The Regiment deploy to Iraq

21st May 2005

Three squadrons, HQ, B, and C depoyed to Iraq in April on Op Telic 6 where they will remain for six months. They are part of Task Force Eagle which is a combined British and Australian force. Prior to the tour all soldiers underwent an intensive training schedule which included firing the 30mm canon, firing weapons FROM the top of a moving vehicle and rehearsing anti ambush drills. The training continues whilst in Iraq keeping so everyone is kept up to date.

On arrival troops undergo a 5 day training package where they are housed in marquees sleeping up to 50 people. The accommodation on Camp Smitty where The Light Dragoons are based is comfortable and is often made more so by the "carpenters" that come out of the woodwork as furniture is hard to come by, not to mention other talents that some of the guys have.

Welfare is a very important factor when soldiers are away FROM family and friends, mail getting through and somewhere for soldiers to relax help boost morale greatly, the MTWO receives a birthday surprise, and the RSM gets to grips with "The Game Cave"

The Camp which previously belonged to the Dutch Army needed some modification including the installation of new phone lines amongst other things.

Ranges still take place and all personnel undergo basic refresher training, even the "postman" who is seen firing the underslung grenade launcher. Illumination fired by the camp security force during testing lights up an area of over one kilometer in all directions.