Operation Herrick order of battle explained
This is the Operation Herrick ground order of battle, which lists any British ground forces that have taken part in the duration of Operation Herrick between 2002 and 2014.
Operation Herrick 0-10
Operation Herrick began in 2002 on the end of Operation Fingal, which saw Britain hand command of the ISAF force to Turkey. At that point, the deployment was scaled back from 2,100 to approximately 300, primarily concerned with security in Kabul, and manning the UK Afghan National Army Training Team (UKANATT). In 2003, the deployment in Kabul was expanded to battalion size when two Provincial Reconstruction Teams were established, along with a rapid reaction force, based around a light role infantry battalion, the Afghanistan Roulement Infantry Battalion (ARIB). In January 2006, the Government announced that, due to the worsening situation in the south of Afghanistan, a brigade sized formation numbering approximately 3,300, Task Force Helmand, would be deployed to Helmand Province.[1]
Operation Herrick
April 2004 - September 2004:
Operation Herrick I
October 2004 - March 2005:
Operation Herrick II
April 2005 - September 2005:
Operation Herrick III
October 2005 - March 2006:
Operation Herrick IV
April 2006 – September 2006:
- Deputy Commander, Combined Force Command, Afghanistan: Major-General Christopher Wilson (April 2006 to September 2006)[2]
- HQ, 16 Air Assault Brigade[1]
- Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion
- British Forces Transport Troop
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA & ANP Mentoring
Logistics HQ
Other units
Royal Artillery
Royal Engineers
Royal Logistic Corps
Royal Signals
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Royal Army Medical Corps
Royal Military Police
Theatre Reserve Battalion
- 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Operation Herrick V
October 2006 - April 2007:[5]
ANA & ANP Mentoring
Logistics HQ
Other units
Operation Herrick VI
April 2007 – October 2007:[7]
Principal Manoeuvre Unit
ANA & ANP Mentoring
Other units
In February 2007, it was announced that an additional 1,400 troops would be deployed to Afghanistan, primarily formed as a battlegroup around a light infantry battalion, the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (Royal Welch Fusiliers).
*Renamed as 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) 01/09/07
Operation Herrick VII
November 2007 - April 2008:[9] [10]
- Commander, International Security Assistance Force: General Sir David Richards (November 2007 to November 2007)[2]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General Jonathon Riley (December 2007 to April 2008)[2]
- HQ 52 Infantry Brigade - deployment first reported November 2006.[11]
ANA & ANP Mentoring
Other units
Attached to Right flank as dismounted infantry
Operation Herrick VIII
May 2008 – October 2008:[12]
ANA Mentoring
-
- Elements of C troop from C Battery 3rd Royal Horse Artillery
ANP Mentoring
- Police Reform Cell
- Royal Military Police - Police Mentoring Team (PMT)
Other units
*Elements of the Theatre Reserve Battalion, B Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (Royal Welch Fusiliers), then 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires) were deployed in support of both 16 Air Assault Brigade and 3 Commando Brigade
Operation Herrick IX
November 2008 - April 2009:[13]
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
- 1st Battalion, The Rifles with additional members from 6 RIFLES
- C Company (Mentored 4th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps)
ANP Mentoring
- Royal Military Police
- 2nd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles PMT
Other units
Operation Herrick 10-20
Operation Herrick X
May 2009 – October 2009:[14]
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
ANP Mentoring
- Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (POMLT)
- 2nd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles
Other units
Operation Herrick XI
November 2009 - April 2010:[16] [17]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General Nicholas Parker (November 2009 to April 2010)[2]
- HQ 11 Light Brigade
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
ANP Mentoring
Other units
In October 2009, the total force was increased to 9,000 personnel with the addition of several other units:
Operation Herrick XII
May 2010 - October 2010:[19]
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
ANP Mentoring
Other units
- Royal Dragoon Guards
- A SQN
- C SQN
- D SQN The Green Horse
- 4th Regiment Royal Artillery
- Theatre UAV Battery
- 21 Engineer Regiment RE
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment RE
- Elements of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment RLC
- 3 Medical Regiment
- 34 Field Hospital
- 1st Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 101st Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 12 Close Support Logistic Regiment (CSLR) - based on 12 Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps (since disbanded)
- Elements of 23 Pioneer Regiment (Force Protection Platoon, 12 CSLR) (since disbanded)
- Elements of 150 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps (integrated within 12 CSLR)
- Theatre Logistics Group - 8 Regiment RLC
- Weapon Intelligence Specialist Company
- 2nd Battalion, Arnhem Coy The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire & Border)
- Theatre Provost Group: 150 Provost Company, 1st Regiment Royal Military Police, supported by 101 and 243 Provost Companys, 5th Regiment Royal Military Police and the Tactical Provost Wing, Royal Air Force Police.
Operation Herrick XIII
November 2010 - April 2011:[22]
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
ANP Mentoring
Other units
Operation Herrick XIV
May – October 2011:[23] [24]
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
ANP Mentoring
Other units
Operation Herrick XV
November 2011 - April 2012:[27] [28]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General Adrian Bradshaw (November 2011 to April 2012)[2]
- HQ 20th Armoured Brigade
- Brigade Reconnaissance Force
- Elements of 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment
- Elements of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
ANP Mentoring
- PMAG
- 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
Other units
Operation Herrick XVI
May 2012 - October 2012:[30]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General Adrian Bradshaw (May 2012 to September 2012)[2]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General Nick Carter (September 2012 to October 2012)[2]
- HQ 12 Mechanised Brigade
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
ANP Mentoring
- PMAG
- 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards[31] at MOB Lashkar Gah [35]
- No. 2 Company
- Support Company
- LD Sqn
- QOGLR Sqn
- 174 Provost Company, Royal Military Police.[31]
- 7 (Royal Air Force Police) Squadron
BRF
Other units
Operation Herrick XVII
November 2012 - April 2013:[43]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General Nick Carter (November 2012 to April 2013)[2]
- HQ 4th Mechanized Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (204)
- HQ 104 Logistic Support Brigade
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
ANP Mentoring
Other units
- 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
- Elements of The Honourable Artillery Company
- Elements of The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry
- Elements of 6th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- Elements of 3rd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
- Elements of 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
- Elements of 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment
- Elements of The London Regiment
Royal Artillery
Royal Engineers
- 21 Engineer Regiment RE
- Elements of 28 Engineer Regiment
- Elements of 36 Engineer Regiment (Search)
- Elements of 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic)
- Elements of 75 Engineer Regiment
- Elements of 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
- Elements of 170 (Infrastructure Support) Engineer Group
Royal Logistic Corps
Royal Signals
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Medical
- 3 Medical Regiment
- Elements of 204 (Northern Irish) Field Hospital
- Elements of 243 (Wessex) Field Hospital
- Elements of Tactical Medical Wing, RAF
Law enforcement
- 150 Provost Company, Royal Military Police
- Elements of 101 Provost Company Royal Military Police
- Elements of 5th Regiment Royal Military Police
- Elements of Special Investigations Branch (United Kingdom)
- Elements of The Military Provost Staff
Other units
- Elements of 1st Military Working Dog Regiment
- Elements of 1 Military Intelligence Battalion
- Elements of 2 Military Intelligence (Exploitation) Battalion
- Elements of 4 Military Intelligence Battalion
- Elements of The Military Stabilisation and Support Group
- Elements of 15 Psychological Operations Group
- Elements of The Defence Cultural Specialist Unit
- Elements of 90 Signals Unit, Royal Air Force
- Elements of 1 Air Control Centre, Royal Air Force
- Elements of 33 (Engineering) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Elements of Tactical Supply Wing, Royal Air Force
- Elements of 1 Air Mobility Wing, Royal Air Force
- Elements of 2 (Mechanical Transport) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Elements of 93 (Expeditionary Armaments) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Elements of Engineering and Logistics Wing, Royal Air Force Odiham
Operation Herrick XVIII
May 2013 – October 2013:[44] [45]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General Nick Carter (May 2013 to July 2013)[2]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General John Lorimer (July 2013 to October 2013)[2]
- HQ 1 Mechanized Brigade
- 215 Signal Squadron (Brigade Headquarters)
- Campaign Signal Regiment: 3rd (United Kingdom) Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment (3DSR)
- British Forces Combat Camera Team
- EOD and Search Task Force
- Joint Fires and Targeting Group
- Operational Intelligence Support Group
- Rear Operations Group
- Transition Support Unit
- Transition Support Unit Lashkar Gah
- Transition Support Unit Nad-e Ali
- Transition Support Unit Nahr-e-Saraj
Principal Manoeuvre Units
ANA Mentoring
- BAG
- 4th Battalion, The Rifles (Mechanized Infantry)
ANP Mentoring
Other units
-
- Brigade Reconnaissance Force
- Household Cavalry Regiment (Formation Reconnaissance)
- 4 RIFLES Recce platoon
- Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Group
- Unknown Squadron
- Royal Artillery
- Royal Engineers
- Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Royal Signals
- 258 Signal Squadron
- 202 Signal Squadron
- Royal Logistic Corps
- Army Medical Services
Operation Herrick XIX
November 2013 - June 2014:[46]
- Deputy Commander, International Security Assistance Force: Major-General John Lorimer (November 2013 to June 2014)[2]
- HQ 7 Armoured Brigade
- 207 Signal Squadron (Brigade Headquarters)
- Infantry
- Armour
- Royal Artillery
- Royal Engineers
- Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Royal Logistic Corps
- 2 Logistic Support Regiment RLC
- Army Medical Services
Operation Herrick XX
June 2014 - December 2014:[47]
- UK contingent commander: Brigadier James Swift (June 2014 - December 2014)[48]
- Elements of 20th Armoured Brigade HQ
- HQ 102 Logistic Brigade
- Infantry
- Armour
- Royal Artillery
- Royal Engineers
- 64 Works Group
- Elements of 33 Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
- Elements of 35 Regiment
- Elements of 42 Regiment (Geographic)
- Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Royal Logistic Corps
- Army Medical Services
- Royal Signals
- Military Intelligence
- Elements of 1 Military Intelligence Battalion
- Elements of 2 Military Intelligence Battalion
- Elements of 4 Military Intelligence Battalion
- Police
- Elements of 1st Regiment RMP
- Elements of Special Investigation Branch (United Kingdom) RMP
- Elements of Close Protection Unit RMP
- No. 2 Tactical Police Squadron RAF
- Elements of the Military Provost Staff
- Royal Air Force
Kabul Support Unit
Logistic Support
Supporting the UK force is HQ Joint Force Support (Afghanistan)(JFSp(A)). This 1* headquarters has commands the:
- Theatre Logistics Group
- Joint Movements Unit
- Reverse Supply Chain Squadron
- Reverse Support Chain Squadron
- Transport Troop
- Vehicle Replenishment Section
- Theatre Provost Group
- Theatre Medical Group
- Theatre Equipment Support Group
- Joint Helicopter Support Unit
- Equipment Support Company
- Redeployment Platoon
Stabilisation Teams
- Military Stabilisation Support Team[49]
- Lashkar Gah District Stabilisation Team[49]
References
Bibliography
- Book: Bishop . P . Ground Truth . 2009 . HarperPress . UK . 978-0-00-729665-1.
- Book: Fairweather . J . The Good War . 2014 . Jonathan Cape . UK . 978-0-224-09736-9.
- Book: Guards . Coldstream . 10 Years in Afghanistan . 2016 . Coldstream Guards . UK. .
- Book: Hill . C . Combat Camera . 2015 . Alma Books . UK . 978-1-84688-353-8.
- Book: Jones . R . Reflections: Soldiers' Art In Helmand . 2013 . J. Salmon Ltd . UK .
- Book: March . P . The Royal Air Force Yearbook 2008 . 2008 . The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises . Fairford, UK .
- Book: McNab. A . Spoken from the front . 2009 . Transworld Publishers . London, UK . 9780593064795 .
- Book: Southby-Tailyour . E . 3 Commando Brigade - Helmand Assault . 2010 . Ebury Press . UK . 978-0-09193-776-8.
- Book: Thornton . P . Helmand - Diaries of Front-Line Soldiers . 2013 . Osprey Publishing . UK . 978-1-78096-906-0.
- Book: Uloth . R. Excellence In Action: A Portrait Of The Guards . 2008 . Third Millennium Publishing Ltd. UK . 978-1-903942-68-0.
Notes and References
- News: 3 Para soldiers on their way to Afghanistan. https://web.archive.org/web/20060503225247/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/3ParaSoldiersOnTheirWayToAfghanistan.htm. 3 May 2006. 3 May 2006. Ministry of Defence.
- Web site: Army Commands. 24 July 2016.
- Web site: Operation Herrick: Campaign study. Ministry of Defence. 24 July 2016.
- Web site: Easy Company is withdrawn from Musa Qala, Helmand. The Royal Irish. 17 August 2015.
- News: Handover in Helmand as 3 Cdo Brigade replace 16 Air Assault Brigade. 9 October 2006. Ministry of Defence.
- News: Light Dragoons gear up for Afghan deployment. Ministry of Defence. 22 September 2006.
- News: 12 Mechanized Brigade to replace 3 Commando Brigade. https://web.archive.org/web/20070205102355/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/12MechanizedBrigadeToReplace3CommandoBrigadeInAfghanistan.htm. 1 February 2007. 5 February 2007. Ministry of Defence.
- News: Tour of duty - the troops return. The Daily Telegraph. 26 September 2007.
- News: 52 Infantry Brigade to replace 12 Mechanized Brigade in Afghanistan. https://web.archive.org/web/20070724053020/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/52InfantryBrigadeToReplace12MechanizedBrigadeInAfghanistan.htm. 19 July 2007. 24 July 2007. Ministry of Defence.
- House of Commons. Afghanistan: Roulement. 19 July 2007.
- Tim Ripley, "UK infantry brigade to get Afghan role," Jane's Defence Weekly, 15 November 2006, p.7.
- News: 16 Air Assault Brigade to replace 52 Infantry Brigade. https://web.archive.org/web/20080212222545/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/16AirAssaultBrigadeToReplace52InfantryBrigade.htm. 6 February 2008. 12 February 2008. Ministry of Defence.
- News: 3 Commando Brigade to replace 16 Air Assault in Afghanistan. https://web.archive.org/web/20080708202330/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/3CommandoBrigadeToReplace16AirAssaultInAfghanistan.htm. 8 July 2008. 8 July 2008. Ministry of Defence.
- News: 19 Light Brigade to replace 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, in Afghanistan. https://web.archive.org/web/20081217041726/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/19LightBrigadeToReplace3CommandoBrigadeRoyalMarinesInAfghanistan.htm. 16 December 2008. 17 December 2008. Ministry of Defence.
- Web site: Abingdon woman soldier back from Afghanistan features in television documentary on the 'Road Warriors'. 11 March 2010 . Herald Series. 9 August 2021.
- News: 11 Light Brigade to replace 19 Light Brigade in Afghanistan. https://web.archive.org/web/20090716125434/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/11LightBrigadeToReplace19LightBrigadeInAfghanistan.htm. 15 July 2009. 16 July 2009. Ministry of Defence.
- . Afghanistan. 15 July 2009 . 79 . 82 .
- Web site: VIDEO: ITV News in Afghanistan – resupply mission to remote Patrol Base. MoD. 1 October 2017.
- News: 4th Mechanized Brigade to replace 11 Light Brigade in Helmand. https://web.archive.org/web/20110118205431/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/4thMechanizedBrigadeToReplace11LightBrigadeInHelmand.htm. 18 January 2011. 21 January 2010. Ministry of Defence.
- Web site: Royal Marines speak of 'horrible' reality of life on patrol in Afghanistan . The Guardian. 17 November 2010 . 22 August 2016.
- Web site: 40 Commando Royal Marines Cross Afghan Desert in Jackal Vehicles. 29 September 2010 . Defence Images. 7 August 2020.
- News: 16 Air Assault Brigade to replace 4th Mechanized Brigade in Helmand. 14 July 2010. Ministry of Defence.
- News: 3 Commando Brigade Take Command Of Task Force Helmand. 11 April 2011. Ministry of Defence.
- News: 3 Commando Brigade to replace 16 Air Assault Brigade in Helmand. Ministry of Defence. 17 December 2010.
- Web site: John Irvine reports for ITVNews from a patrol base with 42 Commando. MoD. 1 October 2017.
- News: First HERRICK 14 unit leaves Afghanistan. Ministry of Defence. 30 August 2011.
- News: 20th Armoured Brigade takes command of Task Force Helmand. 10 October 2011. Ministry of Defence.
- News: 20th Armoured Brigade to replace 3 Commando Brigade in Helmand. 13 July 2011. Ministry of Defence.
- Web site: YORKS soldiers on patrol in Helmand . MoD. 1 October 2017.
- News: 12th Mechanised Brigade to replace 20th Armoured Brigade in Helmand. Ministry of Defence. 9 February 2012.
- News: RC – Southwest - Task Force Helmand. 17 September 2012. International Security Assistance Force(ISAF). 19 April 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20121230144128/http://www.isaf.nato.int/subordinate-commands/rc-southwest/index.php. 30 December 2012.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 14 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 14 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 14 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 14 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 14 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 13 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 14 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 14 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 13 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 14 August 2021.
- Web site: WAR STORY: STUDIES OF CAMP BASTION AND MAIN OPERATING BASE LASHKAR GAH DURING OPERATION HERRICK XVI, AUGUST 2012. IWM. 13 August 2021.
- News: 4th Mechanized Brigade to replace 12th Mechanized Brigade in Helmand. Ministry of Defence. 11 July 2012.
- News: 1st Mechanized Brigade takes over in Helmand. Ministry of Defence. 10 April 2013. 12 April 2013.
- News: Units to deploy as part of Herrick 18 announced. Ministry of Defence. 12 February 2013. 2 June 2013.
- News: Op Herrick 19 - 7th Armoured Brigade in Helmand. Defence Viewpoints. 10 July 2013. 10 October 2013.
- Web site: UK forces in theatre (from June 2014). 19 January 2015 . MoD. 13 February 2015.
- Web site: Operation Herrick XX: Operational Guide. Ministry of Defence. 24 July 2016.
- Web site: Newly Refurbished School Opened in Helmand . 15 September 2010 . Defence Images. 19 August 2020.