3 Para - Sangin Patrol IV - Long War

Best Played As: British vs. AI or PBEM Conditions: Day

Helmand Province - August 17, 2006

1 Platoon began a patrol at dawn in an area regarded as 'Taliban Central'. With Scimitar light tanks available to provide covering fire, they moved through the area. After arresting two young men who appeared to be 'dicking' them, (providing information to insurgents over the phone or by hand signals), they were ambushed, and forced into a running firefight back to the compound.

Historical Background:

When the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment entered Afhganistan, their primary objective was to create stability, and an atmosphere where the local population viewed the Coalition forces and Afhgan government as a desirable and realistic alternative to Taliban rule. To achieve this objective, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal, 3 Para's CO, planned to use Afghan army and police forces in a stationary defensive role, which would legitimize them with the local population and free up his British forces to respond quickly and decisively to any Taliban threat.

However, political considerations forced Tootal to establish a 'platoon house' in Sangin for the majority of 3 Para's tour. The Para's patrolled constantly by day, and fought off furious Taliban attacks at night, exhausting the soldiers, and making it impossible for them to stabilize and improve the situation.

These scenarios are attempts to represent the fierce, small unit battles that took place in Sangin, and the courage of the soldiers who fought them.