Patrol days come to an end for Andy

A military dog handler who risked rocket attacks and roadside bombs to protect British forces in war-torn Iraq is preparing to fly home.
Corporal Andy Moan is to be reunited with his loved ones in Sunderland after completing a tour of duty in Basra.

The RAF police dog handler served with the Theatre Military Dog Support Unit on patrol at the province's international airport playing a vital security role during the hostilities.

Risking attack by rocket-propelled grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices, the team use their canine counterparts' razor sharp senses to protect personnel and vital equipment from criminal and terrorist threats.

But last month marked the official end of the six-year British mission in the country and now the 22-year-old, who has also served on operations in Afghanistan, is preparing to join the thousands of troops returning home.

"My duties have included working as a police dog handler, as well as other wider duties involved with the policing of military operations on a civilian airfield," said Cpl Moan.

"Working closely with my dog, our aim has been to detect and deter any intruders and to provide military working dog support to ongoing transition operations."

The former Farringdon Community School pupil, who joined the RAF in 2002, is looking forward to flying home and seeing his family, including mum Lynne and dad Colin, and girlfriend Michelle.

"I love you all and will see you soon," said Cpl Moan. "I'm also looking forward to having home-cooked meals and a few beers with my friends. I'll see you all when I get back.

"I also want to thank the people of the UK for all their support for the armed forces."

Iraqi police, military coordinate aid - Middle East Times

Iraqi army units worked alongside their police counterparts to deliver medical supplies from a military base in Basra to Basra Hospital, British forces said.

The Royal Air Force Police and members of U.S. forces supervised a shipment of more than two tons of medical supplies from a military base in Basra, the British Ministry of Defense reported.

"This is a great example of the Iraqi security forces, both army and police, working together to provide operational effect," said RAF Police Commander David Wilkinson.

U.S. military forces had planned the initial operations in 2008 but handed the operation over to Iraqi forces in November as British forces restructured their military presence in Iraq.

British forces in support of Operation Telic reached an agreement with the Iraqi government to maintain a military presence in Iraq following the Dec. 31 expiration of a U.N. mandate for multinational forces in Iraq.

RAF police along with the 21st Military Police Company of the United States coordinated the training of Iraqi police units in Basra, where British forces are stationed.

To see the article on the Middle East Times click here

Iraqi security forces heal old divisions on medical supply run

Another positive step towards autonomy and joint Iraqi Army and Police operations was achieved in Basra when members of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) delivered 2 tonnes of medical supplies from the Contingency Operating Base (COB) to Basra Hospital.

The operation was initially planned by members of the Multi National Division Headquarters (MND(SE)) staff working on the COB. The detailed planning and execution of the operation was then handed over to the ISF working in the newly formed Provincial Joint Operations Centre (PJOC) that opened in central Basra in November of last year. The PJOC brings together all the various district security and emergency forces allowing them to combine and co-ordinate their command and control from one central location.

In a highly successful operation the Iraqi Army and Police personnel worked in unison to deliver the medical supplies that had been donated by the US Forces operating from the COB. Two truck loads of supplies left the COB and headed for the Basra Hospital under the mentoring of the US Forces 21st Military Police Company and members of the RAF Police who have been helping to train the Iraqi Police Service.

Squadron Leader David Wilkinson, RAF Police, working in the MND(SE) Headquarters said:

“This is a great example of the Iraqi Security Forces, both army and police, working together to provide operational effect.”

RAF Police on the beat in Basra

Their primary role is to undertake regular patrols within the vast area of Basra's COB and to provide post-attack recovery, but RAF police are also providing training for local Iraqi police who will one day have responsibility for policing the area around the COB themselves.

Read more on the RMP Association blog here