Canada in Afghanistan

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

It's good to know you're on home ground now and I pass you my warmest welcome, on behalf of all of us. Ya done good, mate!

How much leave are they giving you? And how hard was it to "acclimatize" to our (by comparison) freezing country?!

Originally posted by Darrell Zinck
Hi

Oh, and I'm home!!!!

regards
Darrell

Rock-n-roll-n-eat-drink-n-be-merry-hallelujah!

Great to hear and Welcome home Darrell

[Darrell Zinck]

Hi Carmen

Thanks. And thanks to for the kind messages and PM's while I was gone. It goes a long way to helping the troops feel wanted and appreciated. They're doing a great job and need the chance to finish what we started or we'll be contributing to the country falling back into ruin and anarchy. Also we certainly risk embarrasement in front of the whole world for cutting and running. (See my Layton cartoon posting around here somewhere!!) That would be a shame I couldn't live with as a Canadian soldier.

Hi Geoff

Thanks Geoff, good to be back. Acclimating isn't too bad as it's been warm here but I do find the humidity a bit much. I shouldn't complain, I know. Especially after I start 34 days leave on Sat!!


Hi Wayne

Nope, no relation I know of. Your friend "Roy" does sound like one of us tho'!! Probably 13th Cousins or something. My Clan is from down Bridgewater way and Dad was 40 yrs in the Air Force. I have an Aunt in Hilden too but she's not a Zinck. Be there Sat as a matter of fact; looking for a new VW.

regards
Darrell

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

This ought to put a smile on a few face overs there...

The real question, though, is what are they going to do with our Leo1s?

August 16, 2007

German Leopard 2 tanks arrive in Kandahar

By MARTIN OUELLET

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - The first of 20 Leopard 2 tanks Canada has leased from Germany arrived in Kandahar this morning aboard an Antonov transport aircraft.

The tank operators encountered a minor technical glitch with the turrets, but military spokesman Capt. Hubert Genest says the problem can be repaired easily.

The rest of the tanks will be shipped in the coming weeks. They are replacing the aging Leopard 1 tanks, which were made three decades ago and are currently being used in battle.

Col. Christian Juneau, the deputy-commander of Canadians in southern Afghanistan, says the new tanks will increase security because of their superior firing capability and protection from landmines.

But Lt.-Col. Stephane Lafaut, the incoming commander of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team in Afghanistan, says the new tanks won't give Canadian soldiers much more protection from roadside bombings.

He says insurgents tend to target less robust vehicles, like Canada's LAV3, Nyala and Bison armoured vehicles. Still, he says the tanks will likely make a "difference" in the field because they project an image of strength.

"It's another weapon in our arsenal," Lafaut said. "It could give our soldiers more confidence and be a bit of a shock for enemy troops."

Over the longer term, Canada will get 100 more Leopard 2 tanks from the Netherlands. The first shipment is set for the fall of 2008.

[John McGillivray]

Here are some photos from Combat camera.

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

[Wayne McGee]

Hell, don't bother giving the Afgan National Army C7's let 'em have the keys to our second-hand Leopard 1's.

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

The first Leo2s arriving in Kandahar... sorry, they're a bit big, but I can resize later.






These photos (there are more) courtesy of a post at

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums...d.php?t=118324

Click on the originals there for BIG hi-res!

[Wayne McGee]

I personally don't get a warm and fuzzy over any 60 t targets except thru the graticule of my Carl G. However, I'm SURE Darell Zinck et al are sporting Rock Hard Diamond-Cutters!

Cheers

[Hendrik van Oorspronk]

Could it be an Ex Dutch L 2 tank on a Dutch DAF tanktransporter.

Greetings Hendrik

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier reported killed in Afghanistan
Updated Sun. Aug. 19 2007 4:52 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier escorting a convoy in southern Afghanistan has died from injuries inflicted by a roadside bomb.
The 23-year-old from the Montreal area was with the Royal 22nd Regiment, the Quebec-based Van Doos. He is the first member of the regiment to die in Afghanistan and the 67th Canadian military casualty overall since 2002.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldier's family," said Col. Christian Juneau, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, at the Kandahar air field.
"We mourn him, we will honour him in the best military tradition, and we will carry on with the mission so his sacrifice will not be in vain."
The military is not immediately releasing the soldier's name or rank at the request of his family.
The incident happened about five kilometres east of Masum Ghar, considered a hotspot, at 1:40 a.m. local time.
The soldier, travelling in a LAV-III armoured vehicle, survived the initial blast and was airlifted to the base hospital. Doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Sunday's incident happened on the same road where a Canadian RG-31 Nyala hit a roadside bomb. That Aug. 12 incident left five soldiers slightly injured.
Two days ago, a LAV-III in another Canadian convoy struck a roadside bomb, leaving two soldiers injured.
The deceased soldier had arrived in Afghanistan just over two weeks ago, and was a member of Charlie Company in the Van Doos battle group.
Canada hasn't had a soldier die since July 4. On that day, six Canadian soldiers and their Afghan interpreter died when their RG-31 struck a roadside bomb.
Returning home
On Saturday night, a group of 90 Canadian soldiers arrived back at CFB Gagetown near Oromocto, N.B.
Lt.-Col. Robert Walker, commander of 2nd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, said early Sunday that the low point of his tour was the deaths of 18 soldiers under his command.
Seven of those soldiers were based at CFB Gagetown. All 18 died from roadside bombs.
"It was very, very hard but we're professional soldiers," Walker told reporters early Sunday.
He viewed their six-month tour of duty as a success for several reasons:
-Improved security in the Kandahar area
-Improvements to roads and transportation infrastructure
-Better vaccination programs for children
-Growing optimism among the Afghan people in the area
In remarks at a concert near Quebec City on Saturday night, Prime Minister Stephen Harper praised the humanitarian efforts of the Canadian military in Afghanistan.
"Quebecers, in particular, can be very proud of the women and men of the Royal 22nd who are writing another glorious page in the history of this regiment," he said at the event, held at the Levis Forts National Historic Site of Canada.
With files from CTV's Denelle Balfour and The Canadian Press

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[John McGillivray]

Returning troops remember fallen comrades
Updated Sun. Aug. 19 2007 1:40 AM ET
Canadian Press
OROMOCTO, N.B. -- It was a bittersweet welcome home for the latest troops to return from Afghanistan as many of the soldiers and their loved ones remembered the soldiers who were killed in the war-torn country.
Lt.-Col. Robert Walker, commander of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, said early Sunday the only low points of the six-month tour of duty were the deaths of 18 soldiers under his command, seven of them from Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.
All of the deaths were caused by roadside bombs.
"It was very, very hard but we're professional soldiers,'' Walker told reporters as he arrived back at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown with 90 members of his Afghanistan battle group.
"We understand the risks and they are shared risks. I was humbled and impressed that the soldiers carried on their mission day in and day out, driving those roads and understanding the risks they were taking.''
Walker said Canadian troops take comfort in the firm belief that their comrades did not die in vain.
"They have faith in the mission,'' he said. "They understand it's a noble cause.''
He said their tour of duty was a success because the security situation in the Kandahar area has improved and that has allowed for more road construction, better vaccination programs and a growing sense of optimism among the people of Afghanistan.
Walker said the Canadian mission is also giving the Afghanistan government the time and the help it needs to build its own military and police forces.
He said Canadians opposed to involvement in Afghanistan need to educate themselves about Canada's role and its successes. He urged Canadians to give the mission time to prove its worth.
"Day by day, we're making tangible differences,'' he said. "But it takes time.''
Several hundred people waitied impatiently at CFB Gagetown for their loved ones to return after a long flight from Cyprus.
The flight was delayed an it was late Saturday night and into Sunday morning before all of the troops and their families cleared the base.
"I'll be glad to see him come through those doors,'' said John McCourt of Summerside, P.E.I., as he waited for his son, Sgt. Randy McCourt.
"It has been a long six months. Whenever you hear of accidents over there, you're always scared it's going to be your son. It's still somebody's kid. It's not fun.''
Troops from Afghanistan will be returning to Gagetown over the next two weeks.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew..._name=&no_ads=

Harper trumpets Afghan mission at Que. concert
Updated Sun. Aug. 19 2007 12:19 AM ET
Canadian Press
LEVIS, Que. -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper continued his campaign to drum up support for Canada's mission in Afghanistan at a concert on Saturday night near Quebec City.
"The situation of Canadians in Afghanistan is difficult and dangerous, but Quebecers can be proud of their soldiers,'' Harper said.
He made his comments at an annual concert of music and fireworks at the Levis Forts National Historic Site of Canada.
Harper lauded the Canadian military's humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, highlighting the construction of bridges, roads, schools and medical centres in the country.
The work of Canadians in Afghanistan has started to produce benefits, he said.
He said "Quebecers, in particular, can be very proud of the women and men of the Royal 22nd who are writing another glorious page in the history of this regiment.''
Six million Afghan children now have access to school and seven million were vaccinated for polio, he said.
Harper also said the country is more and more responsible for its own security.
"These advances have been realized because of the efforts of the men and women in uniform on the front lines,'' he said.
Harper paid homage to parents and spouses of troops stationed in Afghanistan. He gave paintings depicting the Canadian war memorial in Vimy, France to the parents of nine soldiers from Levis currently serving in Afghanistan.
The visit comes at time when the Conservative government has been heavily criticized in Quebec over Canada's role in Afghanistan. Recent polls suggested around 70 per cent of Quebecers oppose the mission.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew..._name=&no_ads=

August 19, 2007

Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan

By MARTIN OUELLET

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - Another Canadian soldier has been killed in southern Afghanistan - the 67th since the military mission began in 2002.

Pte. Simon Longtin, 23, of Longueuil, Que., on Montreal's south shore, was killed early today when his light armoured vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb at 1:40 a.m. local time.

Longten, a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment - the Van Doos - was in a convoy on escort duty when the bomb detonated west of Kandahar city, five kilometres east of the volatile village of Masum Ghar.

Col. Christian Juneau, deputy commander of the Canadian joint task force, said Longten was evacuated by helicopter from the scene of the attack but was dead on arrival at the military hospital in Kandahar.

"It's almost like losing a brother," Juneau said. "We're a big family here, brothers in arms, and it's not just a statement that we take lightly in the military. So it really touches every one of us pretty deeply. But we'll mourn, we'll pay respects to the family and our fallen comrade and we'll carry on with the mission."

The death is the first among the 2,300-member ranks of the Valcartier, Que.-based Van Doos since they began their six-month tour in Afghanistan at the end of July.

It was also the third attack on Canadians in a week.

Last Sunday, five soldiers were injured when their RG-31 vehicle hit a roadside bomb on the same road as Sunday's fatal attack.

And on Friday, two Edmonton-based soldiers were slightly injured when an armoured tracked vehicle was struck by a similar improvised explosive.

Sunday's death was the first Canadian fatality in Afghanistan since July 4, when five soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb while travelling in an LAV just west of Kandahar.

Juneau said the military makes every attempt to safeguard its troops.

"We protect our soldiers the best way we can through training, providing them with equipment that is probably some of the best in the world," he said.

"But we cannot foresee every event, every type of explosive, every threat the enemy is throwing at us."

[John McGillivray]

Kandahar PRT base now target of insurgent attacks
Updated Tue. Aug. 21 2007 5:51 PM ET
Martin Ouellet, Canadian Press
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Taliban insurgents attacked a camp housing Canada's reconstruction team twice last week and both attacks were followed by exchanges of gunfire, the Canadian military said Tuesday.
Lt.-Col. Bob Chamberlain said no Canadians were injured in the two attacks, which happened on Aug. 13 and 18.
It's the first time that Camp Nathan Smith, the base for much of Canada's reconstruction and humanitarian work in Kandahar, has been attacked with rocket-propelled grenades, he said.
There were also exchanges of fire during the attacks.
Chamberlain said the attacks and other recent roadside attacks that have injured seven Canadian troops and killed Pte. Simon Longtin don't indicate a new offensive by the Taliban.
"To me, it's not an indication of any change in our status,'' said Chamberlain, commander of Camp Nathan Smith for the last eight months.
"It is part of the cost of doing business here. This is a high-threat environment.''
It shows that "we are a constant target as are all the forward operating bases,'' he said.
Meanwhile, Longtin's body will arrive at CFB Trenton on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old, of Longueuil, Que., died when his light armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb on Sunday.
His death was the first in Afghanistan for the Royal 22nd Regiment based in Quebec, where support is low for the Canadian mission.
Chamberlain said no one has been arrested for the attacks.
"I wouldn't give it greater credibility other than the fact there were a couple of people with RPG (rocket-propelled grenades),'' he said.
"We're seeing a trend that things are getting better over time and there's going to be a step back, but I'm seeing a gradual improvement of the security situation.''
The camp is the base for Canada's Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar and is considered one of the more secure Canadian bases in southern Afghanistan.
It is defended by about 200 soldiers from 3rd battalion of the Royal 22nd, known as the Van Doos.
Chamberlain said that Afghans are starting to turn against the Taliban.
"I believe that people have had enough of fighting.''
Canada has about 2,300 troops in the war-torn country as part of the NATO force supporting the Afghan government. About 1,100 of the Canadians are from the Royal 22nd.
Sixty-seven Canadian soldiers and a diplomat have died in Afghanistan since 2002. The fatalities include a couple of other soldiers from Quebec, but Longtin is the first from the Royal 22nd.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...0821?hub=World

[John McGillivray]

2 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan: report
Updated Wed. Aug. 22 2007 6:20 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Two Canadian soldiers and an interpreter have been killed in Afghanistan during a patrol, Radio Canada reports.
Another soldier and two Canadian journalists were injured in the same incident, which occurred in southern Afghanistan.
Public broadcaster Radio Canada said both journalists were its employees.
The incident "puts into context the very real dangers, difficulties and life threatening situations our ISAF troops, media and the interpreters who accompany them, encounter on a daily basis," said Lt. Col. Bridget Rose, a spokeswoman for the International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command South.
"Our thoughts are with the friends and families of those who have died or been injured in this incident."
An exact location hasn't been officially given yet for the incident, but Radio Canada reported that it occurred 41 kilometres south of Kandahar.
Developing...
With files from The Canadian Press

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

OH SHIT!!

[John McGillivray]

2 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Updated Wed. Aug. 22 2007 11:16 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Two Canadian soldiers and an interpreter were killed when a roadside bomb exploded during a patrol in southern Afghanistan.
Late Wednesday night, the Canadian Forces identified one of the soldiers as Master Cpl. Christian Duchesne, of the 5th Field Ambulance based out of Valcartier, Que.
The soldiers' families have been notified, but the name of the remaining soldier is being temporarily withheld at the family's request.
Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche told a news conference in Kandahar that another soldier and two Canadian journalists were injured in the same incident, which occurred in southern Afghanistan.
Their LAV-III armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device, Laroche said, an insurgent tactic he described as "vicious."
The operation in Zhari district -- about 50 kilometres west of Kandahar city -- was conducted by Bravo Company of the 3rd Battalion, part of the Quebec-based Royal 22nd Regiment popularly known as the Van Doos.
Canadian and Afghan troops exchanged fire with the insurgents in the first major combat operation for the Van Doos since the regiment began arriving in late July. No Canadians were injured in combat, and they took control of a strategic hill.
"The mission was a success. And we have to say the losses that occurred today occurred at the end. They had reached their objectives, they had reached their mission," Laroche said.
The deaths didn't result from a "lack of care. They are a reality of Afghanistan," he said.
After the fighting, Canadian troops discovered a massive IED that created a 20-metre-high fireball when detonated. Another, undiscovered IED caused the deaths.
"This is an extremely difficult and emotional situation for the families' friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives or been injured the incident," Laroche said.
"There is no way to comfort those who are grieving today except to say these soldiers were involved in something that they believed in."
Harper statement
Reacting to the latest Canadian casualties, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called it "a very sad day."
"These soldiers gave their life helping to bring stability and security to Afghanistan," Harper said in a statement. "We will always remember them."
According to a military news release, the incident occurred at 6:19 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
The release said the soldiers were part of Operation Eagle Eye, "a joint Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and ISAF operation aimed at further stabilizing" the troubled Zhari district.
The goal was to improve security in the district's western area, where insurgents have been most active, to provide the conditions for meetings with village elders and reconstruction projects, it said.
Public broadcaster Radio Canada said both journalists were its employees.
Cameraman Charles Dubois had suffered a serious leg injury and underwent surgery at a military hospital.
Reporter Patrice Roy is suffering from nervous shock but is otherwise uninjured, Radio Canada said.
At a Wednesday news conference in Montreal, Radio-Canada vice-president Sylvain Lafrance said the men volunteered for the assignment, were well-trained and had been in Afghanistan since early August.
Roy will decide in the next day or two whether he will continue on Afghanistan, he said.
The two soldiers' deaths bring Canada's military total to 69 since 2002. A diplomat has also been killed.
The Van Doos suffered the first death of their deployment on Sunday. Pte. Simon Longtin, 23, of Longueil, Que. died when the vehicle carrying him struck a roadside bomb. His body arrived back in Canada on Wednesday.
With files from CTV's Denelle Balfour and The Canadian Press
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6963319.stm
Makes 12 FFI so far. . . . . . . . . .



R.

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

The pilot must have missed the class on 'Target Identification'...

Originally posted by Richard Notton
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6963319.stm
Makes 12 FFI so far. . . . . . . . . .



R.

I read that news yesterday Richard and thought of you and all the people and their families there and their buds they were deployed with ... sad and hard news to hear about the losses.

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
The pilot must have missed the class on 'Target Identification'...

From here back to Gulf War 1, perhaps the plural of "pilot" might be more accurate. . . .
(pun unintended but apt)

R.

Richard, what is "FFI"?

Thanks

Originally posted by Vets Dottir 2nd
Richard, what is "FFI"?

Thanks

Friendly Fire Incident.

I find the officialese "incident" a little antiseptic when applied to dead and probably dying soldiers.

R.

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

...also sometimes referred to as a Blue-on-Blue, Karmen. It's usually just rank carelessness, and unfortunately (with due respect to our American friends), it's often referred to (by other armies) as a 'USAF favourite sport'.

Originally posted by Richard Notton
Friendly Fire Incident.

I find the officialese "incident" a little antiseptic when applied to dead and probably dying soldiers.

R.

Ah, thank you, Master R.

And I agree "incident" sounds a lame word for it's nature and for such tragic end results.

Karmy

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball it's often referred to (by other armies) as a 'USAF favourite sport'.

[/B]

Ouch.

Thanks for the explanations Geoff.

[John McGillivray]

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
The pilot must have missed the class on 'Target Identification'...

Or maybe it is just the “go-pills”.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/fr...e/gopills.html

[Wayne McGee]

Laying fault at no one's feet..... in a high-speed, fire-and-forget, laser painted, technology driven battlefield, it's an increasingly unfriendly place for soft-bodied, brittle-boned human beings.
Stupid mistakes aside, a pilot, and his FAC (Forward Air Controller) can cross every 't' and dot every 'i' and do everything perfect right up to bomb release, and then some "burp" happens in the mindless brain of the seeker head, or some solenoid in the control vanes decides it's "shelf life expired" and suddenly the friendlies have a 500 pounder competing for the same piece of real estate.
Stupid mistakes will allways happen. From the first time we picked up a sharpened stick to defend ourselves, and promply poked ourself in the eye, to today.
Murphy's Law Of Armed Conflict states "Friendly Fire Ain't". This is more than a quaint play on words, it is a fact. Our increasing dependance on the "voodoo magic" of modern weapons and weapon systems will lead to ever more tragic results.

'nuff said...my brain hurts.

Condolences to those mates and families who have suffered this loss

[John McGillivray]

Canadian ISAF member found dead in Kabul barracks
Updated Wed. Aug. 29 2007 9:59 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian member of the International Security Assistance Force has been found dead in his barracks room in Afghanistan.
The soldier, who has not yet been named, died shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time.
About an hour earlier he had been found suffering from a gunshot wound in his room within a secure compound in Kabul, the Afghan capital.
Doctors were unable to save the soldier.
The serviceman's death is being investigated by ISAF and Canadian military officials.
ISAF has said there was no sign of forced entry or enemy action. However, Capt. Sylvain Chalifour has said neither murder, suicide nor accidental discharge of the firearm have been ruled out as possible reasons for the death.
There is no indication whether the soldier was based in Kandahar.
Next of kin has been notified, but the name of the deceased is being witheld at the request of the family, according to an an ISAF news release.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...829?hub=Canada

[Gunner]

Interesting that the Identification Friend or Foe acronym is the opposite of Friendly Fire Incident!

Mike

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Gunner
Interesting that the Identification Friend or Foe acronym is the opposite of Friendly Fire Incident!

Mike

Who let you out of your cage and taught you to type?