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1 SCOTS IN IRAQ - MAY

Posted on 7 May 2008

As predicted in last month’s SITREP, April has been interesting and has made all 1 SCOTS activities prior to this look like a gentle jog! The committal of the Battle group back into Basra City, embedded and in direct support of the Iraqi Army(IA), has opened a new chapter in the Iraq campaign, and to be at the forefront of this has been challenging, demanding, relentless and fascinating. It would not be inaccurate to say that, as the Battalion looks towards its 2nd Birthday, it has truly come of age. All ranks have been tested fully, not just those at the sharp end of operations, but also those tireless workers in the backroom enabling and supporting our activities in the City, with increasing demands, less manpower and considerable time pressures.

At the time of the last SITREP, Prime Minister Maliki had arrived in the south, and had taken personal charge of OPERATION CHARGE OF THE KNIGHTS; the IA plan to rid Basra of the malign militia influence which has plagued the City over recent years. This was always something that would require an Iraqi solution and, a month on, the omens are positive; the IA, supported by embedded Military Transition Teams (MiTTs) from the 1 SCOTS BG are largely in control of the City. The population has welcomed them and the militia now appear to have fled or laid down their arms. Cordon and search operations continue, and the haul so far has been impressive; more than 1000 mortar systems, 500 rockets, 200 improvised explosive devices, 1000kgs of explosives, a number of SAMs and other significant munitions. Without trying to overstate matters, these really are huge finds and represent a very significant reduction in capability for the militia. The challenge now will be in securing the gains made on the security line of operation, and accelerating progress on the economic development line.

As the Battalion comes towards the end of its tour, and draws breath after the past month, its efforts are now switching to ensure that their successors are set up for long term success. The austere, initially temporary, arrangements of the past month now need to be secured, and further life support and engineering work is required across the new locations before they can be handed over with a degree of pride. It will be another hard charging month for all, but everyone understands the requirement to set the conditions for long term success.

Their return to Edinburgh will be spread over about 10 days. On return, they will conduct a number of homecoming parades – Company parades in Hamilton, Dumfries and Musselburgh and a Battalion Parade in Edinburgh from Holyrood Palace to the Castle Esplanade. They will then take a period of well earned leave before returning refreshed to assume the duties of HM Royal Guard at Balmoral and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Support Company.