DecOmpreSSIOn

A
F
R
I
C
A
E
A
I N
BHC features the latest in pre-SLAM, bunk bed
accommodation, and on arrival, your bed will be
made down with blankets and bed linen. There is
a small shop where you can purchase soft drinks,
sweets, souvenirs and basic items of clothing. If you
have any queries whilst at Blood Hound that cannot
be answered by your Chain of Command – speak to
a member of the Activation Party and they will assist
you. It is important to note that there is no walking
out whilst attending Decompression. Throughout your
stay in Cyprus, you are restricted to the designated
areas of BHC and Tunnel Beach.
I have heard you have to go to lots of lectures?
You will need to attend two “Coming Home” Briefs.
These are PowerPoint based presentations, given by a
Chaplain and a Community Psychiatric Nurse. There is
also a short DVD (The “Grim Reaper”) illustrating the
dangers of driving on returning from operations. The
entire process takes no more than 60 minutes.
What happens in the evening?
A BBQ is served in the evening, followed by a CSE
show. The CSE show consists of 2 comedians and a
musical act. The CSE Show takes approximately 60
minutes. Alcohol control measures are in place and
individuals are restricted to purchasing a maximum of
five cans of beer or a bottle of red or white wine (not
both). The cost of a can is around €1.20 (dependant
on brand) and a bottle of wine costs approx €7.00.
Remember, the bar is not a cash bar, you must
anticipate what and how much you wish to buy on
your arrival in RAF Akrotiri that morning. The Bar
closes around 2230hrs.
What happens the following morning?
Depending on your flight time, the following morning
is a period of more relaxation. There are no formal
serials and you are just required to get dressed into
uniform, have breakfast and repack your overnight
bag ready for your short return transit to RAF Akrotiri.
On arrival at the Airhead, you will be processed by the
Air Movements Staff and you will soon be on your
way home.
Enjoy your Post Operational Leave
Bloodhound Camp
DecOmpreSSIOn
So You’re Going On
Decompression?
Whilst you may have enjoyed
Decompression on previous
occasions, this pamphlet explains the
format to the newcomer and for the
older hands highlight any changes
that may have been introduced since
your last visit to Cyprus.
PER
GIBRALTAR
E U R O P
MARE
A S
I A
C H
PER
TERRAM
fleetgraphicscentre 10/408

What is the point of Decompression?
Decompression is an integral part of Op HERRICK.
The aim is to provide a friendly environment that
allows you time to start ‘winding down’ prior to
rejoining friends and family in the UK. It provides
time to talk through your memories with friends
and colleagues who have shared similar experiences
to your own. It also provides an opportunity to
start thinking about the challenges and issues
of returning to the UK and living in the home
environment. You do not lose any leave by attending
and usually, on reflection, when back in the UK,
most individuals see the advantage of attendance.
What kit will I need?
You will need to pack the following within your
cabin luggage before leaving BSN. The next time
you will see your hold luggage will be at your final
destination.
• Casual Clothes
• Sports / beach wear
• Washing / shaving kit
• Towel
• Training shoes / sandals
• Issued white dhobi bag
• Fast move docs
• Personal Kit
• Sleeping Bag (if diverted)
• Cheque book and card
• Euros (cheques to be cashed at BSN)
What happens when we arrive in Cyprus?
On arrival at RAF Akrotiri, you will be met by
members of the Decompression staff. You will
have the opportunity to shower and change out of
uniform and into your own casual clothes / sports
kit. You will receive a ‘Welcome to Cyprus’ brief
and then you will be able to change money for beer
tokens: limited to 5 beers each. Remember to cash
your cheques for Euros at BSN prior to departure,
for most people €15 is sufficient. In addition you will
be issued with a ‘one off’ 30 minute Paradigm Card
for use on the mobile or static telephones provided.
Your military uniform will be taken away, washed and
ironed and returned to Bloodhound Camp (BHC) later
that day. Once the initial admin has been taken care
of, you will be served a cooked breakfast and then
whisked off to Tunnel Beach to commence your beach
activities.
Where does Decompression take place?
You will be accommodated at BHC, whilst activities
take place at Tunnel Beach in the Sovereign Base Area
of Episkopi in the South West of Cyprus.
What is the weather going to be like?
The day time weather is usually very good.
Month
Average Average Max Average Min Average Rain
Temperature Temperature Temperature Days
January 13 17 8 8
February 13 17 8 6
March 14 18 9 6
April 17 21 13 4
May 21 26 17 2
June 24 29 20 0
July 27 31 23 0
August 27 31 23 0
September 25 29 21 0
October 22 27 17 3
November 17 22 13 5
December 14 18 9 6
However, when packing your Decompression bag in
addition to sports and swimming kit, ensure you pack
a fleece. BHC is exposed and it can get cold in the
evening.
What happens at Tunnel Beach?
Following a mandatory Safety Brief, the following
activities are on offer:
• Swimming
• Surf kayaks
• Sailing dinghies
• Banana rides
• Water skiing
• Volleyball
A Swimming test must be undertaken if you want to
participate in the water sports.
A packed meal will be supplied; however there is
opportunity to purchase burgers and ice creams from
the vendors on the beach. Mobile telephones are also
available (Service ID Cards are used as a deposit).
What happens when I go to BHC?
You will probably be transported to BHC around
1500hrs onwards (depending on the weather
conditions). On arrival, a number of welfare facilities
are available to you.
• Up-to-date magazines and newspapers
• A full cinema facility with up-to-date films
• Connection to the internet via a number of
computer terminals
• A wide number of computer games.
• A CSE Show (commences in the early evening).