News update- Adv 20 (Qrh) written 28th January 2012

Capt. Grubb

12th February 2012

 After a fun and sociable end to December, B Sqn has had to deal with the inevitable post Christmas blues combined with some particularly unpleasant weather conditions. Despite the sub-zero temperatures and gusty winds, all concerned have remained in good spirits. The ANA continue to focus on securing the Highway and its environs...

 ...This has been achieved through regular vehicle checkpoints and patrols, with the ANA attempting to maintain a near constant presence on the blacktop. This has enabled the Advisors to spend some valuable time with the warriors in their CPs, continuing the simple but valuable training packages that we commenced at the beginning of the tour. All of this groundwork is crucial to ANA development.

 In the last fortnight, much attention has been focused on the complicated Kandak Relief in Place (RiP), as 2nd Kandak depart to take control of Babaji. 6th Kandak, previously from Babaji, have moved in to replace them. This seismic shift in both men and materiel has led to both TATTs  putting in some quality chai (tea) time over maps and planning material with the new Tolays, building key relationships at all levels. Simple activities such as kicking a football around to some light hearted banter can do wonders for making our life smoother as mentors.  Squadron Sergeant Major Grinsell has been busy obtaining some valuable building supplies from the departing Danish Forces in order to improve the more than basic living conditions in some of the CPs along the HWY. Over the next few weeks we will spend our time helping to rebuild checkpoints and drinking increasing levels of Chai.

 Closer to home in PB Hayatullah, change and progress is never far away. We are now on our third chef of the tour, Private Carter, who has a flair for D shaped pasties and baked potatoes; he is now fully aware that his job plumbs a direct line to the morale of Advisor20. Captain Grubb has been on leave while Major Jefford has also been enjoying some quality time away from the Operational Theatre. Capt von Brockdorff, the 2IC has been picking up the slack. LCpls Hoffman, Bell and Green are also on some well earned rest and recuperation, returning to the Sqn mid February. The Sqn has also been blessed with the addition of another rifleman to replace LCpl Magill (who is back on compassionate). Rifleman Flavin is new to regimental life and will be returning to his battalion (2 RIFLES) at the end of tour.  Throughout this busy period we have also had a number of friendly visits from CO and RSM QRH, RSM 2 RIFLES and Padre King (QRHs padre) who was a significant injection of morale, joy and peace to all in the Sqn.

 Padre Kings visit and the thought of just eight weeks left in theatre leaves everyone in high spirits, as we transit through what will undoubtedly be a busy month in February. As ever, all here at PB Hayatullah are grateful for the continuing stream of parcels and e-blueys that we receive. The knitters of Worksop deserve special mention, keeping us all in woolly hats and colourful socks. See you all soon in April.

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