Regards, Ivan
"Let's Roll!"
Posted on 03/13/2003 6:26:14 PM PST by MadIvan
BRITISH forces stationed near the Iraqi border are ready for battle and are awaiting the final order from the government to join forces from the United States massing in the region before an invasion.
Lt Col Nick Mercer, the senior legal adviser to UK 1st Armoured Division, said the rules of engagement for British troops had passed to the Cabinet this week and commanders in Kuwait were expecting to receive authorisation for action within a matter of days.
Lt Col Mercer said that authorisation was expected to be permissive - which is normal for a wartime situation - and would allow troops to engage in most types of action, rather than restrictive, which would limit their options.
He added: "There is a tight political hold on rules of engagement that they are likely to be permissive and robust enough to deal with whatever Saddam Hussein throws at us."
Thousands of British troops are camped out in the desert south of the Kuwaiti border with Iraq, some as close as 25 kilometres from the frontier. Commanders insist that they are fully battle-ready, dismissing previous reports of equipment failure and dissatisfaction .
The 7th Armoured Brigade, better known as the Desert Rats, are the furthest forward of the British forces, with their Challenger tanks, Warrior armoured vehicles and CVR (T) reconnaissance vehicles parked up under camouflage netting in a vast camp of more than 6,000 men and women .
Captain Rob Sandford, a spokesman for the Black Watch battle group which makes up a key part of the brigade and would be at the forefront of any British involvement, insisted they were ready to implement whatever orders came through.
He said: "We are used to getting the job done. We understand there was always going to be a shortage of equipment, particularly at such short notice, but it is now coming through the system and we are wanting for little.
"We’ve heard reports about boots melting in the sun but we’ve had no experience of that and more boots are being distributed every day. It’s a vast operation in a relatively short space of time and there will, of course, have been some gaps in the system which have now been filled.
"We have the kit to do any job we have been asked to do and we are now ready to deploy as and when required. It’s not a question of kit, it’s a question of people."
Captain John Stevenson, a transport officer with the First Battalion Black Watch, said earlier reports of widespread equipment failures were now out of date and the men were happy with the standard of equipment at their disposal.
And Major Joe Carnegie, a spokesman for the 7th Armour Division, said: "The living conditions are harsh, but they are not terrible and the troops trained for this.
"It takes a couple of weeks to acclimatise but after that, it becomes easier."
One of the biggest problems facing British troops at the moment is the weather, with sandstorms which blew in on Wednesday night making conditions more difficult. Many soldiers have now managed to get hold of ski goggles to keep out the fine dust which gets into the eyes and equipment and dramatically reduces visibility, leaving troops unable to see further than a few paces in front of them.
Temperatures in the desert are also rising, with a daily average of about 28ºC rising to 40ºC during the hottest parts of the day. It is expected to get dramatically hotter over the next few weeks as the spring rainy season gives way to summer.
Most troops have now been issued with desert clothing, vehicles have been adapted to prevent sand clogging their filters and even the much maligned SA-80 rifle is said to be bearing up to the stresses placed upon it, with range tests in Kuwait recording only two weapon jams from thousands of rounds fired.
There have also been warnings of more serious threats to the safety of British troops stationed in the region. They have been warned to be alert to sabotage, with a number of incidents already recorded.
Military commanders say they are aware of plans by some disaffected individuals in the region to attempt to sabotage operations, although US units are believed to be at greater risk. Terrorist groups are also said to be planning attacks on allied forces and there is evidence that UK and US troops have been the subject of surveillance.
Regards, Ivan
"Let's Roll!"
On the other hand, having heard three bagpipers playing for a party in my small living room...........
Leni
William Wallace left a legacy of fighting stock! ;-)
Godspeed to the "Ladies From Hell"!
You a wargammer?
I wonder if Saddam realises how dead he is.
Well, I'd love to see the Gurkhas get involved in this dustup, but the Nepalese government probably nixed their participation, which must piss off the Gurkha regiment no end.
But since we can't have the Gurkhas, there's no better substitute than The Black Watch....
Poor bastard: Saddam doesn't understand that he's going up against a Waterloo regiment. And Highlanders, no less!
Be Seeing You,
Chris
Hark where the night is falling
hark hear the pipes a calling
Loudly and proudly calling down thru the glen
There where the hills are sleeping
Now feel the blood a leaping
High as the spirits of the old highland men
Towering in gallant fame
Scotland my mountain hame
High may your proud standards gloriously wave
Land of my high endeavor
Land of the shining river
Land of my heart forever, Scotland the Brave
High in the misty mountains
Out by the purple highlands
Brave are the hearts that beat beneath Scottish skies
Wild are the winds to meet you
Staunch are the friends that greet you
Kind as the love that shines from fair maidens eyes
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