British armoured Warthog cover distance of around world in 80 days on operations in Afghanistan

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United Kingdom British Army News

 
 
Tuesday, August 2, 2011, 11:06 AM
 
British armoured Warthog cover distance of around world in 80 days on operations in Afghanistan.
After 80 days in Afghanistan, the Operation HERRICK 14 Warthog Group has travelled a distance equivalent to circumnavigating the world. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' (SCOTS DG) Delta Squadron Warthog Group of British Army has been in Afghanistan for 80 days, covering, in that time, 41,000 km (or 25,625 miles) with their all-terrain vehicles.
     
After 80 days in Afghanistan, the Operation HERRICK 14 Warthog Group has travelled a distance equivalent to circumnavigating the world. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' (SCOTS DG) Delta Squadron Warthog Group of British Army has been in Afghanistan for 80 days, covering, in that time, 41,000 km (or 25,625 miles) with their all-terrain vehicles.
Members of the Delta Squadron Warthog Group man personnel and vehicle checkpoints at Main Operating Base Price, Helmand province
[Picture: Corporal Andy Reddy, Crown Copyright/British MOD 2011]
     

Warthog entered operational service with Badger Squadron, The 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (2 RTR), in December 2010, and D Sqn SCOTS DG will be the first squadron to complete a full tour of Afghanistan with the new vehicle.

Each individual Warthog in the Group has covered an average distance of 850 miles (1,368 km), or the distance, by road, from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Corporal David Toughill, Warthog Vehicle Commander, said:

"Phileas Fogg did it in 80 days using loads of different modes of transport, we've done it in one. There have been a few hairy moments, but so far [it has been] a good tour. The vehicles are very agile and can carry a lot, which means we can stay in the desert for weeks – it's a bit like camping at times."

     
Members of the Warthog Group await tasking at Main Operating Base Price, Helmand province
Members of the Warthog Group await tasking at Main Operating Base Price, Helmand province
[Picture: Corporal Andy Reddy, Crown Copyright/British MOD 2011]
     

The Warthog Group is constantly in demand, and every day is different for them – this is because their vehicles are multi-terrain and can operate anywhere, from the dense vegetation of the Green Zone to the arid plains of the Afghan desert - where the Group recently spent over six weeks on one operation.

The vehicle's mobility allows Task Force Helmand to reach previously inaccessible areas of enemy activity and deny insurgents safe havens from which to regroup and launch operations.

Corporal Steven McCuaig, Warthog Vehicle Commander, said:

"Every day is different, which can be great as it keeps you on your toes but also frustrating as you never know when the plans are going to change. Working with the Afghan National Army (ANA) has been really interesting. We work closely with them, offering support and advice, and conducting partnered operations."

D Sqn is made up of 119 officers, soldiers and interpreters from the SCOTS DG, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), The Royal Artillery, The Royal Corps of Signals, The Royal Yeomanry, the Royal Navy and the Task Force Helmand Labour Support Unit.

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