An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 21 of the Land Component is always in the field, at the heart of the conflict. Together with their colleagues, they are in direct contact with civilians and opponents, which makes their mission a constant challenge. Special Operations Regiment: At present, the Special Operations Regiment (SOR) consists of the Special Operations Group, the 2nd and 3rd Para-Commando Battalion and the related training centres for commandos and paratroopers. The 6 Gp CIS has also been inte- grated into the SOR to provide the communications support. The SOR particularly focuses on the execution of special operations; military activities performed by specially organised and equipped units, using carefully selected personnel and special tactics, tech- niques and engagement methods. These methods are often discrete, through water, on land or by air, with the mission of carrying out sensitive actions on several oc- casions, such as the collection of information, control of precision bombing by the air force or the liberation of hostages anywhere in the world. The SOR can play an active role within the context of the fight against terrorism and the assistance of friendly democracies in their struggle against irregular groups. In addition to their current training for a number of more con- ventional missions, such as capturing and securing an airport or evacuating nationals from a crisis area, the Para-Commando bat- talions are also trained to carry out special operations. Depending on the nature of the mission, they may execute them in support of the Special Forces Group or in a completely autonomous way. 3 Para: 3 Para-Commando Battalion is one of two battalions of the Special Operations Regiment. At any given time, the regiment keeps one battalion ready to act as fast intervention force. 3 Para is located in Tielen, Belgium. History: In 1955, the 3rd Para-Commando Battalion was created out of elements of the 1st Para Battalion and the 2nd Commando Battalion during their presence in Belgian Congo. As a new unit, 3 Para took over the traditions and logo of the Volunteer Corps for Korea. This corps earned multiple honourable citations dur- ing battle. During the independence troubles of Belgian Congo, 3 Para took part in airborne actions on Kikwit, Kindu, Manono and in raids on Lokandu and Kasongo. In 1962, the battalion left Burundi and found a new home in Lombardsijde (Belgium). In the course of 1977, the battalion moved to their new home in a former British ammunition depot in Tielen. The camp was named "Camp P. Gailly" to honour Captain Pierre Gailly who lost his life during the Korean War. In 1983, the battalion became an exclusively Flemish battal- ion and has the privilege to have His Royal Highness Prince Filip of Belgium as platoon commander. From 2006 to 2010, 3 Para was the pilot unit of the Rapid Intervention Force of NATO (NATO Response Force – NRF). The final change for 3 Para presents itself when the Recce squad- ron, located in Lombardsijde, is disbanded and part of the squadron moves to a new Recce squadron with 3 Para. Throughout its history, the battalion has also adopted two insti- tutes for mental and physical disabled children and adults, the MPI "De Mast" in Kasterlee and "t Margrietje" in Tielen. Mission Main tasks: The main tasks for the battalion include, deployment as a Rapid Intervention Detachment (RID) both nationally and internationally; Delivering the backbone for a battle group of the EU Battle Group (EUBG) or one dedicated to the NATO Response Force (NRF) and Evacuation of non-combatants (Non-combatant Evacuation Operations – NEO). In support of the above-mentioned, classic or special opera- tions, 3 Para is able to execute these missions entering the difficult and complex theatre of operations via air (air transport/jump) or amphibious way, both day and night. In addition, Crisis Response Operations (CRO) can also be executed to prevent or stabilise con- flict situations. Special Operations: In order to be able to execute all missions requested, the battalion often deploys within Belgium but also abroad to hone their skills. The author was able to attend an 'after sunset' Special Operations training mission which was executed by 3 Para, supported by assets of 1 Wing operating out of Beauvechain (2x NH-90 air assault, 1x Agusta medevac). According to the scenario, Kalashnikov equipped insurgents kept themselves hidden in an ammunition storage location situated in a tower. Members of a Recce team observed the location for a period of 36 hours. On the second day of the operation, just after sunset, members of 3 Para were inserted by two NH-90 helicopters and immediately after touchdown, the offensive group rushed towards the tower. With the aid of night vision goggles (NVG), they man- aged to seize the tower and eliminate all insurgents. The rest of the group remained behind to provide cover. The scenario had one member of the attacking force was wounded during the attack on the tower and the team members had to take appropriate action to evacuate the casualty from the combat zone. After having returned, covered by the own forces, the patient was stabilised and brought to the Agusta helicopter, which oper- ated as medevac. Once the casualty was evacuated from the battlefield, the remainder of the teams were picked up by the NH- 90's and brought back to Beauvechain airbase. Here the mission was debriefed in detail, and they took on board any lessons learned and will apply them when called upon again. The author would like to thank the IPR – SEC SCV of the 3rd Bat- talion Para-Commando for their hospitality and support.

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