are protected.
Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force (CIED TF)
In February 2006 the Chief of Defence Force directed the establishment of a dedicated Task Force to coordinate and monitor the Australian Defence Force’s response to the IED threat – the ADF Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force (CIED TF).
The Australian Defence Force’s approach to combating the IED threat is heavily reliant on robust and adaptable tactics, techniques and procedures (TPPs).
Defence, in parallel with its ISAF partners, is constantly exploring technology–based opportunities to strengthen its counter IED capabilities. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) performs a critical role in this area.
The CIED TF has strong links to our ISAF partners and has personnel deployed to support operations in Afghanistan as well as the United States at the Joint IED Defeat Organisation.
The Multi National Base –Tarin Kot
The Multi National Base –Tarin Kot has a Commanding Officer who is responsible for coordinating logistics resupply, aviation, medical and base support functions.
The Commanding Officer position rotates between the troop contributing nations that share the base. Currently the Commanding Officer is a RAAF Wing Commander.
Role 2 Medical Facility
Located at Multi National Base –Tarin Kot, the US led Role 2 Medical Facility provides primary surgery for casualties and emergency.
The ADF provides approximately three personnel in support to the facility.
Joint Movements Coordination Centre
Movements and transport are fundamental enablers to operations. Movement control and coordination involves the planning, routing, scheduling and control of personnel and cargo movements to and from Australia, and throughout the MEAO.
A Joint Movements Coordination Centre (JMCC) deployed across the MEAO provides effective and efficient movements support to the deployed forces. The JMCC undertakes the movement planning, control, coordination and execution of this support in accordance with the force’s requirements and priorities.
ADF operations in the MEAO are geographically dispersed and supported by dedicated military transport assets, contracted and commercial air assets, and where required, Royal Australian Navy ships, coalition and commercial road transport assets.
Force Support Unit
The Force Support Unit (FSU) is a joint unit providing logistic support, camp maintenance and theatre induction training for ADF elements in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).
The current Force Support Unit Six (FSU-6) is primarily comprised of Army personnel with numerous Navy and Air Force members drawn from various units and bases across Australia.
The tasks of the FSU include the management and distribution of supplies and equipment necessary for the conduct of operations, the provision of postal support throughout the MEAO and base maintenance support in Tarin Kot and Kandahar.
The FSU is also responsible for the provision of MEAO induction training for all personnel entering the Middle East. This training provides acclimatisation and final preparation for personnel before they move forward to their Task Groups. The training consists of operational briefings, equipment issues, weapons handling testing, live firing, and combat first aid training.
Force Support Unit is in three locations throughout the MEAO including the headquarters at Al Minhad Air Base, Tarin Kot and Kandahar.
Force Communications Unit
The Force Communications Unit (FCU) is a joint unit responsible for the provision of national command and welfare communications and information systems to Joint Task Force 633, supporting National Command and Control across the MEAO. The FCU has elements at every location the ADF is deployed to in the MEAO.
Locations range from Headquarters JTF633 in the UAE through to forward operating bases and patrol bases in Uruzgan, Afghanistan. Currently FCU-7 is drawn form the 7th Combat Signal Regiment based in Brisbane, with contingents from the RAAF and Navy.
Rotary Wing Group
First deployed to Afghanistan in 2006, Australia’s Rotary Wing Group (RWG) from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment operates two CH-47D Medium Lift Helicopters from Kandahar Airfield in support of ISAF helicopter operations.
The CH-47D, a tandem rotor cargo helicopter with a maximum all up weight of 50,000lbs (22,727kg), provides significant lift capability in high density-altitude conditions, making it well suited to operations within Afghanistan’s harsh environment.
Australian CH-47Ds are currently embedded with the United States Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Wings. RWG performs combat service support, combat support and air mobile missions.
Approximately 65 ADF personnel serve with the RWG and are deployed to support operations from February to October each year.
Role 3 medical Specialists – Kandahar Air Field
During 2012, two rotations of eight medical specialists will deploy to the Kandahar ISAF Role 3 Medical Facility each for a period of four months, to work alongside US teams providing specialist medical support.
Personnel from all three Services have been selected based on their specialist skill sets which include General Surgeons, Anaesthetists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Perioperative Nurses and Intensive Care Nurses.
The majority of personnel deployed in this function are Reservists who bring highly sought after clinical skills to the operational area.
Joint Task Force 633 Air Component Headquarters
The JTF633 Air Component provides coordination and tasking support to HQ JTF633 for all aircraft and air combat support elements assigned to Operation SLIPPER.
Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Unit (ISR TU)
The ISR TU includes two operational crews who fly two AP-3C Orion surveillance aircraft. These aircraft provide maritime surveillance of the Arabian Sea and overland surveillance of Afghanistan.
Air Mobility Task Unit (AM TU)
The AM TU fly and maintain three C-130J aircraft which provide intra-theatre air movement for Australian and Coalition forces throughout the MEAO and Afghanistan.
Combat Support Unit (CSU)
The CSU is comprised of maintenance and support personnel who manage the ADF’s administrative and support functions at Al Minhad Air Base (AMA, including management of Air Load Teams in Afghanistan and support personnel for the Coalition Air Operations Centre Detachment.
C-17 Support
C-17 aircraft from 36 Squadron, based at Amberley in South east Queensland, provide routine strategic lift support to Australian forces in the MEAO including Afghanistan.
On 10 July 2009, a RAAF C-17 conducted the first mission by an Australian C-17 into Afghanistan.
Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) Detachment
A small ADF element is co-located with the MEAO CAOC. This detachment provides important information and liaison duties to enable ADF air operations throughout the MEAO.
Maritime Operations
Since the commencement of Operation SLIPPER in 2001, Australia has maintained a maritime contribution to operations in the MEAO.
Currently this consists of a Major Fleet Unit, the Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigate, HMAS Melbourne, which is flexibly cross tasked between US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Combined Task Forces (CTFs) 150 (counter terrorism), 151 (counter-piracy) and 152 (Gulf maritime security).
CMF patrols more than 2.5 million square miles of international waters to conduct both integrated and coordinated operations with a common purpose; to increase the security and prosperity of the region by working together for a better future.
CMF is working to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, reduce illegal trafficking of people and drugs, and promote the maritime environment as a safe place for mariners with legitimate business.
HMAS Melbourneis conducting maritime security operations across the Combined Maritime Forces’ area of operations. HMAS Melbourne’s mission allows her to undertake maritime interdictions and counter-piracy operations, including activities under the command of CTF 150. HMAS Melbourneentered the MEAO in March 2012.
ADF personnel embedded with Coalition Headquarters
Australian Defence Force members are also embedded across a number of Coalition headquarters throughout the MEAO providing critical, specialist staff effort in support of operations.
Other ADF elements deployed in Afghanistan
Operation PALATE II - Two ADF officers are attached to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to maintain contact and liaison with all military forces throughout Afghanistan.

And some more, when will they learn, we are not British. Bob

Phantoms of the Mountains

By Rory Callinan Tuesday

But in Afghanistan, Australian special forces were something of a novelty to their US commanders. On one map in the main US command center in Afghanistan, they were denoted by a cut-out picture of Australian celebrity crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin. "It was pretty disheartening, says one trooper. "The way they did use us was very inappropriate.''
From interviews with former soldiers and one of the taskforce's senior intelligence officers, Time can reveal how US commanders underestimated - and underutilized - the SAS's core ability to go deep behind enemy lines and gather key intelligence. The soldiers say US commanders lost key opportunities to take out senior al-Qaeda leaders by forcing the SAS to occupy mere "blocking" duties during one key battle. However the US perceptions were ultimately reversed after the SAS mounted an extraordinary mission to locate and coordinate an attack on one of al-Qaeda most senior leaders. The target was either Osama Bin Laden's number two, Ayman Al-Zawahari, or a senior Uzbek commander, Tor Yuldashev.
"The Americans couldn't comprehend we would have the ability to go into areas for protracted times to do our strategic roles,'' says former Afghanistan SAS taskforce intelligence chief Adam, who spoke exclusively to Time. "It's not what they do, because they think you go in for a day or two days, and do your business and get out,'' says Adam, who does not want his surname used for security reasons. "It wasn't until after certain high-tempo combat engagements during (Operation) Anaconda that we kind of worked out that we can do better than this.'' Similar distinctions were noted amongst the lower ranks. "They were body-builder types, full of steroids, some of them,'' says one SAS Afghan veteran. "They could only manage a couple of days. We could go for weeks at a time.''
Adam says the opportunities for the SAS to prove themselves were so uninspiring that the Australian contingent were packing up to leave just four months into their deployment in Afghanistan. But the U.S. forces finally appreciated their value and skills after an SAS patrol managed to scale a mountain overlooking the Shah-i-Kot "Valley of the kings" in East Afghanistan where they called in reports on a group of al-Qaeda fighters performing training exercises.
The Americans were in the planning stages of "Operation Anaconda," a mission to attack the enemy in Shah-i-Kot, says Adam, and "they didn't take kindly to our probing of that area - despite the fact it was an excellent ground recon effort.'' The Australians sought involvement in Anaconda but were given a lowly role as a blocking force. That perceived waste of their talent prompted a heated clash with one of the US commanders. A near shouting match erupted between a US special forces Major called Jimmy, who was acting second in command of the American special forces effort, and another Australian SAS officer over the issue.
The Australians proposed to infiltrate their own troops well before the operation in a bid to undertake standard intelligence gathering, but Jimmy refused. Only later did the Australians discover the US had their own Special Forces teams going into the area. Unfortunately, says Adam, the Americans chose to infiltrate the area just a few days before the battle - insufficient time to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence of the quality that would have been provided by the Australians. Then when an American contingent of 10th Mountain Division troops (with two Australian soldiers acting as liaison officers) air assaulted into the valley they were pinned down by al-Qaeda fighters who had occupied vast areas of the high ground.
Adam says had the Australians been allowed to conduct an early infiltration up to 10 days earlier, it would "have given us a day head-start. That would have allowed us to build a good or better or more comprehensive intelligence picture, and combine that with last-minute reporting which may have led to a more successful operational outcome. With the benefit of hindsight, if we had our time again we would say 'You (the US commanders) are sending your people in broad daylight into a valley surrounded by cave systems and networks that are probably still in use, and you are going to do that without having eyes on the insurgents. It's madness.'"
But the US commanders' perceptions of the quality of Australian soldiers changed swiftly once the air assault was under way. While the Americans dropped their packs and radios during the initial attack, the Australian liaison officers retained their radios, and so were able to alert headquarters that the assault team was pinned down. But it was four days into the operation that the Australian SAS would achieve what the might of the US army - with its satellites, unmanned spy planes, thousands of special forces soldiers and Intel sources - had failed to do. After reading up on earlier mountain battles against the Russians, Adam identified what appeared to be a potential escape route for "White-collar al-Qaeda." On previous occasions other coalition Special Forces teams had attempted to establish secret observation posts in the district, but they had barely lasted a day before being discovered by shepherds or villagers.

Read more: Phantoms of the Mountains - TIME

I'm no expert but it appears to me that all the Americans have done in the last decade is drive around waiting to be hit,they don't seem to have any plan or any idea as to what they need to do,to me cutting off the supply routes from countries surrounding Afganistan and capturing and holding ground is the normal way of war but the US drive around,get hit,shoot at everything and then drive back to their base ready to do it all again the next day,as posted above staying in the bush for a few days is not really fighting. Pat

I was going to write a lengthy reply, but found I have nothing constructive to say, it was just such a disturbing program on many levels.

.............

JC

I think it was a very Interesting program, highlighting the issues of this hard campaign.

One of which a believe we should rap up and get the hell out of there sooner than later.

Wars have taken place for thousands of years, and will continue to do so, both in my life time and the next, and I respect those who fight in such conflicts, both in the past and now...

Originally Posted by juddy

I think it was a very Interesting program, highlighting the issues of this hard campaign.

One of which a believe we should rap up and get the hell out of there sooner than later.

Wars have taken place for thousands of years, and will continue to do so, both in my life time and the next, and I respect those who fight in such conflicts, both in the past and now...

Agree , all the way. I was shopping at Toombul, saw a soldier, in uniform, with the shoulder tabs indicating Afgan service, holding a new born baby, with Grannies surrounding him, giving him heaps of support. I would have loved to go up & say, good on you mate, but I didn't want to spoil the moment. If you get the chance to say a simple, thanks, mate, I know from experience how much that would mean.Bob