An Cosantóir

36 ARW MALI In addition, a small number of Defence Forces personnel have taken up positions in the MINUSMA Force Headquarters in Bamako. The role of the ARW team within the ISR TF is to support the collection of information within the operational environment for the accurate development, decision and implementation of mandate activities. Irish Special Operation Forces (SOF) personnel play a key role within the ISR TF, utilising niche capabilities and drawing on expertise gained from previous overseas missions, such as East Timor, Liberia and Chad. Their role involves the conduct of patrols throughout Sector East in an effort to collect information from the local population. ARW patrols are typically conducted in German Mowag Eagle vehicles, however helibourne patrols are also conducted, with the team deploying on foot when they arrive at their destination. The duration of the patrols can be from a few hours to up to ten days and cover distances of up to 150km from the base. Each SOF operator will carry a primary weapon, usually HK 416 or FN Minimi, and a secondary weapon, SIG P226. In addition, all operators wear Combat Body Armour and helmet, and carry personal communication and navigation devices, Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) and Binocular Night Vision Devices (BNVD). SOF operators within the patrol will each have a specific role, including driver, medic, signaller or sniper, and will carry additional role specific equipment as required. Given the vast and expansive terrain in Northern Mali, the patrol can be required to drive up to ten hours a day to access remote villages. The terrain is a mix of soft desert sand, sparse forests and razor sharp rocks, which have to be traversed carefully in order to prevent bogging of the vehicle or tyre punctures. The wet season (June to September) presents further challenges, as much of the ground is too soft to be driven in armoured vehicles. The soaring temperatures, which can rise above 50°C, also cause serious degradation on the operators. Patrols utilise a combination of reconnaissance and surveillance, as well as interaction with the local population in order to gain the information required. This information is reported back through the German ISR TF and helps the MINUSMA Force Commander to make accurate decisions regarding the implementation of mandate activities. While the environment is challenging, the situation volatile and the threat of attack from terrorist armed groups is ever present, the ARW team utilise their specialist training and equipment, as well as their previous operational experience to reduce the risk where possible and carry out their assigned tasks. A mobile ARW patrol travels through the vast desert landscape of Mali ARW members donning NVE (Night Vision Equipment) at dusk An ARW member watches on as a Heli lands in preparation for their extraction Members of the ARW being heli'd out to an undisclosed location to carry out a foot patrol

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