Operations in Iraq: First Reflections Chapter 5 - People 5.1 The Iraq operation showed once again why the UK's Armed Forces are regarded as among the best in the world. The high quality of their training and professional expertise was demonstrated in the skill with which they performed their roles. Above this, good discipline, motivation, resourcefulness and courage were fundamental factors in their success. The tasks required of our Servicemen and women throughout the campaign and in the immediate aftermath of hostilities were numerous and complicated, and their impressive performance in achieving their military objectives so rapidly should not be underestimated. 5.2 Our Armed Forces have unique experience of urban operations - in Northern Ireland and the Balkans in particular - developing valuable skills that have served them well in Iraq. These go beyond combat training and include having to manage sometimes hostile populations at a time of great uncertainty and turmoil. In Basrah, quickly gaining the trust and co-operation of the local people was of critical importance. Reserves and Civilians 5.3 Some 5000 reservists took part in operations in Iraq in a wide range of roles from infantry and logistics to more specialised roles such as doctors and air traffic controllers. The initial call-out was described in Chapter 2; up to a further 2700 reservists have been called out following the end of decisive combat operations to assist the stabilisation force and help with reconstruction. Some reservists served in formed Reserve units or sub-units, others within regular units. Some were Sponsored Reserves who served on the Roll on/Roll off ships to guarantee the delivery of equipment by sea through the combat zone. 5.4 The Armed Forces were also supported by a large number of UK civilians. Up to 200 MOD civilians were deployed to the Middle East in direct support roles such as political advisers, contracts and finance officers, scientists and operational analysts and firemen. In addition, many civilians were moved from their normal jobs to provide enhanced manning round-the-clock for PJHQ and MOD HQ, while others such as the RFA crews and staff in the Defence Logistics Organisation contributed critically to the support of the front line in their normal jobs. A number of issues were identified regarding current policy for the employment of civilians on operations that will guide future developments in this area. 5.5 Crucial support was also provided by UK contractors who, with the assistance of locally contracted workers, provided a wide range of services behind the front line, such as technical equipment support, interpreting, catering and porterage.Whilst civilian contractors have deployed into operational areas before, this was the first time they had a formal MOD policy to protect their interests, which was welcomed by industry. On average 150 civilian contractors were deployed at any one time. There was also a considerable number of locally employed civilian contractors supporting the UK catering and logistic effort. Health 5.6 The health of all our people was of paramount importance, and they benefited from extensive medical support before, during and after deployment. A number of improvements have been implemented in important health-related areas since the 1991 Gulf Conflict. We have rationalised our immunisation policies, ensuring that immunisations are timely and appropriate, minimising the need for multiple injections on deployment. Personnel were given special briefings on health matters covering stress, personal hygiene and health threats. Guidance was issued on the use of pesticides and handling Depleted Uranium ammunition, and a new operational medical record form was used, ensuring that health events were recorded more systematically than before.
5.8 Thankfully casualties suffered were relatively light. But more than 4000 British patients were treated in our field hospitals, and over 800 were evacuated back to the UK by air during the deployment and combat phases of the operation (the majority with non-battle injuries). In addition, around 200 Iraqi Prisoners of War and 200 Iraqi civilians were treated in UK medical facilities. UK and US medical teams worked closely together and treated each other's troops in their respective operational areas. The Princess Mary's military hospital in Cyprus was augmented to act as an aeromedical evacuation staging hub for both UK and US casualties, with a small US medical capability embedded within the UK facility. 5.9 Many regular field hospital medical staff have now returned home in order to recuperate, fulfil other commitments and, if required, prepare to deploy back to Iraq this summer. This deployment will then enable the remaining reservists to be relieved and return home for demobilisation. Bereavement 5.10 Regrettably the Armed Forces suffered a number of fatalities. In the period to 1 May, 33 UK Service personnel had lost their lives in the service of their country. Since then, there have been further fatalities. Our deepest sympathy goes to the families and friends of all who have lost their lives. Welfare support to bereaved families is taken very seriously, with well-established procedures in place which are adapted to the circumstance of each family. This operation saw the introduction of the policy to extend ex-gratia payments to unmarried partners of those who lost their lives. There was one regrettable incident where the next-of-kin was sent a letter containing incorrect financial advice, which caused distress at a very difficult time. MOD is reviewing bereavement procedures to take account of this and other lessons identified, and has already made changes. 5.11 Since the Falklands conflict, it has been usual practice to repatriate the bodies of those killed in action for burial in the UK. We believe that the ceremonial arrangements at RAF Brize Norton proved a fitting mark of respect and, although a new development for this country, very much in tune with the earlier traditions of our Armed Forces. Grants were available to families wishing to have a full military burial. Operational Welfare Package 5.12 Our operational welfare package is an important means of providing for the emotional and physical well being of deployed Service personnel. Owing to the austere nature of the deployment and the lack of infrastructure in some locations, the welfare package was implemented in stages. Initially this consisted of Forces Free Air letters (commonly known as 'Blueys') delivered electronically, mail, welfare telephones, newspapers, radio broadcasting, limited Internet access and basic shop facilities. This is now being extended to provide additional Internet access, fitness equipment, TV broadcasting and free books. In conjunction with Royal Mail we also provided a free postal service for packets up to 2kg for family and close friends of personnel serving in the Gulf. This was introduced to supplement 'Blueys' as soon as the operational situation allowed, and was well received - initially doubling the volume of mail dispatched to theatre from 10 tons to around 20 tons daily. Overall, more than 100,000 bags of letters and packets have been despatched to the Gulf since early February. The operational welfare package has also been extended to help home units look after the families of those deployed. The unit receives a sum based on the number of their people deployed, which can be used to improve communications and welfare for families, such as through the improvement of Internet access at unit community centres. This has been very favourably received. Post-Operation Health 5.13 Our commitment to the physical and mental health of Servicemen and women does not end when combat operations cease. A programme of de-stressing and recuperation is in place to help reduce the risk of post-traumatic stress. MOD will also be conducting research into the physical and psychological health of those involved in the conflict - whether as Service personnel, supporting civilian staff, voluntary aid workers or journalists. Experts from King's College Hospital, London will conduct interviews and issue questionnaires to gather health data, so that this can be compared with data on personnel who did not deploy. The research will be monitored by an independently chaired board. In addition, regular and reservist Service personnel and deployed MOD civilians can be referred by their doctor to attend the existing medical assessment programme for Gulf veterans. This is run by MOD at St Thomas's Hospital to assess patients and recommend treatment as appropriate. Tests for exposure to Depleted Uranium are also available. It is too soon to know whether health concerns will emerge, but if they do MOD is committed to identifying and investigating them as soon as possible. Prisoners of War 5.14 The UK has been responsible for 2203 Prisoners of War (POWs) and others captured and detained by UK forces. We worked closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross both in theatre and in Geneva. Guarding responsibilities were split between the coalition partners: the UK took the lead in guarding Iraqis captured by coalition forces in the opening phase of the campaign, until large, equally well-maintained US-run camps had been set up within Iraq. Although the US guard these camps, the UK retain responsibility as Detaining Power for all UK-captured POWs. We are required to treat Prisoners of War in accordance with the Geneva Convention, and to treat unlawful combatants humanely and decently. Some allegations have been made of misconduct by individual UK Service personnel and are currently under formal investigation. The release of our POWs began in early May. By the beginning of July only one POW remained, pending further investigations, together with a small number of recently detained persons.
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