By Pat Carty.

Yet again, my imaginary global ball which prompts me about future Special Force exercises, came up with duff information. The reason being that whilst I had almost packed my bags and booked my flight to Cyprus, to cover the latest UK Special Force exercise; “Chameleon 23-2”, that was not to be the case.

Exercise Chameleon is a bi-annual Special Force exercise involving various members and units of the United Kingdom’s Special Air Service and Special Boat Service, together with other essential SF Ground and Support units.

Whilst exercise planning is demanding, I admit I had no idea how the planners were going to cope with a serious situation involving Chameleon 23-2. A situation which I have never experienced in all the years that I have been privileged to attend SF exercises – the loss of an airframe instrumental in military operations – especially SF. Plus, no known proven replacement! The reason is that on 14th June this year, three Royal Air Force Brize Norton based C-130Js saluted the nation in a farewell low-level flypast over the country. The route included RAF stations and places of significance to the Hercules. It sure was an eye-watering occasion and a very fitting goodbye in preparation for its total retirement on 30th June 2023. 

RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire is the largest RAF Station in the UK and encompasses some 5,800 Service Personnel, 300 civilian staff and 1,200 contractors. It is also home to the RAF Air Mobility Force. However, with the demise of the C-130, the UK Strategic and Tactical Air Transport element is now totally reliant upon the C-17 and the new “Atlas” A-400M, the final one delivered in May.

With regard to Para Ops from A-400s, the first trials took place a year ago this month and were performed by No. 206 Squadron, the RAF’s Heavy Aircraft Test and Evaluation Squadron. Assisting them were staff from the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit.

I then witnessed what I suspect was the very first HAHO drop from an RAF A-400, which took place during an SF exercise. I think the idea was not to draw attention to the event. However, I suspect the troops dropped were Para instructors, not SF personnel. Some months later, trials took place over Salisbury Plain Training Area, where non-SF troops from the 16th Air Assault Brigade made standard Para drops.

Photo: A-400 HAHO stick arriving over RAF Leeming (photo by Pat Carty 2023)

Whilst test para drops may have continued up until now, I have never seen any evidence that RIBS, along with troops, have ever been dispatched from A-400 aircraft. So, would the latest Chameleon exercise reveal the answer to this situation?

Just before Chameleon 23-2 StartEx, SD Northern River, a large multi-purpose Special Force auxiliary ship, operated by Serco Marine Services, headed towards the Welsh coast. It then moored up in anticipation of assisting with Chameleon Para drops.

Previously, Chameleon para-drops included SF troops dispatched during daylight from a C-130 over the sea, along with their RIB. The same sorties were then run at night. In addition to the sea drops, several drops were also made onto land, utilising both RAF C-130 aircraft and a Short SC-7 Skyvan, on long-term military hire from the Canadian company Summit Air.

However, for Chameleon 23-2, SF troops made just a few sea-drops over three days, from one of two RAF Chinook helicopters deployed for the exercise, and an A-400. But no RIBs were air-dropped!

Once in the sea, the jumpers were collected by SF jet-skies, accompanied by a small Royal Marine assault-craft, call sign CSB0012. Then, along with their chutes, were transported to the Northern River. A Royal Navy Auxiliary Patrol boat was also utilised to deter shipping from entering the DZ area.

Following those para drops, the exercise moved back to RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, where over the next few days, several para-drops were made from Chinooks, the Skyvan, a C-17, and two A-400 Atlas aircraft. The sticks ranged from standard height to High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) drops.

Once the Leeming para-drops had been completed, multiple insertion-points were created in Sweden, where over the remaining two weeks, an RAF C-17 and two RAF A-400s made numerous return flights from Leeming. The reason being that several Swedish military training areas near Karlsborg (22 flights), Kiruna (24 flights) and Orebro (20 flights), were used as DZ’s, or insertion points.    

Whilst I can accept that there was also another SF exercise running in Sweden at the same time, and supported by American C-130 Hercules, I find it unbelievable in this day of cost-cutting, that Chameleon 23-2 got away with some forty-four C-17 flights, one hundred and fifteen, yes one hundred and fifteen mostly long-distance A-400 flights. Plus, twenty-nine Shadow R1 ISTAR flights. Thus, making a total of two hundred and six flights over the three weeks. That total did not include the numerous Chameleon rotary sorties by Chinook and Apache helicopters. I would hate to have had to foot the fuel bill. I just hope the SF troops involved in Chameleon 23-2 reaped the benefit. The aircrew certainly added to their flying time.

As for the question “is the new A-400 cleared to perform over-sea para-drops with RIBs?” I guess I will have to wait until Exercise Chameleon 24-1 early next year, to find out.

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Top photo: UK SF troops on jet skis heading to SD Northern River after parachute infiltration. (photo by Steve Morris, 2023)

Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

By Pat Carty.

The Royal Marine Commando Training Centre, also known as CTCRM, is the principal training centre for the United Kingdom’s Royal Marines. Based at Lympstone in Devon, the CTCRM selects and trains all Royal Marines Officers, recruits and reserves. CTCRM is also unique in that it also provides all Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) command training as well as training 70% of all Royal Marines specialists.

On average, 1,300 recruits, 2,000 potential recruits and 400 potential officers attend courses at CTCRM every year. In addition, the Training Wings run upwards of 320 courses a year for a further 2,000 students.

Benjamin (Ben) McQueen enlisted for training at the CTCRM on 7 December 2009. As part of 103 Troop, and following an intense 32-week training course, Ben passed out as a Royal Marine Commando on 10 September 2010. However, at an inquest on 28th July 2023, Coroner Judge Sir Ernest Ryder concluded that 26-year-old Ben had drowned some eight years later, on 14 November 2018.

Ben, who the coroner said had already passed UK Special Forces selection and was just days from completing specialist training to join “an elite unit”, was taking part in an SF amphibious assault. This involved a lengthy underwater approach to a target, located at Portland Harbour – home of the UK’s Special Boat Service. But went missing.

Tracking devices, which could have located Ben were not used, because the exercise was supposed to be as realistic as possible. However, this resulted in standby divers taking 40 minutes to locate Ben on the seabed and bring him to the surface.

Due to concerns about national security surrounding the circumstances of Ben’s death, the majority of the evidence was presented behind closed doors, with only Ben’s family and security-cleared legal representatives able to attend. However, in open court, Sir Ernest Ryder raised significant concerns about the planning and supervision of the training provided by the MoD, which led to Ben’s death. These included;

• Not topping up breathable gas levels between the two dives.
• The lack of a training requirement for all signals to be acknowledged.
• Inadequate risk assessment for the combined use of the equipment used in training.
• Failing to identify mitigating measures for the risks arising.
• A marked and inappropriate increase in the rate of training progression.
• Insufficiently firm instruction on when student drivers should surface.
• Limitations in training in the Emergency Ascent Drill.
• Not specifically training dive students to check their cylinder pressure after drills;
• Inadequate consideration of the risk of a loss diver in selecting the most appropriate air cylinder for the stand-by diver;
• Failure to ensure a full and rapid debrief of the student divers who surfaced in choosing where to deploy the standby diver;
• The lack of formal authorisation from Headquarters for some of the equipment being used.
• A lack of proactive engagement in the chain of command.

It was said during the inquest that Ben was extremely well-liked by his fellow troops and commanders and was also said to have been a considerate and human being as well as a competent and natural soldier. He had also stood out in his career reports for the excellence he brought to his role, and had achieved his life ambition of serving his country by joining the Corps and being selected for such an elite unit.

The Government’s Health and Safety Executive had previously served the MoD with two improvement notices, and following their earlier investigation, the MoD had also accepted two Crown Censures. These illustrated a level of overconfidence within the MoD when it came to providing safe systems of training to its soldiers.

The Coroner Judge, having heard evidence as to what improvements had been implemented by the MoD since Ben’s death, also made four recommendations to the MoD via a Prevention of Future Death Report, to ensure that lessons arising out of Ben’s death were learned.

Sebastian Del Monte, acting on behalf of Ben’s family said:

“It is clear from the coroner’s conclusions that Ben’s death was preventable and is symptomatic of the Ministry of Defence’s opaqueness, which led to overconfidence surrounding safety and training processes. It is the family’s view that this complacency and lack of oversight caused the tragic death of a young man serving his country.

“Due to the lack of transparency and the need for a secure inquest, the family has waited nearly five years to uncover what happened to their son. Inquests are difficult processes for any family but especially so in these circumstances. Ben’s family fought tirelessly and with dignity to learn the truth surrounding Ben’s tragic death. They did so to ensure that other families do not have to go through the same torturous process.”

Ben’s mother, Kathy McQueen, and Ben’s father, Colin McQueen added:

“Ben was a precious beloved son, brother, soldier, and friend and is sorely missed. He lived life to the full, a natural soldier with a humble heart. He had a fierce focus and determination to reach his best. His life was cut short because he was failed by the very organisation in which he put his trust. We do not know exactly what happened in Ben’s final moments, but we do believe Ben’s death was preventable. His legacy will be significant changes in dive training and ethos across the forces and an inspiration for others to face their fears as he so courageously did. We do not grieve as those who have no hope because we will see Ben again and his live and death have not been wasted.”

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Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

By Pat Carty.

Since 2006 I have attended a particular exercise in the UK, which has been very special for me. The reason being it has involved only helicopters from a foreign Air Force.

Exercise TAC Blaze, run by the Dutch Defence Helicopter Command (DHC), is based at Carlisle Airport. However, as TAC Blaze aims to train and qualify aircrew in low-level flying techniques, it utilises the vast areas of Cumbria and Northumberland. In addition, as its other aim is to train crews in Electronic Warfare, it centres itself on the Electronic Counter Measures Range at the nearby Royal Air Force Spadeadam.

The latest TAC Blaze, which incidentally has not been run in the UK since 2019, due to a reorganisation within the Dutch military, and then the outbreak of Covid, flew missions’ day and night and over the hilly terrain, and at very low altitudes. It also involved a variety of scenarios which simulated missions against potential adversary threats, whilst performing evasive manoeuvres and other tactics to defeat the enemy.

The first indication that TAC Blaze 23 was going ahead, was reports that 2 AS532U2 Cougar helicopters, call sign Wildcat (300 Squadron), 5 AH-64D Apache helicopters, call sign Knife (301 Squadron) and 4 CH-47F Chinook helicopters, call sign Sabre (298 Squadron) had departed from their Gilze-Rijen Air Base in Holland. After quick refuels at Northolt and Mildenhall, the formations arrived at Carlisle, delighting the locals and aviation enthusiasts who had gathered to welcome their arrival.

Photo: “Sabre” and “Wildcat” enroute to the IP during Exercise TAC Blaze 23. (photo by Duane Hewitt)

Ground support for the exercise had arrived previously by road, having crossed the North Sea. It consisted of up to 250 troops and 80 vehicles. Air support also arrived at Newcastle International Airport, using T-057, a Dutch Air Force A-330 (MMF39). 

Once established at Carlisle, the Dutch aircrews flew a complex variety of day and night missions, co-ordinated with RAF Spadeadam. Incidentally, Spade covers some 9,600 acres (38.8km2) and was available from 14.00 to 23.00 hours. 

Once the “Familiarisation Brief” had been completed each Monday, morning and afternoon missions were flown. Mondays were also used as “range familiarisation” by the weapons instructors, who then trained any new crews.

Between Tuesday and Thursday, afternoon and evening sorties were flown. However, Fridays were scheduled for daytime flying only. 

The second week tended to be a copy of the first, with the addition of new crews joining the exercise. These also needed to get familiar with the terrain, the systems, the hazards and the numerous antennas at Spadeadam.

Whilst at Spadeadam, crews flew evasive manoeuvres against the range radar systems. This consisted of the helicopter flying at higher altitudes, thus giving radar systems a chance to lock-on to the helicopters. Once the radar had locked- on, crews would fly much lower to attempt to lose the radar lock. Crews also practised how and when to deploy “chaff”. These aluminium-coated glass fibres stripes can either swamp a radar screen with multiple returns, or confuse guidance systems.

The Wednesday and Thursday sorties saw all three aircraft types flying together, starting with relatively small formations. For example, a single Apache would initially enter the landing zone, whilst attempting to evade radar detection. During these sorties, the Spade jamming facilities could also be used to disrupt the aircraft’s FM, VHF or UHF radios (and GPS if required). With the landing zone secure, Cougars or Chinooks could then touch down, simulating the insertion of Special Forces troops.

Photo: Lt Col Bob Oostrom, Exercise TAC Blaze 23. (photo by Duane Hewitt)

During TAC Blaze, I had what I thought would be the pleasure of interviewing Lieutenant Colonel Bob “Sleeer” Oostrom; Head of the Helicopter Warfare Centre at Gilze-Rijen Airbase and the TAC Blaze Exercise Commander. However, when I asked him what types of aircraft he had flown during his military career, the RAF Spadeadam Media Communications Officer raised her eyebrows and said: “You don’t want to go into personal things like that”! Due to her interruption, no way did I wish to continue the interview, especially discuss his units SF future. So, I thanked Lt Col Oostrom for the interview, and for providing one of each aircraft type for myself, a TV News cameraman and a local BBC radio reporter, to photograph. Then, after thanking Wing Commander Andrew Tidmarsh, the Station Commander, RAF Spadeadam, also Officer Commanding the Spadeadam Aggressor Squadron for attending, I left!

Incidentally, Lt Col Bob Oostrom’s flight name – Sleeer, is Dutch for a sleigh. Hence Bobsleigh.

All was not lost, the reason being that after talking unofficially to several crews, I now know TAC Blaze taught them a lot. That they enjoyed the exercise, and also enjoyed both meeting both the local people and seeing the local area.    

Were SF troops involved in this Tac Blaze? The previous exercise saw SF troops embedded within the exercise and based at Spade. However, as I did not venture into Spade this year, I cannot comment. I will also not mention those troops inserted by helicopter into Spade during this TAC Blaze, whilst gunfire could be heard. Then extracted! 

As for the 300 Squadron. They were scheduled to disband in 2011. However, that decision was gradually rolled-back due to the delayed entry of the NH Industries NH90 helicopter, and the planned mid-life update of the Dutch Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Both of which created a shortage in the Dutch transport helicopter capacity. In 2017, it was decided the squadron would remain operational until at least 2030 and, depending on future decision-making, receive a new dedicated mission; Special Operations Forces Air (SOF-Air). Since then, they have worked very closely with Dutch SOF.

On the 6 June 2023, the Dutch State Secretary Christophe Van Der Maat announced that 14 new H225M Caracal helicopters have been ordered, replacing the Cougars from the beginning of 2028.  So, there are now a lot of happy faces within SOF.

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Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

Top photo: “Wildcat 1” and “3” into Spadeadam during TAC Blaze 23. Photo by Duane Hewitt.

By Pat Carty.

I wish I had a globe which enabled me to look into the future. There again, I guess if I had paid more attention to the current weather charts, and used them to predict the future weather, I would have had more luck attending the latest British Special Forces Exercise; Chameleon 23-1. The reason being that I had the intention of heading to Scotland to view the exercise from there. However, the weather necessitated changing the exercise location.

Like its predecessor, I anticipated that Chameleon Exercise Planners, who for obvious reasons like to keep relevant details from exercise participants until the last moment, had planned the exercise to be located at the ex-Royal Air Force airfield at Leuchars in Scotland – now home to the British Army. However, as they forecast gale force winds and torrential rain – conditions not suited to “High Altitude High Opening” (HAHO) or “High Altitude Low Opening” (HALO) parachuting – a major component of Chameleon, the exercise was again repositioned to the warmer climes of Cyprus.

Exercise Chameleon is a bi-annual Special Force exercise, which has previously involved various members and units of the United Kingdom’s Special Air Service and Special Boat Service, together with other essential SF ground and support units. 

Due to recent changes to the UK SOF structure, which involved the Royal Marines transforming the new Future Commando Force (FCF), and two new “specialized units” (ASOB and SFOB) and coming under the control of the British Army; not the Director Special Force, who is responsible for the Special Air Service, Special Boat Service, Special Forces Support Group, Special Reconnaissance Regiment, 18th Signal Regiment, and Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing,  I was hoping to take my usual “close look” at the new structure. The idea being to see what if anything had changed – other than an overall attempt to reduce the size of the armed forces, and increase their capabilities with additional training and modern equipment – therefore, make them more responsive to events around the world. I should add that those are the Ministry of Defence’s words, not mine!

Just prior to StartEx, one of the few remaining but trusty C-130 Hercules left RAF Brize Norton, bristling with SOF equipment, for the British sovereign base at Akrotiri in Cyprus. Then, after a brief pause, continued onwards to Jordan.

Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Special Forces Flight at RAF Odiham, also departed for Cyprus, followed by two C-130 Hercules, manned by aircrews from the Royal Air Force 47 Squadron Special Forces flight, and based at RAF Brize Norton.

Two days later, two Shadow R.Mk 1 aircraft followed, crewed by 14 Squadron at RAF Waddington. However, unlike the Hercs, who routed direct to Akrotiri, the Shadows took a more leisurely route via Marseille, and then Gibraltar, where they overnighted.

The following morning, the Shadows departed Gib for Akrotiri. Then, completed their journey to their exercise Forward Operating Base (FOB); King Feisal bin Abdul Aziz Air Base in southern Jordan. Incidentally, all the aircraft involved, transited using the British Military international ICAO call sign “Ascot” (RRR). 

Following StartEx, Chameleon continued with several Para-drops, both standard static line and freefall, made into the Mediterranean Sea off Akrotiri Air Base. The Chinooks and Hercules aircraft were supported by SD Northern River, a large multi-purpose auxiliary ship, operated by Serco Marine Services. This is their largest, both in terms of dimensions and gross tonnage, and specializes in SF support. Northern River was in turn supported by two Royal Marine craft; callsigns CSB 0005 and CSB0012.

Following the sea jumps off Akrotiri, almost daily static-line and freefall HAHO and HALO jumps were then made into Jordanian training areas.

For the SF troops, these covert insertion sorties were supported by the Shadow R.Mk 1 aircraft, who provide invaluable “Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance” (ISTAR) by using their high-definition electro-optical and electronic sensors, this data enabling analysts to prepare comprehensive intelligence reports. The Shadows Satellite communications links also enables information to be downloaded to troop commanders on the ground, and also provide up-to-the-minute Forward Air Control support. I should add that the Shadows are also fitted with a defensive aid suite.

Several Herc flights also transited into Amman, enabling the SF troops to use the nearby King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre (KASOTC) – if needed.

Whilst there, I have found it to be a one-of-a-kind facility, covering some twenty-five square kilometres. It was safe, secure and isolated and equipped with multiple distance ranges; from a 1300-meter unknown distance range to a 300-meter, moving target range, which accommodates most firearm requirements. It also has a four-story; close quarters battle (CQB), live-fire structure and the largest mock city in existence; 67 buildings, which include numerous arrangements from an Afghan village to an embassy compound, driving ranges, an Airbus A-300 aircraft with targets to simulate hostage scenarios. Special battlefield effects also provide live fire compatibility throughout, with a fibre optic network connecting the Range Operations Control Centre (ROC) to the hundreds of cameras, microphones, target systems, and simulators, all testing the user’s creativity in tactics, techniques and procedures. Together with on-site lodging, dining, gym, pro shop, weapons/equipment rental and storage; it is easy to see why KASOTC is the ideal place to do what is necessary to prepare forces for the challenges of armed conflict. Finally, KASOTC is also the venue for the annual SF Warrior Competition – a contest where the best Special Forces teams from around the world participate in live fire exercises and drills.

During this latest Chameleon SOF exercise, there were a total of ninety-one C-130 Hercules sorties, forty-three Shadow R.Mk 1 sorties, and numerous Chinook sorties. The new-to-the-SF-roll C-17 and A-400 aircraft air and ground crews were also put through their paces – due to the forthcoming demise of the ageing RAF C-130 Hercules. The C-17s achieved a total of sixty-three sorties, and the A-400 sixty, during the three-week exercise. Thus, the exercise total overall was some two hundred and forty-seven sorties!

As usual, I look forward to attending the next Exercise Chameleon, weather permitting, be it located in either Cyprus or Scotland.

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Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

Photo: Beechcraft Shadow R.Mk 1 (14 Squadron RAF)

Story by Pat Carty.

Due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, I doubt if there were many in the military, especially NATO, who did not expect their training to be either delayed or postponed, due to the necessity to prepare to be ready or move. However, that was not the case for British Special Forces, as their planned exercise “Chameleon 22-1” went ahead as scheduled.

Exercise Chameleon is a bi-annual Special Force exercise, involving members of the Special Air Service and Special Boat Service, together with other essential SF ground units who support them. 

Due to a slight relaxation with Covid-19 restrictions, I had my bags packed and ready to head to Leuchars in Scotland, to observe the exercise. However, that turned out not to be the case, as a few weeks prior to StartEx, the Governments Meteorology service forecast gale force winds and torrential rain – conditions not suited to observing military exercises, or High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) or High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachuting – a major component of Chameleon.

In view of the forecasted weather, two Chinook helicopters from the 7 Squadron Special Forces Flight at RAF Odiham, departed instead for the British sovereign base at Akrotiri in Cyprus.  They were followed by two C-130 Hercules, manned by aircrew from the Royal Air Force 47 Squadron Special Forces flight, based at RAF Brize Norton. Two days later, two Shadow R.Mk 1 aircraft followed, crewed by 14 Squadron at RAF Waddington. However, unlike the Herc’s, who routed direct to Akrotiri, the Shadows took a more leisurely route via Marseille and then Gibraltar, where they over-nighted. The following morning, they left Gib for Akrotiri, and then completed their journey at their exercise Forward Operating Base (FOB); King Feisal bin Abdul Aziz Air Base in southern Jordan. Incidentally, all aircraft transited using the British Military international ICAO call sign “Ascot” (RRR).  

Chameleon then commenced with a number of Para-drops, both standard static line and freefall, made into the Mediterranean Sea, just off Akrotiri air base. The Chinooks and Hercules aircraft were supported by the SD Northern River. This large multi-purpose auxiliary ship is operated by Serco Marine Services, and is currently the largest ship operated by Serco, both in terms of dimensions and gross tonnage, and specializes in SF support.

I should add that SD Northern River had replaced the “normal” Chameleon support ship; SD Victoria, which for some unknown reason has been moored up in Halifax Navy Base, Canada, for some months.  

Following the sea jumps, again almost daily static line and freefall HAHO and HALO jumps were made into Jordanian training areas. For the SF troop covert insertion sorties, the troops were supported by the Shadow R.Mk 1 aircraft, which provided invaluable “Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance” (ISTAR) by using their high definition electro-optical and electronic sensors, this data enabling analysts to prepare comprehensive intelligence reports. The Shadows Satellite communications links also enabled information to be downloaded to troop commanders on the ground, and also provide up-to-the minute Forward Air Control support. I should add that the Shadows are also fitted with a defensive aids suite.

A number of Herc flights also transited into Amman, enabling the SF troops to use the nearby King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre (KASOTC). When I have been there previously, I found it to be a one-of-a-kind facility, covering twenty-five square kilometres. It was safe, secure and isolated and equipped with multiple distance ranges; from a 1300-meter unknown distance range to a 300-meter, moving target range, which accommodate most firearm requirements. It also has a four story; close quarters battle (CQB), live-fire structure and the largest mock city in existence; 67 buildings, which include numerous arrangements from an Afghan village to an embassy compound, driving ranges, an Airbus A300 aircraft with targets to simulate hostage scenarios. Special battlefield effects also provide live fire compatible throughout, with a fibre optic network connecting the Range Operations Control Centre (ROC) to the hundreds of cameras, microphones, target systems, and simulators, all testing the user’s creativity in tactics, techniques and procedures. Together with on-site lodging, dining, gym, pro-shop, weapons/equipment rental and storage; it is easy to see why KASOTC is the ideal place to do what is necessary to prepare forces for the challenges of armed conflict. Finally, it is also the venue for the annual SF Warrior Competition, a contest where the best Special Forces teams from around the world participate in live fire exercises and drills.

As usual, I will look forward to attending the next Exercise Chameleon, weather permitting and be it in Jordan or Scotland. As for the troops who participated, I know, having seen numerous Chameleon exercises in the past that they will have benefitted from the training. I guess the RAF crews will also have looked forward to putting their feet up, after having flown a total of fifty four C-130 Hercules sorties, forty-nine Shadow R.Mk 1 sorties, and numerous Chinook sorties, in the three week exercise.

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Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

Photo: C-130 “Oman 01” over Jordan (RAF)

Story by Pat Carty.

A formation of Royal Air Force Puma helicopters has made a nostalgic national flypast, to mark 50 years of service for the type.

The ten Pumas; acknowledged and respected as the workhorse of many tactical and Special Force operations, departed RAF Benson near Oxford on 7 July at 10.00 local. The route, flown as a training sortie but highlighting the fact that the type has been in constant use since its introduction into the RAF in 1971, overflew notable locations across England that had a historical significance to the Puma, by either hosting the type or by supporting the Puma Force over the past 50 years.

After departure, the formation routed over RAF High Wycombe, home to HQ Air Command, the European Air Group and the Joint Force Air Component Commander. They then flew over Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, where the formation split into two sections. “Ambush Flight”, which landed at RAF Scampton – home of the Red Arrows, and “Monster Flight”, which landed at the RAF College, Cranwell.

Photo: Ambush and Monster Flight approaching RAF Scrampton. (photo by Pat Carty).

Following lunch and a refuel, the two flights rejoined and then continued North-West towards Stafford. When overhead Herefordshire, they overflew Credenhill; home of the Special Air Service, and then along the Welsh borders back into Wiltshire. After overflying the Salisbury Plain Training Area, they landed at the Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop.

On departure from Middle Wallop, they overflew the Joint Helicopter Command Headquarters at Andover, and then RAF Odiham; the original home for the Puma, The formation then routed back to their home base at RAF Benson, where on arrival they were greeted by a welcoming party, which included the crews from two very special 658 Squadron Army air Corps Dauphine helicopters (call sign Hammer). These Dauphines, in a very commercial looking blue and white livery, provide covert air transportation for the SAS and are based alongside them at Credenhill, Herefordshire.

The Puma formation was led by XW224; a Puma HC Mk2, which has been given a unique new paint scheme to commemorate 50 years of service, with the colours replicating those used on the Puma HC Mk 1 and all the Squadron badges of squadrons who have flown the Puma HC Mk 1 and Mk 2, emblazoned on the engine housing.

Since 1971, the Puma has successfully contributed to UK humanitarian missions around the globe. It has also supported combat missions in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.  Since post-2014, three Puma helicopters have been used extensively during “Operation Toral”; the name given to the UK element of “Resolute Support Mission”, transporting personnel based with Joint Helicopter Command in Kabul International Airport. Whilst there, the Pumas were able to provide vital airborne transport to UK and NATO forces, thereby mitigating the ground threat. Tasks also included transporting personnel and equipment around the different urban, mountainous and desert terrains in the Kabul area, as well as supporting the deployment of the NATO SF and Security Quick Reaction Forces. During that deployment, the Pumas flew 12,800 hours; the equivalent of over 533 days in the air, transported 126,000 troops, security personnel and embassy staff, and moved some 660,000kgs of freight.

The RAF Puma has also recently supported UK civilian disasters, by providing a helicopter lift capability for flood relief efforts. They have also assisted the COVID-19 response, by deploying at short notice in the early stages of the pandemic, to Kinloss Barracks in Scotland. Whilst there, they provided vital transport for medical personnel and equipment in both Scotland and Northern England, as well as being on standby 24/7 to support any other task required in the UK.

My own experience of the Puma, in addition to both day and night NVG training sorties, has included being transported as media during exercises, and being in the back, whilst certain troops were transported to Ireland during the “troubles”. Who they were, or why they were being transported, are best left unanswered, as I was told during the pre-takeoff briefs, not to discuss the subject with them!

For the more technical minded, the Aérospatiale SA-330 Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engined medium transport utility helicopter, originally built by Sud Aviation of France, and continued to be made by Aérospatiale. However, the RAF Puma HC Mk.1 was a significant joint manufacturing agreement between Aerospatiale and Westland Helicopters in the UK. It had a crew of three and could carry up to 16 passengers, at up to 159 mph (138 knots) for up to 360 miles (580 km). It has a ceiling of up to 15,750 feet (4,800m). For self-protection, in addition to a self-defence suit, it can carry a 0.30 inches (7.62 mm) coaxial machine gun or side-firing 0.787 inches (20 mm) cannon.

A total of 48 HC Mk.1 Pumas were delivered to the RAF, of which 24 were upgraded to the HC Mk.2 variant. These had the more powerful Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines, a glass cockpit, new avionics, and secure communications, together with improved self-protection equipment.

The Puma has served with 33 Squadron and 240 Operation Conversion Unit at RAF Odiham, 230 Squadron at RAF Gutersloh in Germany, No. 1563 Flight at RAF Belize, and RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland.

In 2009, both 33 and 230 Squadron relocated to RAF Benson from RAF Odiham, and in all that time, has a safety record that many would envy.

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Top photo: Credit to Ian Marshall.

Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

By Pat Carty.

UK Special Forces have just completed their latest and longest Chameleon Special Force exercise when Chameleon 1-21 came to an end on March 19, 2021.

Run bi-annually, Exercise Chameleon provides the opportunity for Special Force units from the UK Army, Navy and Air Force, to train together on the land, in the sea and in the air, during both day and night sorties, which entail numerous scenarios from simple to complex.

For the first time in several years, and due to the Covid-19 restrictions, I was not afforded my usual privilege of being able to attend and view the exercise. However, by using various social media sources, I hope my report will also indicate how an unfriendly force could assemble pertinent information and procedures about a potential enemy, during peacetime.

Running 23 February through to 19 March, Chameleon saw the ground assets assemble at both RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, and also some 230 miles further north at Leuchars airbase in Scotland; once home to the RAF, but now the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

On the morning of StartEx, two C-130 Hercules (call sign Omen) arrived at Leuchars, followed later in the morning by two CH-47 Chinooks (Lifter), which landed first at RAF Leeming in Yorkshire. These air assets became the main workhorse for the whole exercise and were flown by aircrews attached to 47 Squadron RAF Special Forces Flight, at Brize Norton, and 7 Squadron RAF, Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing, based at Odiham.

During the afternoon, Omen 1 was dispatched on a one hundred and eighty-minute return flight to Bournemouth in Dorset, where it collected members of the Special Boat Service, based at nearby Poole. Then, transported them back to Leuchars.

The last Leuchars movement of the day, which followed some air-to-air refueling practice by Omen 1 and 2 from an RAF Voyager (Tartan), was the arrival of a Shadow R1 (Snake) aircraft from 14 Squadron RAF Waddington. These very secretive aircraft were initially used for just electronic intelligence (ELINT) sorties, and manned by a mixture of military and some very special “civilian” aircrew. They were also used in parallel with the Sentinel R1, which was equipped with state-of-the-art mission systems to support Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. However, since the retirement of the Sentinel R1 last month, the Shadow now performs both missions, therefore improving a commander’s awareness of what is happening both on the ground and in the air, and as I witnessed during Chameleon, by supporting SF ground assets. Listen to an audio of “Snake” talking with a ground element.

Chart: North Sea Para / RIB Drop Assets. Click here for larger view of image.

Day two of the exercise started early, and consisted of SF troops making Para drops into the North Sea, from “Lifter 1”. They were then collected by two Royal Marine Commando Assault Squadron Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), which took them to the Diver Support vessels “MTS Terramare” and “SD Northern River”. I should add it was the first time for many years that the very special SF Support ship “SD Victoria” was absent from a Chameleon exercise.

The afternoon saw Omen making High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) Para drops over the airfield. The evening commenced with Snake making numerous orbits near the first assault target IP, of which there was a number during the month-long exercise.

Chart: Omen low-level route and heights. Click here for larger view of image.

The remainder of Chameleon followed a similar format, with the Omen 1 and 2 being used for standard day and night static line jumps, tandem jumps HAHO jumps and even dispatching RIBS along with the jumpers into the nearby North Sea. They also took advantage of treating their SF PAX in the rear to some very long and low-level flights around the UK, letting them experience what is far from a comfortable ride. Incidentally, Whilst Omen was away, an RAF C-17 (Comet) took the opportunity of using one of the DZ to make what I believe was the first Para drop by British SF troops from an RAF C-17. (See top photo)

Chart: First RAF C-17 Para Drop. Click here for larger view of image.

The Chinooks were also kept busy, by assisting with HAHO and standard jumps both over land and sea. What was conspicuous by its absence, was the usual MoD hired private Short SC-7 Skyvan. In almost all previous Chameleon exercises, it has been used for currency jump sorties.

In addition to the Leuchars airfield, Leeming airfield, Sculthorpe and Stanford training areas; both located in the East of England, the Arbroath Royal Marine barracks airstrip and the Barry Buddon ranges were also used as DZs. The later involved in one particular drop, whereby HAHO troops landed on the wrong DZ! That and another incident during a covert insertion mission later in the exercise, whereby a Shadow R1 door lock had problems, resulting in the crew declaring an In-Flight Emergency and diverting to nearby Mildenhall, were the only two exercise incidents I was aware of.

Incidentally, during the covert insertion sorties, troops were also supported by Chinook and Shadow aircraft, and when fire support was needed, by Army Air Corps AH-64 Apache helicopters (Viper).

One very special insertion was into the training ground of 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group, Royal Marines. It is located adjacent to the Royal Navy nuclear submarine base at Faslane and is a very popular target for Special Force training. I recall it being used sometime back when I was embedded with Danish SF on an exercise. I should add however that I was not permitted to watch the final assault. The reason given to me by the Exercise Director was that a lot of pride would be lost by the Marine Commandos, should the Danish succeed. Therefore the outcome would not be a pretty sight for me to see!

In addition to the covert insertion sorties, Chameleon also encompassed several “Combat SAR” training missions, whereby SF troops deployed “Behind enemy lines” to recover simulated downed aircrew.

During Chameleon 1-21, exercise planners issued restricted air space warnings (NOTAM) for a total of 31 areas. These covered fifty-five British counties during daytime and fifty-one counties during the night. In addition, many of the areas were for 24 hours. I personally feel this upset many commercial and civilian pilots, who had wanted to transit the areas in question, but could not, despite knowing the areas were not active.

Towards EndEx, senior SF Commanders along with some VIP’s flew from London and Credenhill; home to the British Special Air Service, to meet troops and take a close look at the exercise facilities and planning. Following the briefing, all that was left was for the SF troops to pack up their equipment, and head base. Some of them were lucky enough to ride Omen for their flight back to Cardiff – the nearest airport to the SAS base at Hereford and the Special Forces Support Group base at St Athan.

Chart: Omen / Snake insertion profiles. Click here for larger view image.

I have said in the past to numerous SF exercise planners and commanders, that I find SF exercise Chameleon very predictive. But, Chameleon 1-21 was different to any other Chameleon I have ever attended. However, whilst I may have missed the return flight to Bournemouth transporting the SBS, whilst sat in the comfort of my home many miles from the exercise, I was still able to covertly observe something in the order of two hundred and twenty-six airborne sorties. I achieved this by using PlanePlotter from COAA. A more advance aircraft tracker than your usual free FlightAware and other ADS-B trackers. It uses both Mode A and C to track aircraft, and in doing so I was also able to observe all Para drops and troop insertion sorties. Plus when and where the Secretive “Snake” aircraft were downloading ELINT and ISTAR data for troops and planning cells, miles from the action. I was also able to monitor extensive exercise comms, by using free online audio-streaming programs.

As for meeting the actual troops involved in Chameleon. For the first time in several years, I failed to do so due to Covid-19 restrictions. But would still like to thank all those elite SF troops from the Parachute Regiment Pathfinders, Royal Marine Commandoes, Special Services Support Group, Special Boat Service and Special Air Service, plus those from other countries on TD duty to the UK, for what they do, especially at this current time, when you take into account the various Covid-19 regulations.

Let us hope that later in the year when Chameleon 2-21 commences, Covid-19 will not be as severe, and the exercise can go ahead without such stringent restrictions.

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Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

Top Photo: C-130, call sign Omen 2, departing Leuchars during Exercise Chameleon 1-21 in March 2021. Photo Jack Green.

By Pat Carty.

Following an official “Freedom of Information” request made to the British Government in December 2020, the Ministry of Defence has released the total number of British Armed Forces personnel, who have lost their lives in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. This is an area used for generations by Special Forces and in particular for selection, including the notorious “Fan Dance” tests.

For those unaware, the “Fan Dance” is a 15-mile (24 km) load-bearing March, which takes place at the end of the first week of SF selection. The candidates climb “Pen y Fan” – the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons. Then descend the far side; known as “Jacob’s Ladder”. The rest of the route follows the old Roman road before going back on itself for the return leg. Candidates are given 4 hours 10 minutes to complete the route, regardless of the weather. The Fan Dance is the world’s oldest SF test and used as the first major indicator to show if a candidate has the physical and mental aptitude to complete the legendary SF Selection course.

The Freedom of Information request came from a member of the public. It followed discussions with local councilors and politicians about erecting a memorial, remembering service personnel who had lost their lives whilst training in the Beacons. One of the causalities, having been a close friend, was killed during Special Force selection.

Following the information request, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that in the period they hold records for; 1 January 1984 to 31 December 2019 (the last full year available), twenty UK armed forces personnel have died in the Brecon Beacons. I should add that those figures include all tri-Service regular personnel killed, both on, and off duty, whilst the data for reserve troops only shows those killed whilst on duty.

The Defence Ministry also confirmed that the numbers were for all causes of death: accidents, natural causes, or coroner confirmed suicide. Plus open verdicts where the cause was not known.

Photo: “Fan Dance” by Avalanche Endurance Events.

Civilians can experience a civilian version of the Fan Dance test, especially those whose intention is to apply for future SF selection, which is run on similar lines to SF selection tests, but by former SF personnel.

Photo: “Fan Dance” by Avalanche Endurance Events

Held in both summer and winter, again similar to SF selection, these civilian versions of the “The Fan Dance” include both “load-bearing” and “clean fatigue” categories and are also held during both day and night. The “Fan Dance Woodhouse Edition” even copies the original post-WWII Fan Dance and includes three ascents of Pen y Fan. If you are ultra keen, there is even the 50km “Blade Runner Ultra Series”, again staged in the area used for SF selection, and utilising many iconic and legendary landmarks and features, used in the world-famous SAS Aptitude phase.

More information on the various “Fan Dance” events is available from the organisers; Avalanche Endurance Events at: https://www.avalancheenduranceevents.com/home.html

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Top Photo: The Pen-y-Fan viewed from Cribyn. Photo by Dave Dunford.

Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

By Pat Carty.

Whilst the news that UK Royal Navy is currently escorting British-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz seems to have disappeared from world headlines, also the latest situation regarding the increased diplomatic tensions in the Gulf, not to mention updates about the crews welfare from the seized British tanker Stena Impero, UK Special Force troops are continuing to train to meet any future situations where their specialized services are required.

The latest week-long Special Force exercise; Faraday Field 19-2, has just been held, operating from within the grounds of the Defence School of Transport (DST), located within Normandy Barracks, Leconfield in East Yorkshire. There, regular government and personnel from all three military services undertake training on machinery, ranging from motorcycle and quad bikes to Oshkosh fuel tankers.

For Special Force purposes, DST Leconfield was ideal for the SOF exercise, as the large training area; once RAF Leconfield airfield is remote and not overlooked. Therefore perfect to mount a weeklong antiterrorist maritime exercise.

Pairs of Chinooks, Wildcats and Merlin helicopters started arriving on the Sunday from Royal Air Force Odiham in Hampshire and Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset. Following crew and sortie briefings, then aircraft pre-mission checks, crews conducted daily late evening and night sorties to a “floating call sign” located within the North Sea.

Unlike previous Faraday Field exercises, where the local population had been offered a brief opportunity to meet some of the crews and inspect some aircraft – a form of compensation for the late-night disruption, locals in the vicinity of DST Leconfield were not afforded such hospitality. In fact, I doubt they would have been unaware of the exercise, let alone SOF involvement, were it not for a short note previously circulated by DST Leconfield, warning of possible late night noise disruption.

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Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.

Photo: “Inferno 5” returning from a mission.

Special Force troops were assisted by a Hungarian Air Force Gripen multirole fighter, Mi-17, Mi-24, Cougar and American Special Forces CV-22 Osprey helicopters, all of which played a vital part in Exercise Black Swan 19 Distinguished Visitor Day (DV Day). It was held at Szolnok Air Base in Hungary, home to the Hungarian 2nd Special Forces Brigade (Vitéz Bertalan Árpád), 34th Special Forces Battalion (László Bercsényi) of the Hungarian Defence Forces (Magyar Honvédség)

The DV Day scenario simulated a combat situation whereby an enemy airport and control-tower had to be recaptured by the SOF troops, inserted by air and land. It was performed in front of senior Special Force Officers and invited guests, including Major General Kirk Smith; Commander, Special Operations Command Europe and Director, Special Operations, U.S. European Command, and Brigadier General Tamás Sándor; Commander MH 2. Brigade Bertalan Árpád (Special Purpose Brigade).

Running from 2 June to 21 June, Black Swan 19 involved some 700 Special Force troops from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The United Kingdom also had personnel present, but as observers and advisers.

Whilst Black Swan 19 improves the integration of Allied Special Forces, it also facilitates situations that can be encountered by SOF troops on a tactical level and in an unconventional and hybrid environment. It also allows them to experience working with allied forces in command, control and operation with the aim of strengthening the stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

Despite being overseen by the United States Army Europe (USAREUR) Special Operations Command, Black Swan is actually a Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) exercise, run from within the nearby HDF “Peace Support Training Centre” (HDF PSTC) also located in Szolnok. However, as the HDF Special Operations capability intends to play a leading role in the region, a Regional Special Operations Component Command (R-SOCC) also operates from Szolnok. From there, the Command directs a full spectrum of airborne, land and water exercise operations, located in several parts of Europe simultaneously and in a close to a real-life environment.

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Top Photo: Special operations forces board an Mi-17 helicopter during Exercise Black Swan. Photo by Hungarian Defense Forces (HDF).

Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.