2010 Paulatim Magazine - RAAMC Association

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team
(OMLT) – D Medics in Afghanistan
In May 2009, the men of MRTF 2 had been training together for some
time, and were in some cases already deploying to Afghanistan.
We medics left in Townsville watched enviously as they conducted
training around barracks in their DPDU’s. So, it was with great surprise
when noms were called for 4 medics to become part of a new group of
soldiers, who would deploy in support of MRTF 2, to be called OMLT-D.
A serious case of being in the right place at the right time meant that
WO2 Pete Vigar, WO2 Glenn Jackson, CPL Mitch Conway and PTE Matt
Friswell were soon training with a highly motivated group of Infanteers,
Artillerymen and Engineers. Fris was replaced during pre-deployment by
CPL Evan Brook, who had been loitering with intent at the 1 RAR RAP.
Our role upon arrival at Tarin Kowt was to primarily mentor the medics
of the 4th Kandak, as well as assist with the corps specific training of
the Infantry, Artillery and Recon soldiers of 4th Kandak.
What follows is a snapshot of the role of each of the medics of OMLT-D.
WO2 Pete Vigar – Pete was the senior medic and began the tour as the
HQ medic, responsible for the training of our Afghan National Army
(ANA) medics of the 4th Kandak. He was re-deployed to a Patrol Base
where he would spend the next couple of months. Pete’s fitness regime,
which he commenced at TK continued, and some say that it was due to
his new slim silhouette that saved him when he was ‘fragged’ in an IED
incident. Upon his return to TK just prior to RTA, Pete had the body and
endurance of a Kenyan long distance runner, but not the tan.
CPL Evan Brook – Brooksy started off as the Engineer team however he
spent his days at the Australian RAP, occasionally seeing patients and
obtaining life membership of the US DEFAC (Dining Hall) where the
primary ingredients were fat, sugar and salt. He completed some time
with a Patrol Base for a period.
CPL Mitch Conway – the ‘Ranga’ of our group. Mitch worked in a
couple of Patrol Bases where he gained invaluable experience plying
his trade, on occasion under fire. Mitch also got to travel to Kandahar
as part of the infamous Kandahar Convoy, a mind sapping 18 hour
journey in an ASLAV ambo variant averaging less than 10km/h.
CPL Adrian Bell – Belly arrived mid tour and took over as the Engineer
Team medic after Brooksy discovered the DFAC. Belly initially conducted
a mini CFA course within 4th Kandak however soon took off to a Patrol
base with the Recon Team. Mentoring would often prove difficult but
Belly kept at it and is now responsible for the likely ‘future RSM of the
ANA Medical Corps’, Naqibullah. Belly also experienced participated in
Contiki Kandahar.
CPL Rick Dowling – Rick arrived mid tour to replace WO2 Vigar.
His patience and instructional skill ensured that the students that
‘graduated’ from our little course had real skills. Rick also travelled to
Kandahar on the 2nd convoy, and some time OTW where he
experienced the coldest conditions of the tour, snow and chilling wind.
Rick was able to “acquire” a RAP facility for 4th Kandak. Luckily the
Dutch were so generous.
WO2 Glenn Jackson – Spent the vast majority of the tour inside the
walls of TK, looking out and watching the other medics of OMLT-D go off
on exciting adventures at far off patrol bases.
In our experience, the medics of the 4th Kandak (and indeed the 4th
Bde) were generally the brightest and most literate of the ORs. We
found them doing every other job except their own, due to their higher
than normal literacy rates. All three of the medics of 4th Kandak were
studying English each evening in the hope of discharging late in 2010
and plan to attempt to find employment as translators for coalition
forces. This is due to the greater pay rate and better conditions. But the
increased capability of the medics of 4th Kandak is something that the
medics of OMLT-D can be incredibly proud of. The hospitality shown to
us and the acceptance we encountered was unimaginable. Having said
that, there is still much to do but it is an incredibly rewarding job.
For the medics the skills and experiences obtained at the various patrol
bases must be passed on to those not fortunate enough to deploy yet.
The experiences with the taking part in the Kandahar convoys and with
our ANA brethren was amazing. Some stunning scenery, the worlds
biggest map model and a convoy that stretched further than the eye
can see. A logistical feat almost equal to the construction of the Great
Wall of China. And then there was the Boardwalk….
In conclusion, deploying to the MEAO as part of OMLT-D was an
excellent opportunity for the medics chosen. The experiences and
memories gained from both a clinical and soldiering viewpoint will no
doubt last a lifetime for each of us and we thoroughly recommend it
should the opportunity arise.
By: WO2 Glenn Jackson
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