Mallinson, Allan On Afghanistan's Plains

The Light Dragoons in Helmand 2006–2012

On Afghanistans Plains tells the story of four gruelling missions during Operation Herrick, the code name for British operations in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2014, when the mission shifted from direct combat against the Taliban to supporting the Afghan armed forces. Allan Mallinson, military historian and former officer of the Light Dragoons, explains the complex historical and strategic background of Operation Herrick and describes the evolving tactical thinking in this multinational NATO-led campaign. Almost from the outset, the Light Dragoons, a small, close-knit family regiment recruited from Yorkshire and the north-east of England, were deployed in Helmand province, the main British area of operations. As an armoured reconnaissance regiment, they played a leading role in Operation Panther's Claw, the month-long battle in the scorching summer heat of 2012, which was marked by fierce fighting and heavy casualties and proved to be a turning point in the campaign. On Afghanistan's Plains describes what it was like to travel on foot in Helmand or to fight the Taliban crammed into an armoured vehicle. The later NATO commander in Afghanistan, US General Stanley McChrystal, paid the Light Dragoons the greatest compliment: As I looked into their bloodshot eyes, I was reminded of the extraordinary professionalism, competence and sheer courage of these young men.