the blue hackle - edition 5

8/13/2019 The Blue Hackle - Edition 5

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SCOTSThe Blue Hackle

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Disciplined and Ready

Commanding Officers Foreword

Another month gone and Advent is upon us. The Battalion is ready for Christmas and we are allstaggered by the generosity of those back homewe are awash with parcels. The plan for the bigday is to hold a Christmas Eve dinner where we will be joined by the Danish and Estonianmembers of the Battlegroup followed by an atmospheric Midnight service. Christmas Day will bequiet allowing all the chance to phone or Skype to see their families back home with the officersdoing the majority of the work on the Day allowing the Jocks some time off. It will not be the sameas a family Christmas at home in Fallingbostel or Scotland but we will make it memorable all thesame. So, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and on behalf ofeveryone forward thank you for supporting the Battalion over an incredibly busy year.

Commanding Officer 4 SCOTS: Lt Col J C Roddis MBE


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Manoeuvre BattlegroupOperations Warrant Officer

Many might wonder what this Operations Warrant Officer (Ops WO) person gets up to. My maintask is babysitting the Battle Captain and ensuring that the Ops Room runs smoothly. The BattleCaptain in question is Capt Henderson and after 3 months I now have a firm grip on his routine.Within the Ops Room there are several jobs that require 24 hour manning, most of which arecovered by attached arms. We are that vital link to the troops deployed outside of Bastion.

4 SCOTS personnel have beenheading up theWatchkeeper/Signals desk withCSgt Fergie Ferguson and SgtJay Jones keeping watch on theJCHAT; as this goes to press webid farewell to Sgt Alec Framewho is now Fallingostel boundwith a new skill to adapt to. Ithank him for all his hours ofstagging on. The signallers haveremained sharp on the radios withHldr Koul staying ALERT!

The banter with in the Ops Roomhas been flowing from time totime, with the main focus tending

to be towards Bdr Mills, who takesa powering of verbal for his everloved football team, the Arsenal BTeam (Tottenham Hotspurs).

Gereshk District Centre is a popular transit route through Central Helmand.

The CO, Danish Liaison Officer, Danish Tank Commander

and new Estonian Company Commander deployedtogether for the first time this month following the EstonianCompanys Relief in Place.


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CSgt Ferguson & CSgt Campbell aka Jack & Victor are apparently on the fat burner routine for PT,but it is hard to notice if it is working yet. However, still 5 months for some results to show.

The Artillery desks havebonded well with the teamand have been producingsome good work in the fightagainst the insurgents. Achange in focus to some ofthe operations has meantthat they have had someextra work thrown their way.

The J2 (Intelligence) deskare always on top of thingswith the small band ofintelligent people assessingthat there are approximately5 months until end of tour.

Not forgetting to keep up todate with SP Coy mattersduring the tour has filled myquieter days; of which there

has not been many to date. I have managed a visit to Lashkar Gah Durai where the MortarPlatoon and FP FSG Platoon hosted Maj Sandford and me. Thanks to the efficiency of the RAFour stay was extended by 2 days - apparently due to a technical problem with the helicopter.

Some thingsnever change.More recently Ivisited theRecce Platoonat Sterga 2. Allwere in goodspirits and

doing acracking jobkeeping thesmall base

runningsmoothly.

Unfortunatelythis was afleeting visitwhen CSgt

Campbell sent me packing on the inbound Helicopter the following morning, thanks for theHospitality Cammy.

COs Tactical Headquarters deployed with the Adjt for support(2ndfrom left) this month.

COs TACs Huskys (low left) and Warthogs (top right) all deployed alongsidethe Danish Tanks and Estonian Protected Mobility vehicles.


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WO1 Scotty Mcquillin has arrived in theatre taking post as Regimental Sergeant Major. I take thisopportunity towelcome himfrom all theWOs and SgtsMess membersin theatre. Withthe arrival ofWO1 Mcquillinhas meant thatWO1 Philbinwas

subsequentlypromoted toCapt Philbin.Congratulations.

Merry Christmasand a Happy New Year to all, and you can look forward to more Ops room up dates in the future.

Operations Warrant Officer / Support Company Sergeant Major: WO2 Vince Mackintosh

Danish Leopard II Tanks (top left) and Estonian PASI 188s (bottom rightdeployed alongside the COs Huskys and Warthogs this month.


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United States Marine Corps 238th

Birthday Celebrations

Although at time of publishing the Pipes and Drums of 4 SCOTS who deployed with A (Grenadier)Company are safely back in Germany, they did manage one final performance before departing.

On 10 November 2013, the United States Marine Corps marked their 238th birthday with acelebratory dinner in Lashkar Gah for all of ISAFs Top Brass. The 4 SCOTS Pipes and Drumsjoined forces with The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards to perform as the main entertainment andattraction of the celebrations.

The Pipes and Drums of 4 SCOTS and SCOTS DG played during the USMC birthdaycelebrations.


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Task Force Belleau Wood Force Protection Multiple

A Company was two weeks away from successfully completing its task of delivering the RSOIpackage for Herrick 19 troops when a request came through for an uplift of Infantry to work underthe United States Marine Corps led Task Force Belleau Wood. It would assist 51 Squadron RAF

Regiment in the perimeter defence of CampBastion. 4 SCOTS said they could provide,and a multiple strength was mobilised fromA Companys reserve element on standbyin Fallingbostel. Lt Gourd was to remain intheatre and take command of the multiple,

alongside Sgt MacLean-McInnes whoarrived with the Jocks in early November.

The task is to permanently man threedefensive positions on the perimeter ofCamp Bastion. From there the teamsprovide a deterrent to anyone with an intentto break in, they report on activity withintheir arcs that feeds into the intelligencepicture, they provide mutual support to localISAF patrols and ultimately will deliver aneffect against any deliberate effort byinsurgents to target Camp Bastion.

The Jocks patrol on the ground that they watch over.

Fort Cossar.


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The defensive positions are theJocks new home! Towers of concretewith a Rocket Propelled Grenadeframe, Hesco protection and desert-cam nets; they are every bit theultimate fortress every boy dreamedof building. Not short of welfarefacilities either; each tower contains agym suite under the strict eye ofLCpl Mackenzie, screened off solarshowers allowing for a discreet post-workout freshen-up and mini-TVs

keeping big-hearted Hldr Agnewabreast with Loose Women andLorraine! A kettle maintains moralewith coffee and pot noodles but moreso - the fridge full of Irn Bru!

The Jocks have been put through their paces with plenty of training on the assets and equipmentavailable to help them complete their task. Confidence at delivering a variety of reports over theradio has improved, as has their attention to detail in medical procedures and casualty evacuation.

Judgemental training and Escalation of Force drills have been discussed and practiced, with aninterest in the job also continuing to be maintained. Always flexible and able to adapt; the Jockshave managed to turn their hand to a completely different task from what they thought they wouldbe doing, and so far they are leading the way and have continued impress. Camp Bastion cansleep soundly in the knowledge there are Highlanders keeping watch!

Officer Commanding TFBW FP Multiple: Lt Olly Gourd.

'Chest Day' for Hldr Burton, finishing off 101 reps asHldr Logan looks on in envy.

Heart beats were racing in the med lessons! Meanwhile, Cpl McDermott scans his arcs fromthe tower.


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Op GLANCE PlatoonKandahar Airfield

The Operation GLANCE Platoon was formed from the men of 3 Platoon, A Company, 4 SCOTS.The platoon is isolated from the remainder of the Battalion and operates from Kandahar Airfield(KAF) down in Kandahar Province. Our role is to act as force protection for the British Task Forcewho operate in and around the surrounding area of KAF.

The Jocks have now been in place for two months and are settling in well to our new surroundings.KAF itself is a very different environment to that of Bastion. It is mainly an American location but italso seems to be a temporary home to Austrialians, Belgians, Slovakians, Danes, French, Italiansand of course; the Afghans themselves. The platoon is one of the very few British Army units inKAF.

Initially the platoon was very busy; patroling out on the ground almost every day in our RidgebackProtected Mobility vehicles. However, as winter now has her foot well and truely foot in the door,the tempo of operations will undoubtedly change. The jocks are keeping busy, however, as thetraining opportunities in KAF are excellent. Alongside Herrick specific training, the jocks arekeeping up to stratch with skill at arms and conventional tactics. The platoon has a number ofJNCOs and jocks who are benefiting greatly from this training, with the intent of attending SectionCommanders Battle Course or a Potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officers cadre on returnfrom theatre.

It isnt all work and no play for the Op GLANCE jocks however. KAF has some of the best welfarefacilities the army has to offer; so much so, that some of the jocks prefer KAF to Germany! The

platoon has their choice of 7 themed cookhouses and their pick of several coffee shops. After theworking day, the jocks can choose to attend the UK gym or go to the boardwalk, where they canplay football, hockey, basketball or beach volleyball. Last month the platoon entered two teams into a mutli-national dodgeball tournament. Victory, however, was secured by the ever so keenAmericans.

As Christmas approaches, the thoughts of the Op GLANCE platoon turn to their famalies back inGermany and the UK. Everyone here would like to wish them a very Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year.

Officer Commanding Op GLANCE Platoon: Lt Ross Pearson

The Op GLANCE Platoon with their Ridgeback Protected Mobility Vehicles.


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B Company

Transition is the word on everyones lips at the Regional Corps Battle School Advisor Team. If theISAF mission was not due to end within a year, B Coy s task would be a simple one: to stand infront of a class of Afghans and teach them how to operate a particular weapon system or piece ofequipment. Teaching them how to teach it to their fellow Afghans is, however, an entirely differentkettle of fish. The institution needs to be completely self-sustaining in less than a year, from theteaching of courses all the way up to the planning and resourcing of training. Therefore, while thetraining currently offered needs to be of a high standard, development of the Afghan ability tocomplete the job themselves remains the main focus. The school has completed its first batch ofcourses; 650 Afghan students taught by B Coy and their USMC counterparts. We have thenretained the top 109 students that will become instructors on each course. They then began athree week instructor development package, improving their knowledge of their specialist subjectand teaching them how to instruct.

The Specialist Infantry Weapons courses, headed up by Capt Grant and Gunnery Sergeant Phillips(USMC), are the closest courses to transitioning. Afghans are very practical learners and easilyable to observe and copy weapon drills. In particular, the SPG-9 course, assisted by LCpl Burns,and the 82mm Mortar course, assisted by Cpl MacPhee, are 95% there. A bigger challenge is the

Combat Service Support courses, such as Medical training and Vehicle Maintenance course.

It can at times be easy to forget that we are training an army at war. A week in to our instructordevelopment phase, 215 Corps received an order to form two new Kandaks (Battalions), with oneto form immediately at the RCBS and undergo a three week training package. It would be easy toview this as a spanner in the works of our well thought out instructor development package,however our mission here is to provide the Corps with all of its training needs. The fact that the215 Corps is utilizing the RCBS and its considerable resources can only be good news. It throwsour new instructors in at the deep end where they can learn on the job.

The new Kandak has changed the dynamic of the school considerably. The students are not thenew, raw recruits that have been training at the RCBS to date. These are experienced soldiersfrom the fighting Brigades of the 215 Maiwand Corps. They walk around with a swagger, and havetheir own experience and ideas on how to conduct the training. The life support in the school hasbeen stretched to the limit with 3,000 people currently living at the RCBS. The new Kandaks

The RCBS is a multinational training facility that has gone from strength to strength.


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soldiers have spent a long time without leave or pay, and the RCBS Advisor Team will have tocontend with these issues as the training progresses.

In addition, the school is awaiting the arrival of 90 new Officers, who will undergo a four weekcourse to improve their map reading, weapon skills, tactics and leadership. This will further stretchthe schools resources, but once again, the opportunity to train the Corps next batch of leadersmeans that we can have an immediate effect on the battlefield.

RCBS Ops Bravo: Captain Marcus Pemberton.

Executive Officer Update.

We have been very surprised at the willingness of the new Afghan instructors to take the lead anddemonstrate their ability to instruct on the new courses. They are very enthusiastic and keen toget the job done which is a clear sign of progress and a credit to the B Coy instructors who haveput in so much hard work to develop them.

Advising is challenging and frustrating work at times, it is not all back slapping and high fives. Youoften find yourself trying to discuss and convey complex issues to the ANA through an interpreterto an audience who does not necessarily agree with you or has a different point of view. It is a timeconsuming role that requires you to develop a rapport and understanding with your target audiencewhere you blend your western knowledge with Afghan practicality to come up with a solution. Ithink Jocks, NCOs and Officers of B Coy have done an excellent job at having the patience todevelop that understanding and forged the necessary relationships. Advising is a job that requiresthe delicate art of knowing when to drive on with an issue to accomplish a task and when to let theANA do it themselves and possibly fail. At this stage of the Campaign we need to be showing theANA how to get the job done. Col Kraft from the USMC summed it up perfectly with two saying.You can lead a horse to water but you cant make it drink, but if you give it salt and work it hard itwill, and I never wanted the win as much as my coach did, he showed me what right looked like.B Coy has another 4 months where we need to get the Afghans to a stage where they can do it forthemselves. I think that with our guidance and slowly giving them the lead we will depart leavingbehind a sustainable RCBS that will be able to provide the training for the ANA of the future.

Officer Commanding B Company / RCBS Executive Officer: Major Jono Kelmanson


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Support Company

It is interesting to note, while werack up the editions of the BlueHackle, that the number of days leftto do is not noticeably decreasing.That said; we are approaching 100days in theatre for many, so to markthat minor milestone, I thought it aptto offer a quick stock-take ofSupport Companys tour so far.

The Company has been fortunate inhaving almost 60% of us deployedon H19. The roles are various.Some odds and sods (OC, CSM,Sgt Marsden) are languishing in therear in BG HQ. Others are fillingniche capabilities in the BTE (WO2Easton, Cpl Macleod), TFH (CplEvery), RCBS (Cpl Rai), steady-state RSOI (Cpl Singleton); while a lucky few get (occasionally) to do some real soldiering outsidethe wire: Recce (STG2), FSG and Recce (COs TAC and Force Protection (FP) Multiple, Mortars

(LKD). The Pipes & Drums shift supporting A Coy and RSOI has come to an end and they haverecovered to Fallingbostel in preparation for the Pipes & Drums Cadre in Edinburgh in the NewYear.

The Mortars have gone oneup on their 2 SCOTSpredecessors and finallymanaged to fire a firemission. This is just rewardfor a lot of preparation andhard work on the part of theteam down in Lashkar Gah

Durai, who have maintaineda sharp edge throughout.

The Bastion-based elementsof Support Company face avaried existence. The CSMand I pedal a goldfish bowl-like existence in theHeadquarters. The CSMhas now acquired thedubious status of Flypro

Guru, having mastered the black art that is the system for booking in-theatre helicopter trips. TheCompany clerk has handled her duties with such aplomb that she has been promoted. LCplSproule is now seen briefing the officers with a few points on a regular basis. Sgt Marsden hasthe pleasure of being CQMS to 107 members of the headquarters under the direct gaze of Major

CSgt Bremner takes 5 from the Mortar Line in LashkarGah Durai.

Life in the outstations is one of simple pleasures.


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Tait. It is fair to say that a lesser man would have broken under the weight of assurance checksand bespoke G4 requests from senior staff officers for which he is responsible.

COs Tac remain theglamour boys of the BSNJOB community by virtueof the fact that they get togo out on the ground. Staffofficers, tied to theircomputers for 14hours aday can only marvel at thetales of adventure that Cpl

Cairns and his boys canrecount after deployingwith Danish tanks andEstonians into the desert.They even have the addedbonus of showing theropes to a new RSM

It would be remiss of thisstock-take not to mentionthe elements of the

Company working away under the ROG. Captain Ross Hold successfully led a contingent toKenya to support 2 MERCIAN on Exercise ASKARI STORM. A number will now reset beforedeploying to Afghanistan as part of the mid-tour rotation. Even Ross might make it out here.

A notable mention should also go to Sgt Mair who has now left us, after passing UKSF Selection.This is a fantastic achievement, which we hope will encourage others to follow his path, and wewish him well.

Officer Commanding Support Company: Major Rob Sandford

It doesnt take long for the Jocks to make the most of theirsurroundings.


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Recce PlatoonCP STERGA 2

Following a busy settling in period and sorting out the base to a 4 SCOTS standard, the troops atPB STERGA 2 (ST2) are now into a steady rhythm. Steady, however, does not mean boring; wecontinue to support deliberate operations and conduct our own patrolling to keep our base safeand secure.

When not out on patrol ST2 keeps busy withtraining and competitions of both a military and not-so-military nature. Recently we held a MilitaryCompetition week with tests ranging from Medical,Physical Training, Shooting, Intelligence, PashtuLanguage to the all-important brew-makingcompetition. The teams were mixed to includeeveryone living at ST2, and gave us a good chanceto integrate with everyone and build a strongerteam.

Other competitions have included Movember,which raised $215 for the Movember charity. A $5entry per man (or woman) allowed the competitorto enter the three categories:

1. Best MoustacheWinner: Captain ChallisPrize: Crate of Juice, donated by himself

2. Worst MoustacheWinner: Gunner NuttleyPrize: Opportunity to feed Cpl Charles whilst he is on QRF.

3. Moustache with the Most CharacterWinner Hldr Stewart

Prize: 24 Hours off STAG

Gunner Nuttley enjoying his Movemberprize.


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The Movember judging night then moved swiftly onto the Inaugural ST2 Man vs. FoodCompetition. The contested winner, finishing a gravy serving dish of hot curry and a side plate offries in the quickest time, was LBdr Westerman, the FST Ack from 3RHA. However, Cpl Charlesensured LBdr Westerman subsequently threw up his winnings on patrol; leaving the true 1stPlaceto one of the worthy 4 SCOTS competitors in Hldr Findlay, Hldr Stewart, Cpl Ellis and Capt Challis.The title is still under review.

PB STERGA 2 is a focal point of the Task Force Helmand laydown and sees frequent visitors. Of

note, WO2 Mackintosh managed to unlock his shackles at the Manoeuvre Battlegroup Ops Roomto pay us a fleeting visit, as did the incoming Commander of ST2 for Op Herrick 20. Despite bestefforts, ST2 also hosted the infamous WO2 Angry Andy Lambert RQMS(T) of the BTE and theComd Sergeant Major, Gary Pistol Holster Main. As you can see he had a little more time toenjoy his visit.

The Man vs. Food competitors line upfor their heats (above).

The valiant 4SCOTS winners (right).

Angry Andy gets to work while the Pistol Holster eases himself into life at ST2.


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In addition to the frequent visits, ST2 waslucky to receive an uplift of 7 soldiers, fromthe ROG in Fallingbostel, who will remainhere for the rest of the tour. This hasallowed work to be shared more evenly andfor the jocks to get more rest between stags.The 7 soldiers were led into theatre by afearless PTI and G4 storeman to help thevery busy CSgt Campbell. This dream teamis now aptly named Jack n Victor.

The ST2Remembrance

Parade was alsoaccompanied bysome 4 SCOTSvisitors in the formPadre Geoff Berry,Dmr Secake asthe parade buglerand LCpl Mackayas the Piper.


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This short visit also saw the opportunity to re-enact the Piper Mackay at the Battle of Waterlooscene with modern day troops and our own Piper Mackay.

Finally ST2 had a war artist, AnnaRedwood, visited the base for a fewdays. As well as working on her own projects, she took a number of art lessons in printmaking andpainting; a welcome break from the norm for the jocks, whos work will be presented at Annasexhibition in summer 2014. Naturally, I took her out on patrol with the clear instruction of me beingin the forefront of her Herrick 19 Painting unfortunately she managed to take photos of

picturesque scenes, the local Afghans and the rest of the soldiers.

At the end of a busy month the troops at STERGA 2 are in a steady rhythm of life and morale ishigh. We look forward to an unusual Christmas in the desert and keeping you posted on ourfestivities.

Second in Command STERGA 2: Captain Finlay Anderson

From Waterloo to Sterga 2, PiperMackay plays on!


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A demonstration of a 4-man C-IED patrol.

Jocks of Delta Company get to grips with the new Glockistol.

Force Elements At Readiness (FE@R) / Delta Company

November has seen a re-focus on Afghanistan specific training for the FE@R and Delta Company.The highlight of the month has been Ex Pashtun Panther a busy range package in Sennelager.The aim of the week was to get all soldiers through their mandatory weapon tests for rifle, pistol,

machine gun, grenade launcher,sharpshooter and sniperweapons. This was achievedensuring that the FE@R is indate for the remainder of OpHerrick 19. It was also a greatopportunity to get the Companytogether and conduct refreshertraining, specifically on Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices(C-IED), 1st Aid andCommunications; not to mentionearly morning PT!

The remaining 3 weeks havelargely been spent inFallingbostel, though elements ofthe FE@R have been split to the

four winds attending All RanksBriefings, driver training and

RSOI pulses to Afghanistan. There has been the opportunity for some light relief, with Capt Lawgetting away to Glencoe to do his Mountain Leader Training Course and Hldrs King, Taylor andHinton spending a week in Yorkshire on a Kayak course.

Due to the number of new Jockswho have arrived in the FE@R sincethe Battalion went through theirMission Specific Training, we havere-run elements of CascadeTraining. Sgt Brennan and SgtMarquis ran two great training daysat Ubs Dorf to re-teach the basics ofGround sign awareness, C-IED andpatrolling techniques. In addition,soldiers have been rotating betweenTeam Medic Cadres, HeavyWeapons training and JudgementalShooting training.

One of the key priorities for themonth has been to get Jocks

through their Cat C driving tests and GS Cadre. Sgt Watson and his team have done a great jobof managing this training and ensuring that Delta Company hit their target of 25 Jocks suitablyqualified by the end of November. These soldiers will now be loaded onto MASTIFF Operator


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Probably not how LCpl McIntyre imagined being presented his new rank slide.

courses and Crew Training School which will prepare them not just for a potential deployment toAfghanistan, but also for 4 SCOTS new role as a Heavy Protected Mobility Battalion.

With A Company returning from theatre in mid-November there has been a re-organisation of theFE@R. Delta Coy have reformed as a separate entity to enable them to focus on their potentialdeployment to Afghanistan in the New Year. All other deployable elements of the Battalion in

Fallingbostel have formed up as Assaye Company under Major Brookfield.

Finally, a welcome back to Lt Pullen, Hldr Tiffen and Hldr Paul who have returned to the Companyon completion of their attachment to A Company in theatre. Farewell to Cpl Boyle on his posting toCatterick, and congratulations to Cpl Forbes on the birth of his daughter, Maddison.

Officer Commanding FE@R/Delta Company: Major Will Colquhoun


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Rear Operations Group (ROG)

The last 2 months have been a busy period, but one in which the ROG has been tested in its abilityto support across a range of activities, including compassionate cases, personnel returning forRest and Recuperation and even the recovery of those that have completed their commitment toHerrick 19. On the home front, some wives have asked for more information, which has beenacknowledged with a series of family briefs that are hoped to provide the families with theinformation they want - examples of the ongoing work in other areas such as the Battali onsimpending move to the UK, as well as what is happening in Afghanistan.

On the 10th November, 30 soldiers from St Barbaras Barracks set off to pay respect to ourforbearers at the Armistice Day parade at Becklingen War Cemetery, near Celle. The event was tobe the Brigade main effort and as such it was attended by all Major and Minor units, Germandignitaries and a good number of civilians. We were blessed with a sunny morning with no wind,quiet in comparison to the usual winter weather experienced on Armistice Sunday. Preparationswere made by issuing the Jocks with Greatcoats, so that all were comfortable on the day. MajorMacGregor, OC ROG, laid a wreath from the Battalion on behalf of the Commanding Officer. Afterthe Service, the Hldrs had the opportunity to wander around the graves and lay their memorialcrosses. It is worthy of note that all antecedent Battalions of todays Royal Regiment of Scotlandhave soldiers buried in this Cemetery and it is well worth a visit outside of Remembrance dayactivities.

The Battalion Cross Country team has been performing particularly well over the last 2 months.

Our team finished third in both the BF(G) Cross Country Relays in October and the BF(G) CrossCountry Team Championships in November. A great performance given that the two higher placingteams are not committedto OP Herrick 19. Duringthe Cross Country leagueraces the team has alsobeen performingconsistently, finishingregularly in the top 3.This is all testament tothe skill within theBattalion given the

constant churn of soldiersin and out of Afghanistan.On an individual note,Capt Burnett, the ROGAdjutant, was selected torepresent the Army at theInter Service and InterCountry 10km roadChampionships in theLeeds Abbey Dash.

The Assistant RCMO, Hldrs Marais, Sutherland and Mackenzie were lucky enough to be invited to

visit the HMS Sutherland as she was docking in Hamburg. They were met at TeufelsbruckAneleger Pier on a wet cold Saturday morning in Hamburg by a German naval Officer. After achoppy ride into the middle of the River Elba, the 4 SCOTS soldiers climbed on board the ship and

Capt Burnett (far left) represented the Army in November.


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were met by Lt Wood, who then gave them a guided tour. The ship had just returned from a 4week NATO training exercise in the North Sea, and the crew were looking forward to 4 days Restand Recovery in Hamburg. HMS Sutherlands primary role ishunting submarines; she was builtjust after the Falklands War and when fully manned can have a crew of over 260. As part of thetour, the 4 SCOTS soldiers were shown the ships Ops room. This was the heart of the ship whereeverything from anti-submarine charges to the ships guns are controlled.

Charity Walk

During the month of October a number of personnel from the ROG/FE@R deployed to the UK in

support of an ex 3 MERCIAN, Christian Knox. Christian is currently walking the coastline of theUK, starting in Blackpool and moving anti clockwise around the coast, in aid of charity. At the time,he was on the West Coast of Scotland.

The team of 6, headed up by Sgt Brennan, deployed to the UK to find Christian on the Northern tipof Skye. For 5 days they joined Christian in his walk as he went around the scenic Skye coastline,camping out overnight and giving him some much needed company. In their effort, the soldiershelped raise over 500 in support of the Regimental Association.

As well as raising money the team also raised the profile of the Regiment, as a number of thelocals they came across werent even aware that the Scottish amalgamation had taken place andstill believed The Highlanders to be their local regiment. The soldiers also proved to supply some

good handy work in aiding a local man pull down a wall in his house to convert a bedroom. Athoroughly enjoyable few days was had by all the team and Christian. We wish him luck on therest of his walk.

Rear Operations Group Adjutant: Captain Grant Burnett


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Nothing like a bit of red smoke to brighten up the training area.

The GI Janes tackled the obstacle course.

HECTORS

November is the official start of winter, where the nights get longer and the weather gets colder.Thankfully this November, the Welfare Office has seen a ray of light with the arrival of Maj RossBrookfield and his band of merry men having completed their tour of Afghanistan. In the not toodistant future they will be off for some well-deserved leave with their loved ones, but it was great tohave seen so many excited faces this month in and around Hectors as A Company returned home.For many their Christmas celebrations came a month early.

November is also a month of remembrance and sorrow, with the devastating news of a fallencomrade, who many within 4 SCOTS knew very well. This yearsRemembrance Day services atBecklingham and in camp had a more of a poignant feel. 4 SCOTS families were out in goodnumbers for the service here in camp, and the troops that represented the Battalion atBecklingham were commended for their excellent bearing and turnout.


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Ready for action.

Stay low, move fast.

The combined Sunday lunches that we share with 2 Close SupportBattalion REME are continuing to grow in popularity, with the numbers ofpeople attending increasing at each event. Transport is provided forthose that require it and the food is enjoyed by all.

The families briefs wereco-presented with MajRoss Brookfield and theROG HQ Staff thismonth. Maj Brookfield gave an excellent update on what it is like in Afghanistan and I know that afew of the wives with husbands still in theatre were content on what had been said. There wasalso an introductory brief on Catterick, with more detailed briefs starting early next year.

The end of November sees the opening of theworld famous German Christmas markets andthe welfare office along with Mrs Fiona Sandfordhas planned a trip to visit the one in Luneburg.There has been good interest with many of thewives and children wanting to see Santa Claus.I can sense the excitement rising with Christmasdecorations getting ready to be put up and thechildrens wish list getting longer with eachpassing advert. Photos of this trip will bepublished in next months Blue Hackle, but for

now you can enjoy the photos from last monthsGI Jane wives exercise.

Unit Welfare Officer: Captain Billy McLaren


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Celebrity Support for 4 SCOTS

Celebrity support for the Highlanders comes from the East End of London and Reigate in Surreythis month in the form of British film actor Jamie Foreman and English singer-songwriter andmusician Newton Faulkner.

With over thirty movies to his name, including Layer Cake, Gangster No 1and Gary Oldmans filmNil By Mouth, Jamiehas also appeared in nearly every major TV series over the past thirty years.Jamie is currently playing the role of Derek Branning in the iconic British soap Eastenders andtook time out from filming to show his support for the excellent work being done by TheHighlanders. Keep watching Eastenders to catch a glimpse of Jamies on-going support. ThanksJamie!

Known for his unique style of guitar playing, Newtonsdebut studio album Hand Built by Robotsshot to No. 1 in the UK Album Chart in August 2007 as it was certified double platinum. Hissuccesses have continued since then and he still has a substantial fan base across the globe.Donning a Highlanders T-Shirt and wristband this month, Newton was keen to singthe praises ofeveryone in 4 SCOTS and show his support. Thanks Newton!

Jamie Foreman and Newton Faulkner show their pride in supporting 4 SCOTS.

If you know a Celebrity or just see someone famous in the street, then tell them about ourfundraising during H19 and get a photograph of them showing their support.

Send your Celebrity Supporter pictures to [email protected] and lets see whoappears on the pages of next months Blue Hackle.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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4 SCOTS in the Media

Keen to remain on the bow wave of media coverage, a number of Blue Hackles have remained inthe press this month; despite a significant lull in the number of journalists visiting Afghanistanduring late November.

While we waved goodbye to A Coy on completion of their deployment this month, the stories oftheir jocks who served here are still getting coverage. In particular, LCpls Carry and Hicks, as wellas Hldr Blair, were mentioned in The Times as the members of 6 SCOTS to deploy with 4 SCOTS.

Military news in briefPublished at 12:01AM, November 16 2013

Reservists train new Helmand arrivals Reserve soldiers have been swappingfamily hotels and university halls for the Afghan desert as they train troopsfreshly arrived in Helmand. Personnel from 52nd Lowland, 6th Battalion RoyalRegiment of Scotland (6 Scots) have taught thousands of soldiers, sailors andairmen at Camp Bastions Reception, Staging and Onward Integration centre. The

training ranges from weapon systems and life-saving medical training to culturalawareness and specialist driver training courses. Soldiers from A Company willhave been responsible for instructing more than 5,000 individuals by the NewYear.Ali Gibson, the BFBS reporter based here in Camp Bastion has been covering yet more of thejocks hard work this month; this time focusing on the first pass out of Afghan National ArmyInstructors at Camp Shorabak. The report is still online for your viewing (click below).

B Company on BFBS.

To keep fully up to date with all thats happening in theatre follow us on Hectors WelfareFacebook page,The Royal Regiment of ScotlandFacebook page and the4 SCOTSJustGivingsite.

All links must be accessed through open source internet. They will not work on Dii, RLI or MS.
http://www.bfbs.com/news/graduation-day-top-afghan-warriors-65011.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/hectors.welfarestaff?fref=tshttps://www.facebook.com/hectors.welfarestaff?fref=tshttps://www.facebook.com/royalregimentofscotland?ref=ts&fref=tshttps://www.facebook.com/royalregimentofscotland?ref=ts&fref=tshttps://www.facebook.com/royalregimentofscotland?ref=ts&fref=tshttp://www.justgiving.com/4scotshttp://www.justgiving.com/4scotshttp://www.justgiving.com/4scotshttp://www.justgiving.com/4scotshttp://www.justgiving.com/4scotshttp://www.justgiving.com/4scotshttps://www.facebook.com/royalregimentofscotland?ref=ts&fref=tshttps://www.facebook.com/hectors.welfarestaff?fref=tshttp://www.bfbs.com/news/graduation-day-top-afghan-warriors-65011.html


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Other Photographs This Month


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the blue hackle - edition 5

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