Mastiff Group Deploys to Afghanistan

Army News — By UK Ministry of Defence on November 12, 2009 at 4:43 am

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More than 60 soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (3 YORKS) and The King's Royal Hussars (KRH) have deployed to Afghanistan for the vital role of transporting troops and protecting large convoys in Helmand province.

The two, Wiltshire-based, Army units have formed a "Mastiff Group" for Operation HERRICK 11.

The troops will be operating the Mastiff Protected Mobility Vehicle. It is heavily armoured and is used to transport troops, protect large convoys, as well as to directly engage the Taliban with its advanced weapons systems.

In preparation for their deployment the 3 YORKS and KRH soldiers recently carried out their last pre-deployment training exercise on Salisbury Plain where they were put through their paces during a demanding week.

They then joined up with The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Battle Group before flying out to Afghanistan.

Officer Commanding Nick Mackenzie, said: "The Mastiff Group will perform a vital role in Afghanistan.

"They have undergone an intensive training package prior to deployment and are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in Helmand province."

It has been a busy but successful year for 3 YORKS, which is based in Warminster.

A Company's worth of soldiers are now returning from Afghanistan, another Company returned from Iraq at the beginning of August, where they were amongst the last British combat troops to leave the country.

For many of the KRH soldiers, who are based in Tidworth, it will be their second winter tour in Afghanistan having previously deployed on Operation HERRICK 7.