LRS Guy
18 June 2011, 08:12
I found this on another forum. Its an interesting article. I say a BIG "AIRBORNE!" to our Dutch comrades.
Secret para deployment of commandos in Afghanistan25 August 2010, 9.47
The 9 members of the Commando Corps who carried out the operation in 2009 during the presentation of the operational wingsIn July 2009, a Task Force 55 special forces team of 9 personnel from the Commando Corps and an Afghan coalition partner carried out a very unusual parachute deployment in Afghanistan. An operational parachute jump by Dutch personnel was carried out for the first time since 1949. As a result of the operation, the commandos who took part in the jump were awarded with the ‘operational free-fall wings’ last year.To maintain the secrecy of this unusual means of deployment of the Dutch special forces, the operation and the award of the wings was kept secret until the end of the deployment of Task Force 55 in Afghanistan. The group’s mission was to determine, unseen, the movements, intentions and strength of opposing units in the region. Because it was not possible to enter the area unseen by vehicle or on foot, it was decided to use paratroops.The team was dropped over the opponents’ area of operations at night by an aircraft of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). “Everyone thought that it would never happen,” one of the commandos said, “but in Afghanistan, the parachute proved to be the best way of moving people at a particular point in time. Back in Roosendaal, it hits you that, yeah, it was actually quite special." The mission was carried out successfully and made an essential contribution to the security of the ground units.60 years previouslyA commando shows the emblem of the operational wingsThe last time that Dutch military personnel made an operational jump was 10 March 1949 during the Dutch operations in Indonesia. Dutch military personnel who make an operational jump in enemy territory are entitled thereafter to wear the operational wings. The commandos were awarded the wings in a ceremony on 15 December 2009. They were presented by Captain (retired) Siem Boons, who, himself, is entitled to wear this special decoration.Special capabilitiesA commando during the para training in France. Photo: Netherlands Ministry of DefenceAll Dutch special forces are trained for parachute deployment at the Defence Paratroop School. Within the Commando Corps, special teams specialise further in parachute jumps. In addition to parachuting with packs, they are also able to take ‘passengers’ when they jump in a two-person tandem jump. That is how the Afghan interpreter was brought to the ground during the operation in 2009.RecognitionThe deployment of the Dutch special forces in Afghanistan was essential for ISAF and the Dutch units. The fact that the units often operated under extreme conditions is shown, in addition to the operational wings now worn proudly by the special forces, by the Military Order of William awarded to Captain Kroon, 12 decorations for valour, 2 Medals of Merit and the Bronze Shield.
Secret para deployment of commandos in Afghanistan25 August 2010, 9.47
The 9 members of the Commando Corps who carried out the operation in 2009 during the presentation of the operational wingsIn July 2009, a Task Force 55 special forces team of 9 personnel from the Commando Corps and an Afghan coalition partner carried out a very unusual parachute deployment in Afghanistan. An operational parachute jump by Dutch personnel was carried out for the first time since 1949. As a result of the operation, the commandos who took part in the jump were awarded with the ‘operational free-fall wings’ last year.To maintain the secrecy of this unusual means of deployment of the Dutch special forces, the operation and the award of the wings was kept secret until the end of the deployment of Task Force 55 in Afghanistan. The group’s mission was to determine, unseen, the movements, intentions and strength of opposing units in the region. Because it was not possible to enter the area unseen by vehicle or on foot, it was decided to use paratroops.The team was dropped over the opponents’ area of operations at night by an aircraft of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). “Everyone thought that it would never happen,” one of the commandos said, “but in Afghanistan, the parachute proved to be the best way of moving people at a particular point in time. Back in Roosendaal, it hits you that, yeah, it was actually quite special." The mission was carried out successfully and made an essential contribution to the security of the ground units.60 years previouslyA commando shows the emblem of the operational wingsThe last time that Dutch military personnel made an operational jump was 10 March 1949 during the Dutch operations in Indonesia. Dutch military personnel who make an operational jump in enemy territory are entitled thereafter to wear the operational wings. The commandos were awarded the wings in a ceremony on 15 December 2009. They were presented by Captain (retired) Siem Boons, who, himself, is entitled to wear this special decoration.Special capabilitiesA commando during the para training in France. Photo: Netherlands Ministry of DefenceAll Dutch special forces are trained for parachute deployment at the Defence Paratroop School. Within the Commando Corps, special teams specialise further in parachute jumps. In addition to parachuting with packs, they are also able to take ‘passengers’ when they jump in a two-person tandem jump. That is how the Afghan interpreter was brought to the ground during the operation in 2009.RecognitionThe deployment of the Dutch special forces in Afghanistan was essential for ISAF and the Dutch units. The fact that the units often operated under extreme conditions is shown, in addition to the operational wings now worn proudly by the special forces, by the Military Order of William awarded to Captain Kroon, 12 decorations for valour, 2 Medals of Merit and the Bronze Shield.