Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

DF deployment to Chad

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts



  • Hundreds of Irish soldiers have recently spent nearly five testing months in the volatile central African nation of Chad. Eoin Butler met a few of them as they arrived home on leave
    INCOMING MORTAR rounds, 13-hour working days and temperatures of up to of 55 degrees. It wasn't all fun and games for the soldiers of the Western Brigade last year, as they grappled with the task of establishing an Irish peacekeeping presence in Chad. The central African country has among the world's worst rates of life expectancy, adult literacy, per capita income and corruption. To further complicate matters, eastern Chad currently hosts 285,000 refugees from the Darfur conflict (raging just over the border in Sudan) as well as 180,000 Chadians displaced by clashes between government and rebel forces.
    In May this year, 450 Irish troops were deployed to eastern Chad as part of the Eufor mission to the region. Their job was to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Here, in their own words, three Irish soldiers describe how they got to grips with the challenges they faced and how they coped in the testing conditions.
    Battery sergeant Gary Madden (43)
    "I went into Chad as part of the initial injection force. Our job was to construct a base that would house the main body of 400 Irish soldiers coming after us. I suppose it was a fairly daunting task, if you were to sit back and think about it.
    "Fortunately, the Army Rangers were already in the area when we arrived, so we had a secure area to set up camp for the first couple of days. Wells had been dug and the Rangers had set up a makeshift shower. You could probably sneak in there once a day, if you were lucky. Each of us had our own two-man tent. As well as sleeping in it, you also used this to store your gear in. The tents got very hot during the day. If you had any electronic equipment, you had to be very careful. We had pack rations and bottled water.
    "That was it. I don't know if you've seen any pictures of Chad, but it's not the most lushly forrested place on God's green earth. There's no foliage on any of the trees during the dry season. So there was no cover from the sun. The heat was violent, 55 degrees in the middle of the day. For the first week or so, you were constantly drenched with sweat. But at night temperatures often dropped below freezing.
    "Basically, we had what you would call a brown field site. Everything that you would expect to see in a modern urban development had yet to be put in place. It was a long working day. We'd start at 5am and work until it got dark at 6pm. If you could, you'd try and get out of the sun at the hottest part of the day. But a lot of the time that wasn't possible. Any break time you got was just about getting food into you, getting water into you and preparing for the next few hours' work. If you had half an hour to rest you'd probably try and find a small bit of shade and catch 40 winks.
    "There was no opportunity for recreation in those first few weeks, none whatsoever. There was a job to be done every single day. That was just how it was. Everybody knew what they were getting in to. You knew what was expected of you and you knew what the level of comfort would be. We were lucky, however, in that the people we had were not only very skilled, but also very dedicated and hardworking. There was a great atmosphere of camaraderie.
    "Did I miss home? It's strange. When I was in Chad, home didn't seem real. Now that I'm back, it's Chad that seems unreal. Like a different planet or something. I suppose, when I was over there, I conditioned myself to think, "This is real. This is where I am and this is what I'm dealing with'. But of course there were things I missed. You couldn't get your hands on an egg over there. I'd have loved a fried egg. Right now I can't wait to have a few rashers and sausages. But what you really miss is being able to talk to your wife or partner at the end of the day. You're away from the people that are closest to you. That's obviously the hardest part of it all."

    Comment


    • Captain James Sharkey (27)

      "We left [Chadian capital] N'Djamena last night, stopped off to refuel in Las Palmas and then flew in directly here to Baldonnel. We're just waiting for our bags now. It's still all a bit surreal. But there's definitely a sense of satisfaction for a job well done. In the five or six months Irish forces have been based in Goz-Beida, the town has already become noticeably more confident. There are brick buildings going up where previously there were only mud or straw huts. The local population know that as long as we're there, the rebels are not going to come back. If they do, we'll be there to defend them.
      "I went into Chad with the main body of the battalion as a member of one of the manoeuvre companies. It was our job to patrol the area around the camp and provide a safe and secure environment for the IDFs [internally displaced people] and refugees. There are no roads over there. It's all dirt tracks. The most serious incident we had to deal with was when the rebels attacked Goz-Beida in June and we got into a fire fight. There were incoming mortar rounds and small-arms fire, which we returned. Luckily we were able to secure the refugee camps and rescue the NGOs from Goz-Beida. It was pretty frightening. But we dealt with it. That's what we're trained to do.
      "When you're on patrol you might be out overnight. Otherwise you'd finish work at about three or four in the afternoon. It wasn't a particularly comfortable environment to live in. You couldn't leave the camp. For the first month we were living without air conditioning. That was hard. Even when we got the air con in, there were problems with generators not working. The showers were also strictly rationed. You had to go in, turn the water on, wet yourself and turn it off again. Then you'd put your soap on and turn the shower on again to rinse yourself off. So you had maybe two minutes of water in total.
      "The cook house didn't open until half way through the trip, so we were living off pack rations for the first couple of months. For breakfast you'd have bacon and baked beans. For dinner you might have a Lancashire hot pot. It was all pre-cooked, pre-packed. To heat it up you could put it in boiling water or else you could just leave it out in the sun for a few minutes. There were a couple of welfare tents with large television screens. Rugby matches and the Premiership were obviously popular. The internet was limited to 15 minutes per person. If you wanted to watch films you'd generally watch them on your laptop. Lots of DVDs got swapped around.
      "What am I looking forward to now? Seeing my family, I suppose. Eating fast food. Sleeping in a normal bed and not sweating all the time. But more than anything, I'm looking forward to going out on the beer with my friends. We kept a dry camp over there, so I haven't had a drink in four and a half months. We'll probably have a few pints and then head out to Club 92. I'm also really looking forward to spending some time alone. As a soldier, you're used to living in close proximity to other people. But on a trip like that you're never, ever alone. There's always someone else around. So to be honest, I won't miss the lads now for the next two or three weeks."
      Lieutenant Aine Gilmore (24)
      "I had two jobs in Chad. I was second-in-command of a company of about 130 people. But I was also the welfare officer, which meant I was in charge of all the creature comforts for the camp - the shop, the recreation room, the gym and entertainment.
      "Good morale is very important when you've got people living in close quarters like that. But it wasn't always easy. On other trips you'd have had a bar or a canteen. We didn't have that in Chad. It was a dry mission. We were also in a very isolated location where everything had to be built from scratch. It took time to get bits and pieces together.
      "The camp was located right beside an airstrip, which we were allowed to train on during the day. There was also a really good gym. The shop sold cigarettes, phone credit, sweets and Pringles. It was very hard to get chocolate. Even when we did, it'd sell out quickly and reordering would take time. There were a couple of days when we couldn't open the shop for whatever reason. That caused a little bit of tension. It was the little luxuries - phone credit or a can of coke - that the lads really missed. In the evenings we organised quiz nights, poker nights, pool competitions, darts competitions, that kind of thing.
      "Most people will tell you that they missed their friends or family or going out. But for me it was the normal things I missed the most, like sitting down with a cup of tea and watching the soaps. I play Gaelic football with the Galway ladies' team and it was heartbreaking leaving that behind. I think my lowest days were when the girls were playing a match. I missed running around in the muck and the rain. It sounds strange to say that, but I really did.
      "We all had our bad days. But the thing was, everyone was in the same boat. So you'd kind of drag each other along through it. When someone was feeling down you'd say, 'Look, we'll make the best of it. We'll go training or watch a DVD. We'll do whatever it is necessary to get it out of your system'. At the end of the day, we were going to be there for four and a half months either way. You could complain and moan and be pissed off for that entire four and a half months if you wanted. But it was much easier for yourself and everyone else around you if you just got on with things.
      "Did I enjoy the experience? Absolutely, I did. It was my first trip overseas, so I knew it was going to be hard. I had nothing to compare it to. Other guys had been in Liberia and Kosovo and might have found it tough in comparison. But it was a really rewarding experience. We started with nothing and, by the time our tour of duty ended, Camp Ciara was one of the most envied camps in the area of operations. It was great to be a part of that and to see how our presence benefited the local people.
      "They were really happy that we were there. It's nice to get the opportunity to do something that worthwhile in your career."


      Irish Times

      Comment


      • Looks like a USB Pen
        Theirs not to make reply,
        Theirs not to reason why,
        Theirs but to do and die:
        Into the valley of Death
        Rode the six hundred.

        The Charge of the Light Brigade

        Comment


        • Originally posted by Master Of None View Post
          Idle curiosity,
          But whats the Polish chap (Colonel, I think) wearing on his lapel? As seen in pics 4,5 & 7 above?

          Guessing here .....

          Radiation exposure indicator/fob??

          .

          Comment


          • Its a small little little torch

            I have the very same one
            Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
            Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
            The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere***
            The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
            The best lack all conviction, while the worst
            Are full of passionate intensity.

            Comment


            • Link to article on Russian MI-8s http://www.independent.ie/national-n...e-1597822.html

              IAS

              Comment


              • 'I got the call I'd been afraid of'

                'I got the call I'd been afraid of'

                CHAD DIARY: Duty and emotion collide as Christmas is overshadowed by heartbreaking news from home, writes Lieut Seán Byrne

                OUR FIFTH major patrol before Christmas was always going to be a landmark for everyone. After it, we would be back in camp during Christmas week while our armoured personnel carrier company was on patrol. Then it would be into January, with home in sight for chalk-one personnel.

                It turned out to be a memorable patrol. Our by now usual five-day patrol was extended to seven. The special representative to the United Nations secretary general, Victor Angelo, was visiting the area to conduct meetings. As we were leaving, we were retasked with remaining for the duration of his visit to provide additional security as it was close to the Sudanese border. This meant our return to Goz Beida was postponed from Friday till Sunday.

                Heading back to camp, morale was high because Christmas was just around the corner.

                Christmas tunes in our armoured personnel carrier with 50 degree heat . . . I couldn't really feel the Christmas vibe. But Live Aid did strike a note with its references to the burning sun and how "there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time".

                Christmas Eve was work as usual, but later that evening an attempt was made by the officers of tent A1 to make the place look festive. Gen Luke O'Neill created a three-foot Christmas tree by cutting and shaping styrofoam and gluing on a few hundred green scouring pads. Clonakilty Foods generously provided fresh pork products, which were appreciatively wolfed down by all. Sausages and pudding just don't taste the same unless they're Irish!

                Dinner that evening was, of course, the traditional turkey and ham accompanied with all the trimmings. Then back to relaxing. Army men may have the stereotypical reputation for being macho, but occasionally we do connect with our sensitive side as nine of us watched Love Actually on Christmas night.

                There were no feelings of guilt as we consumed our own body weight in chocolate and sweets - we had a half-marathon to "look forward" to on St Stephen's morning.

                As quick as it arrived, Christmas was over.

                Saturday was still a rest day, but not for members of Recce Company as there were orders and patrol prep for our sixth patrol departing Monday.

                I had been told earlier in the week that my grandmother was unwell. On Saturday evening I got the call I'd been afraid of all week. After a short illness, my gran had passed away.

                I have lived with my gran since I was six. She was always in my everyday life. My parents' house is directly behind my grandmother's, but I lived with her to keep her company. I don't mind saying that as I was the only boy in a house full of girls, she spoiled me constantly, much to my sisters' jealousy.

                I was confused because I always expected to take her death badly, but I didn't. Being out here in Chad had somehow insulated me from the grieving that was taking place at home.

                My company commander had a few quiet words with me and asked if I wanted to try and get home or remain here.

                I felt torn over wanting to return home to say goodbye to my grandmother and the responsibility I have to my platoon to remain with them and ensure their welfare.

                One of my young troops lost a grandparent early in the trip and was unable to make it home and, after a lot of thought, I decided to stay also and go out on patrol to keep myself busy.

                When I phoned home on Sunday and spoke to my dad, he completely understood and supported my decision. This was very important to me. I did, however, change my mind and told the company commander I wanted to remain in camp to be in contact with my family. He agreed and thought it was the right choice to make.

                I'm extremely grateful for all the support I received from everyone. All the officers, NCOs and soldiers offered their sympathies. The battalion chaplain Fr Bob McCabe was very helpful, offering prayers and blessings all week. We organised a Mass on Tuesday evening, the day of the burial.

                I didn't tell anyone about it, because I thought they might feel obliged to attend if I mentioned it. I have to admit I was moved by the attendance when I arrived. Without my knowledge, the word had been circulated.

                Sgt Larry Doyle, along with all the members of my platoon and my company who were available, was there. The battalion commander and deputy commander, together with a host of other officers, NCOs and soldiers were all there to show their support.

                While the males offered their sympathies, I could see their uneasiness and uncertainty at what to say. Credit must go to my female officer colleagues and friends who were very understanding and not afraid to ask the sensitive questions. I received e-mails, texts and phone calls from my friends at home offering their support; my sisters told me that all my friends were at the funeral.

                I wasn't the only one who didn't make it home. Pauline couldn't travel home from Holland with her infant daughter. My cousin Tom, with whom I share an apartment in Dublin, couldn't get home from his holidays in Mexico. I phoned him on Skype to see how he was. He was disappointed neither of us would be there to carry the coffin for her.

                But life goes on.

                I was selected for a patrol on Thursday and Friday to escort vehicles to Force HQ in Abeche and back. The company patrol returned and the routine continues. The new year came and went like any other day. One more patrol left for Recce Company. Lots of paperwork and individual assessments had to be completed.

                Staying busy is the best way to keep my platoon and myself focused and alert for the final few weeks.

                I still feel bad that I didn't make it to my gran's funeral, considering all she did for me. I haven't really grieved yet either, maybe it will take some time for it to sink in and hit me.

                But at the end of it all, she knows how special she is to me and how much I love her.

                • Lieut Seán Byrne remains on duty with the Defence Forces in Chad

                Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

                Comment




                • "MOSCOW, December 24 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Air Force has completed the deployment of personnel and hardware of a Russian helicopter group to Chad, an Air Force spokesman said Wednesday.

                  "On December 23, an Air Force Il-76 aircraft made a finishing flight to the capital of the republic of Chad to ensure the transfer of a Russian helicopter group participating in a European Union operation to support the UN presence in the republic of Chad and the Central African Republic," Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said.

                  Drik said that since November 14, Il-76 Candid medium-range military transport aircraft and An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft have performed 15 flights to Chad, transporting more than 130 personnel and 300 metric tons of cargos, including seven vehicles and four Mi-8 MT helicopters.

                  Russia signed an agreement with the EU on November 5 on the deployment of a 200-strong peacekeeping contingent and four Mi-8MT helicopters in the central African region for up to a year.

                  Russia already has a helicopter support group deployed in neighboring Sudan. The 120 personnel and four Mi-8 helicopters provide transport and rescue services for UN military observers in Sudan.

                  The EU approved in April a plan to send a peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, after five years of clashes between government troops and Chadian rebels trying to oust President Idriss Deby, who seized power in 1990.

                  Over 700 people, including 400 civilians, were reported to have died in February this year following fighting triggered by a rebel assault on the Chadian capital, Ndjamena.

                  The EUFOR contingent, comprising 3,700 personnel from 14 EU countries, began a yearlong UN humanitarian mission in March to help protect the civilian population and provide humanitarian aid in the country's troubled eastern region.

                  Chad gained independence from France in 1960. Since 2003, Chad and Sudan have accused each other of inciting conflict on their common border, which includes most of the restive west Sudanese region of Darfur."

                  Comment


                  • A friend of mine told me that an Irish Air Corps Officer in Chad was tasked with the Russians' work-up to full operational capability with their Mi-8s.

                    Comment


                    • ...So if you've been there and done that, now you can buy the T-shirt...


                      Comment


                      • Originally posted by easyrider View Post
                        ...So if you've been there and done that, now you can buy the T-shirt...


                        This one looks nicer...

                        You will never have a quiet world until you knock the patriotism out of the human race

                        Comment


                        • UN to take over Chad operation
                          Wednesday, 14 January 2009 16:45

                          The UN is expected to approve its own peacekeeping mission to Chad, taking over the operation which has been run by the EU for the past year and led by an Irish General. The European mission, known as EUFOR, has been operating in Chad since spring. It is composed of more than 3,500 troops, 400 of them from Ireland. The operational commander of the force, Lieutenant General Pat Nash from Limerick, is based in Paris.

                          It was always anticipated that EUFOR would only operate until the UN was ready to set up its own mission in the huge Central African country. Many of the nations already participating, including Ireland, will probably continue to serve - with soldiers simply putting on the traditional UN Blue Beret from 15 March. However, it is not expected that any Irish General will have a key role in the UN force.

                          The next group of Irish soldiers who leave for Chad at the end of this month will be inspected by the Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea this afternoon in Dublin.
                          http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0114/cha
                          You will never have a quiet world until you knock the patriotism out of the human race

                          Comment


                          • Originally posted by easyrider View Post
                            ...So if you've been there and done that, now you can buy the T-shirt...


                            Those cougars are false representation
                            Theirs not to make reply,
                            Theirs not to reason why,
                            Theirs but to do and die:
                            Into the valley of Death
                            Rode the six hundred.

                            The Charge of the Light Brigade

                            Comment


                            • Originally posted by mugs View Post
                              Those cougars are false representation
                              Can't wait to catch an RDF officer wearing one
                              Everyone who's ever loved you was wrong.

                              Comment


                              • UN to take over Chad operation
                                Wednesday, 14 January 2009 16:45

                                The UN is expected to approve its own peacekeeping mission to Chad, taking over the operation which has been run by the EU for the past year and led by an Irish General. The European mission, known as EUFOR, has been operating in Chad since spring. It is composed of more than 3,500 troops, 400 of them from Ireland. The operational commander of the force, Lieutenant General Pat Nash from Limerick, is based in Paris.

                                It was always anticipated that EUFOR would only operate until the UN was ready to set up its own mission in the huge Central African country. Many of the nations already participating, including Ireland, will probably continue to serve - with soldiers simply putting on the traditional UN Blue Beret from 15 March. However, it is not expected that any Irish General will have a key role in the UN force.

                                The next group of Irish soldiers who leave for Chad at the end of this month will be inspected by the Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea this afternoon in Dublin.
                                That'll be Pat Nash going on his ticket, then ....
                                "Well, stone me! We've had cocaine, bribery and Arsenal scoring two goals at home. But just when you thought there were truly no surprises left in football, Vinnie Jones turns out to be an international player!" (Jimmy Greaves)!"

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X