[A-List] Afghanistan: Biggles meets Vera Lynn

[Keaney Michael]

Commandos straining at the leash to take on al Qaeda

GRAEME SMITH
The Herald, 20 March 2002

      ONE of the world's toughest fighting forces is
      carrying out final preparations on a high-security
      site on the Angus coast before confronting the
      guerrillas of al Qaeda and the Taliban.

      The men of 45 Commando from Condor, Arbroath,
      are geared towards being ready for "anything, any
      time, anywhere", and on Monday they were told
      they would be involved in offensive operations for
      the first time since the Falklands war.

      The Americans believe the marines' unique skills
      will be key to overcoming the remaining opposition
      in Afghanistan.

      Yesterday they tested their new, improved, SA-80
      close combat rifles on the Barry Buddon range
      near their base, but within four weeks they will have
      terrorists in their sights at heights of more than
      8000ft in hostile mountains.

      Even though they know that it could involve fighting
      at close quarters, the marines are anxious to be
      there. 

      Their particular expertise is fighting in the toughest
      conditions in the world and since their return from
      training in the deserts of Oman last year, they have
      been training in the mountains of Scotland.

      To a man, they are confident of their ability, but
      aware of the dangers they face. When Geoff Hoon,
      the defence secretary, made the announcement
      that 1700 marines would join American forces, he
      gave a stark warning that there might be
      casualties.

      "The men of 45 Commando have trained for many
      years and since they came back from Oman they
      have been held on a short leash for just such
      operations," said Major Richard King, the
      commanding officer of X-ray company which, along
      with Yankee company, is expected to fly to Bagram
      within two or three weeks.

      Whisky and Zulu companies are already on board
      HMS Ocean off the Pakistan coast.

      Corporal Peter Curley, 36, may miss the birth of his
      first child as he leads mountain operations.

      His wife Kerry, 31, is expecting a baby in May and
      he has no idea if he will be back home by then.

      "She has been with me since I have been in the
      corps, so she knows the score," he said. "She
      knows I have to go and do it, and she gets worried,
      but she understands. She is a marine wife."

      Michael MacCorquodale, 23, from Ayr, said he had
      joined the marines four-and-a-half years ago
      because of the challenge and the travel.

      "There is definitely not a gung-ho attitude," he said.
      "Everyone has a realistic attitude and knows what
      we have to do. "

      He leaves behind girlfriend Claire Anderson in
      Glasgow. "She is a bit apprehensive, but all I can
      do is try to give her confidence and reassure her."

      Sergeant Stephen Trench, 37, from Harrogate, said
      the mood in the camp had been good.

      He is keen to put his 18 years of training into
      operation and to "prove what the marines are
      about".

      While the intense training has made the marines
      eager for action, the mood at The Hive, the social
      gathering point for wives in Arbroath, is more
      subdued and anxious.

      In the weeks ahead they will dread a visit from a
      notifying officer.

      "He is the guy they don't want to see," said Colour
      Sergeant Hugh Gallagher, 47, the welfare officer,
      who will ensure that families are provided with as
      much information as possible and help to keep up
      morale.

Full article at:
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/archive/20-3-19102-0-18-48.html

Michael Keaney
Mercuria Business School
Martinlaaksontie 36
01620 Vantaa
Finland

michael.keaney at mbs.fi