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Support to High Intensity Operations

Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan present real difficulties for United Kingdom (UK) forces. They also present major support challenges for the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

There are long distances between the UK and the respective theatres of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This complicates the transporting of personnel and equipment. In addition, undertaking operations in both theatres means coping with a determined enemy. Difficult environmental conditions are also a complication.

These include:

• harsh and varied terrain
• temperature extremes
• dust

Our Support to High Intensity Operations report examines four key areas of the support provided to operations by the MOD:

Equipment

We examined the costs of upgrading or procuring equipment, specifically for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Upgrades and procurement were designed to cope with changing threats and the extreme climatic and geographic conditions. We assessed the availability of a range of key equipment types, including vehicles and helicopters.

Logistics

Our report provides an overview of the process for providing logistical support to theatre, the impact of geographical remoteness and the performance of the logistics supply chain against the MOD’s own targets.

Pre-deployment training

We examined the training required to enable individuals and units to deploy to theatre. We also examined the changes in the process that have been incorporated since the early deployments to Iraq. We looked at the resources and equipment available to trainers and those being trained. We also assessed whether training realistically prepares those being trained for the theatres of operations.

Support to personnel in-theatre

The report details the medical support, accommodation and welfare services provided to personnel in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We have looked at the performance of the support provided (e.g. timeliness and performance of medical provision; aero-medical evacuation; protection and facilities afforded by accommodation). Finally we have examined the Department’s guidelines for personnel deploying on operations and whether they are being met.