No 34 Squadron RAF Regiment On Patrol in Basrah

[MolliG]

Location: Basrah, Southern Iraq
Title: RAF Regiment Squadron on patrol
Date: December 2003

Airman from No 34 Squadron RAF Regiment, normally based at RAF LEEMING in North Yorkshire, carry out protection duties as well as local patrols around Basrah airport, Iraq . To help them in their task they patrol in specially adapted landrovers called 'WIMIKS' (Weapon Mounted Installation Kit) which are fitted with two general purpose machine guns.They also carry out vehicle seaches and to help them in their task. Al the airmen are taking Arabic speaking lessons which are available at the education centre situated at Basrah airport.

Images by CPO Dave Coombs and Leading Photographer Wheelie A'Barrow, Royal Navy. All images and captions from the RAF's official site www.raf.mod.uk.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_07.jpg
Patrol all tooled up and ready to go....

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_08.jpg
Keeping watch

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_09.jpg
Learning the language

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_10.jpg
Setting out for a night patrol

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_04.jpg
Waiting for the pick-up

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_01.jpg
Locals move closer for a chat with a patrol

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_06.jpg
Mobile vehicle check-point

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_05.jpg
Chinook arrival

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_02.jpg
Waiting for the call to board...

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_03.jpg
...call given

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_11.jpg
Last of the departing patrol boards the aircraft

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_12.jpg
Meeting the locals

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_13.jpg
Patrol in WIMIKS passing the the town gates at Basrah

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_14.jpg
Any chance to meet the locals - no matter what age - is taken

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_15.jpg
Friendly faces on both sides

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_16.jpg
Keeping watch II

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_17.jpg
Patrolling the streets of Basrah

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_18.jpg
Dusk patrol of the local area

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_19.jpg
Inquisitive children

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_20.jpg
Something in the distance attracts everyone's attention

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_21.jpg
Gathering of local children as the sun sets

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_22.jpg
The RAF Regiment has recently begun using quad-bikes for rapid-reaction transport

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_23.jpg
Iraq reflections

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_24.jpg
Moving to the Chinook

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_25.jpg
Army Air Corps Lynx arrives at a vehicle check-point

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_26.jpg
Lynx departure

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_27.jpg
C-130J Hercules flight-deck en-route to Iraq

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_28.jpg
C-130J pilot

woot

[Argyll]

Oustanding pics!!

[Marmot1]

He he nice to see RAF "grounded" btw look at the barrel on photo no.2 nice rust... have anybody teached him how to maintain gun?

[Javehn]

Waw , this are the most beautifful pictures i have ever seen . Dude , that is the best pictures i have ever seen ...
By the pictures , British forces using unprotected Defender. That's a great vehicle , but sence the possible threat of IED's , haven't British forces some more protected vehicle perhaps ? There is a conseption of hard and soft patrol , does the British forces use that conseption ??
Another question , what is the LMG that mounted on top of the Defender ?

[MolliG]

Another question , what is the LMG that mounted on top of the Defender ?

L7A2 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), British version of the FN MAG. Aka 'Jimpy'. Rifles are L85A2s. :)

[MolliG]

That's a great vehicle , but sence the possible threat of IED's , haven't British forces some more protected vehicle perhaps?

There's the Warrior (http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/av/av_war.htm) of course. Also I've seen quite a few Saxon (http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/av/av_sxn.htm)s in pictures. :)

[Ian H]

Those are fantastic, but I need a bigger monitor to see them fully :(

[AVZ]

Isn't he shooting????

You can see the shell fly ahead of the boy. Probaply just for fun. Because the other guys look bored.



http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_20.jpg

[Royal]

Isn't he shooting????

You can see the shell fly ahead of the boy. Probaply just for fun. Because the other guys look bored.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_20.jpg

Exactly which f**king planet are you from? Shooting for fun :cantbeli:


By the pictures , British forces using unprotected Defender. That's a great vehicle , but sence the possible threat of IED's , haven't British forces some more protected vehicle perhaps ? There is a conseption of hard and soft patrol , does the British forces use that conseption ??

WIMIK's are actually modified WOLF's not Defenders.

Yes, we are well aware of hard and soft profiles. Experience has taught us to adopt the soft profile as soon as possible after hostilities. AFV's such as Warrior and Saxon (if you can call a heap of **** an AFV) are kept for public order incidents and the like.

[AVZ]

I call it fun at exactly that time when my comrades don't give a **** about what it's going on around the perimeter at exactly the same time when i 'm shooting !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wouldn't presume they are in a fight. Otherwise they wouldn't stay there that relaxed.



Question: What's that?

http://www.operations.mod.uk/telic/images/ops/brig_3cdo.jpg

[Royal]

The point that I'm making, cretin, is that thy're not shooting.

Neither man has the weapon properly in the shoulder, they're observing something through their SUSAT's. The L85A2 (and A1) ejects from the right hand side. The airman with the 'round' (read mark on lens) to his right, doesn't have his finger anywhere near the trigger.

What's that?

It's a Pinzguar.

[marktigger]

WIMIK's are actually modified WOLF's not Defenders.

only less stable.

the pic is a TUM(HD) Pinzgauer

there is now protected landrovers in Iraq they brought them from Northern Ireland

when the stone throwing stepped up improvised protection using chainlink fencing and various other item have a few pics

[Argo AdAm]

These Landrovers look wonderfully. It'a pity that Polish goverment decide to take these wide Hummers from USA. Poles have only a small number of Defenders - GROM.

[Roger Rabbit]

Whats the radio the guy has on his chest in picture 5?

What webbing are the RAF regiment issued? There seems to be two differnet types being worn.

If you buy your own webbing are you allowed to wear it instead of what is issued?

Picture 20 and 25 there is someone with what appears to be a pistol strapped to their leg. After reading the other thread regarding the Browning then why might this guy also be carrying a pistol seeing as in picture 20 he has a rifle. I presume picture 25 is a different person.

Thanks for any answers in advance.

[NOKIA--G21]

;) ;) nice pics

[marktigger]

as long as the webbing is up to the job and generally as long as its DPM then in most unit yes.

basic webbing is PLCE which is generally prity good there is also a Chest rig and Assualt vest.

Assualt vests are currently in favour with many


the Radio is PRR one of the Bowman series

http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/pw/plce.htm
http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/pw/prr.htm

[DeltaWhisky58]

Judging by his epaulettes, the guy in pic. 25 would appear to be a senior officer - Sqn. Ldr. at least - probably a Wg. Cdr., hence the pistol - definitely not the same guy as in pic 20.

[marktigger]

Royal the pic of the Pinzy with the CP team would they be Commando police troop or RMP attached?

[Roger Rabbit]

Thanks for the infomation. Whats the general opinion of the Bowman? Regarding the Clansman then i heard it was far too old to remain effective from the TA unit i joined and from what i've heard from the OTC unit i moved to then they give it nothing but gip.

[CX20]

RAF Regiment - we don't need no stinking DZ flashes, flash kit or kneepads!! woot

Absolutely top notch thread, brought back a lot of good memories for me. I wasn't in 34 Sqn, but I know their're some good lads. Picture no.2 with the lad in the guard post with his binoculars really brings it flooding back!

Roger Rabbit - just normal PLCE when I was in. Some of us had chest rigs but PLCE was the norm.

DW58 - they are different officers. The first one is a Flight Lieutenant, the second one with the leg holster looks like a Squadron Leader to me (straining my eyes there)

Mark - as far as I know those were Royal Marines Police CP lads.

And they are NOT shooting in that picture. Come on........ :bash:

And why didn't we have those quad bikes when I was in! :(

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/images/limage_34sqniraq_04.jpg

[Royal]

Royal the pic of the Pinzy with the CP team would they be Commando police troop or RMP attached?

They're Royals. Partly 'cos ones wearing his lid (and we'd never let a monkey pass AACC ;) ), but mostly 'cos one of them's an old mate (who was chuffed to nuts to see his mug on the net. not.

[James]

I poked around the RAF www site and wasn't able to find anything about the RAF Regiment. Are they infantry in the RAF, military police, or what? Please advise.

On a side note, I was pleased to see that 617 Squadron of WWII fame is still in service. Apparently they've traded in their Lancasters for Tornados. Oh well. :P

[Royal]

I poked around the RAF www site and wasn't able to find anything about the RAF Regiment. Are they infantry in the RAF, military police, or what? Please advise.

They're infantry, generally known as Rock Apes (one of their first roles was the defence of Gibralter in WWII). Their prime role is airfield defence (and in the case of their para squadron, airfield seizure). The RAF have their own police (known as Snowdrops - they wear white topped peak caps).

[James]

Thanks Royal.

[oldsoak]

quote from James

"On a side note, I was pleased to see that 617 Squadron of WWII fame is still in service. Apparently they've traded in their Lancasters for Tornados. Oh well. "

Nah - we still keep one on the books mate, - just in case :)

[marktigger]

the rock apes like to stick their noses into alot of things now force protection is their baby. The RAF police (the ones who wear white caps royal)do crime and counter int from all reports (from the RMP)not very well but better than the reggies of the Royal Navy. They were doing convoy escort in kuwait and didn't come north of the border.
At present the RAF regt splits 3 ways air defence, Air field defence and NBC recce (jointly with the army) They would like to convert some of their rapier sqns to field (they don't do what the RA does and role them Inf for some tours like NI or cyprus). The 'Para' sqn has a nasty habit of calling itself 2 PARA which endears them to the 2nd Bn the Para regt(saw a couple of rock apes getting a major kicking in aldershot over it).
They aren't a bad bunch bit brighter than most infantry and slightly older.

As to BOWMAN its only entering service the first brigade level trials are going on at the minite. The 2 sets that are already in service are the PRR and the 346 the UHF set both have gone down well PRR being very popular. The vehical Instalation kits have run into some snags be interestind to see how 12 mech gets on with it.

although
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/01/25/nradio25.xml

[Royal]

The RAF police (the ones who wear white caps royal)do crime and counter int from all reports (from the RMP)not very well but better than the reggies of the Royal Navy.

That's exactly what I said.


The RAF have their own police (known as Snowdrops - they wear white topped peak caps).

Mark, ref your PM. As I said there are two reasons why they're Royals -


but mostly 'cos one of them's an old mate (who was chuffed to nuts to see his mug on the net. not.

[marktigger]

sorry royal had read that one a bit quick

bit more on PRR

http://www.marconi-selenia.com.tr/en/product/prr.htm

[MARINO]

cool pics, British army is my favourite army woot woot woot

[Royal]

No worries :D

[marktigger]

Marino they're not the army they are airforce :cantbeli: ;)

[MARINO]

Yes know, if you prefer:Brithis are my favourite armed forces :lol: :lol:

[wulfstan]

fantastic photos, the one of the close up of the guys face where you can see the reflection of the heli is great!
Btw, the second pic of the Lynx looks like it's about to impact into the desert floor, must be a trick of the lense!

[Steve Andrews]

That guy on stag is an embarrassment.
Rusty gat, and I doubt that he could see anything through his Susat if he had to use it.
Tramp.

[Royal]

I'm inclined to agree, but now the SASC get so T&E about using Scotchbrite, if you don't spend the time to do it properly it goes rusty - always one of the joys of the SA80 ;)

Then again it does look like he's been using Scotchbite, or mud, to clean his optics.