News from the Front - October
Lieutenant Colonel James A Coates
Commanding Officer 3 PARA
As you will be aware, elements of 3 PARA have already started to deploy to Helmand as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. As the tour progresses over the next 6 months we will endeavour to use this page to bring the tour to life for all of you back home.
You will be aware that our geographical area of responsibility in Helmand has changed. However, we have already conducted a visit to this new area and I am content that we are ready for the challenges ahead. Our task is to work closely with the local Afghan Government and Afghan security forces to increase security in areas of central Helmand.
This activity aims to remove the corrosive effect of the insurgency and deliver improvements in important areas of governance - justice, healthcare, education, employment, the economy and the local infrastructure are particular areas of focus.
The local people want to see change but do not have the power to resolve these issues on their own. It is an enormous privilege and honour to be part of the 3 PARA team responsible for this mission and your continued support is essential to our success.
The Battalion is up for the challenges ahead and is now better prepared than it has ever been. For many this will be their first deployment to Afghanistan but for some this will be their second or even third tour. As a result, 3 PARA now has an unprecedented level of operational experience in Afghanistan which will set us all in good stead in the months ahead.
The Battalion undoubtedly faces a challenging 6 months but be reassured that it is superbly prepared at all levels, is well-equipped and deploys at a time when genuine progress is being delivered in Afghanistan. The Battalion is a first class team and I will do all I can to look after them - please let the Welfare Team do all they can to look after you.
Commanding Officer 3 PARA
As you will be aware, elements of 3 PARA have already started to deploy to Helmand as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. As the tour progresses over the next 6 months we will endeavour to use this page to bring the tour to life for all of you back home.
You will be aware that our geographical area of responsibility in Helmand has changed. However, we have already conducted a visit to this new area and I am content that we are ready for the challenges ahead. Our task is to work closely with the local Afghan Government and Afghan security forces to increase security in areas of central Helmand.
This activity aims to remove the corrosive effect of the insurgency and deliver improvements in important areas of governance - justice, healthcare, education, employment, the economy and the local infrastructure are particular areas of focus.
The local people want to see change but do not have the power to resolve these issues on their own. It is an enormous privilege and honour to be part of the 3 PARA team responsible for this mission and your continued support is essential to our success.
The Battalion is up for the challenges ahead and is now better prepared than it has ever been. For many this will be their first deployment to Afghanistan but for some this will be their second or even third tour. As a result, 3 PARA now has an unprecedented level of operational experience in Afghanistan which will set us all in good stead in the months ahead.
The Battalion undoubtedly faces a challenging 6 months but be reassured that it is superbly prepared at all levels, is well-equipped and deploys at a time when genuine progress is being delivered in Afghanistan. The Battalion is a first class team and I will do all I can to look after them - please let the Welfare Team do all they can to look after you.
