KABUL, Afghanistan Less than one month after taking over reconnaissance responsibility for the Kabul Multinational Brigade (KMNB) area of operations (AOO), the Canadian Reconnaissance (RECCE) Squadron has already received a commander's Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding performance.
Members of the crew of a Coyote from the Kabul Multinational Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron keep a sharp eye open as they move along a patrol route during deployed operations in Afghanistan.
After a brief planning session, KMNB initiated Operation FENCE, which combined the resources of the Afghan security partners (ASP) with those of several KMNB unitsinfantry soldiers from the French battle group, Dutch helicopter gunships, Spanish medium-lift helicopters, as well as German and Canadian RECCE vehicles.
The mission of Op FENCE was simple, yet importantto assist in intercepting the munitions-carrying vehicles and detaining the OMF members by combining capabilities to act as an integrated whole. After receiving a fragmentary order for Op FENCE, RECCE squadron moved into action, immediately sending a liaison team, as well as light and medium RECCE patrols to the French battle group headquarters to integrate into the ongoing operation.
Later in the evening, vehicles carrying the suspected OMF operative and cohorts came up to an ASP checkpoint and a firefight ensued between the two groups. The OMF escaped into the heavy city traffic with the ASP in pursuit.
PIC2RThroughout the night, ASP and French soldiers searched for the OMF and eventually tracked them to several Kabul residences where they seized a considerable quantity of rockets and mines. Throughout the operation, RECCE Squadron soldiers provided overwatch and remained on call, ready to assist.
Overall, the operation was a success and on March 7, Major Ross Ermel, commanding officer of RECCE Squadron, was presented with a certificate on behalf of all RECCE Squadron members at the KMNB commander's conference commending the squadron's outstanding service during Op FENCE.
RECCE Squadron "performed outstanding close co-ordination with the French battle group and supported them when needed the Canadian REECE Squadron's performance has already served to improve the security situation in the KMNB Kabul AOO and to decrease a possible threat against ISAF troops," said commander of KMNB, Turkish Army Brigadier-General Ümit Dündar.
Article by Captain Mark Popov
Photos by Master Corporal Chris DuPree
