Operation Constitution

[Drivindeath]

Classified Information

Task Organization: Irish Air Corps will provide five CASA/IPTN CN-235, with 10 Pilots (2 per aircraft) and 15 Crew (3 per aircraft (1 air medic and 2 crew chiefs)). The 5th Support Wing will be the primary use, Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Brett Stevens. This Operation is a three part Mission: 1)Send supplies to Zaire. 2) Send the 1st Brigade Peacekeeping force of 500 fully armed Soldiers, Commanded by Colonel Ryan Patrick. 3) Set up a Forward Operating Base at Mugabe Airport.

I. Situation: The people of Zimbabwe are in a state of crisis and require humanitarian aid
1. Weather and light data general forecast for the length of the operation: temperature (high of 35°C & low of 10°C), expect little to no illumination at night, wind speeds can vary but are mostly calm.
2. Terrain: Many hills and mountains. We will be mostly in a city environment. Varies plains and jungles along routes to other towns and cities. Currently NO GREEN ZONE exist. The main route to the location of the FOB will be A12-A11-A4, alternate route will be A1-A4.
3. Unknown enemy.
4. Location(s): Unknown
5. Activity: Unknown
6. Strength: Unknown
7. Probable course(s) of action when contacted (ROE): Fire if fired upon.
B. Friendly Forces
1. Friendly Nations: Argentina, Canada, France, Portugal, Spain and Zimbabwe (coalition forces)
2. Location and planned actions of units:

3. Units providing fire support: Unknown.
C. Attachments/Detachments
Attachment: 1st BDE Peacekeeping and Expeditionary Force.
Detachment: None.
II. Mission
Provide Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Water to the people of Zimbabwe as well as setting up and maintaining a Peacekeeping Forward Operating Base.
Intent
To build a working relationship with the coalition forces and maintain law and order of the Forward Operating Base while simultaneously providing humanitarian aid to the people of Zimbabwe.
A. Concept of the Operation: We will send five CASA/IPTN CN-235 Loaded with Pharmaceuticals, Food, Water, and materials to build a Forward Operating Base until all necessary equipment is on ground in Zaire. From there the Irish Army's 1st Brigade Peacekeeping and Expeditionary Force will land on ground in Zaire. They will load all equipment and do armed supply convoys to Zimbabwe until all material mentioned earlier is out of Zaire. From there a Forward Operating Base will be established and we will work with coalition partners to establish law and order as well as provide humanitarian aid to the people of Zimbabwe.
B. Tasks to Maneuver Units
500 Peacekeeping and Expeditionary Forces to maintain law and order as well as provide humanitarian aid to the people of Zimbabwe, leaded by Lieutenant Colonel Brett Stevens.
C. Tasks to Combat Support Units
Air Corps will fly CASA/IPTN CN-235. Army will have Tarpan Honkers.
D. Coordinating Instructions This paragraph lists the details of coordination and control applicable to two or more units/sub-units. Items that might be addressed include:
1. Order of march is as followed: 1st platoon, HHC, 2nd Platoon.
2. Actions at halts (short/long). – refer to unit SOP
3. Routes (primary/alternate). – Routes as seen above
4. Departure and reentry of friendly lines: Primary: Radio ahead, Alternate: Challenge/Passcode, Contingency: Flashing lights, Emergency: Runner
5. Actions at danger areas - refer to unit SOP
6. Actions on enemy contact - Fire if fired upon
7. Reorganization and consolidation instructions - refer to unit SOP
8. Fire distribution measures: point fires vs. area fires for all weapons systems: Point: AUG A3. Area: FN FNG, M2 .50 cal
9. Fire control measures: crew served weapons then radio operators, then leaders, sectors of fire to include TRPs (target reference points), visual/sound signals.
10. MOPP levels: Unknown
11. Troop safety and operational exposure guidance: Unknown
12. Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR): Unknown
13. Debriefing requirements: AAR
14. Reports: after all contact with the enemy, TIC, completing mission.
15. Rules of Engagement (ROE): Fire if fired upon.
IV. Service Support
This paragraph supplies the critical logistical information required to sustain the unit during the operation.
A. General

1. SOPs in effect for sustainment operations.
2. Current and proposed trains/resupply/cache points.
3. Casualty and damaged equipment. CCPs (casualty collection points), location of the medevac PZ (Pickup Zone)
4. Special instructions for medical personnel. (triage requirements, 9-line medevac procedures)

B. Material and Services
1. Supply:
a. Class I: Subsistence. (Pharmaceuticals, Food and water)
b. Class II: Clothing and individual equipment.
c. Class III: POL.
d. Class IV: Construction.
e. Class V: Ammunition.
f. Class VI: Personal Demand Items.
g. Class VII: Major End Items. (special items – which go with what team – i.e. claymores go with the assault team)
h. Class VIII: Medical.
i. Class IX: Repair parts.
j. Class X: Agriculture/Economic Development.
k. Distribution Methods: platoon sergeant, squad leaders, team leaders.
2. Transportation: Tarpan Honker
3. Services: None
4. Maintenance: Priority of work and the plan to maintain equipment.
C. Medical Evacuation:
Method of evacuating dead and wounded personnel, friendly and enemy (to include priorities). Treat all wounded. CASEVAC all.
D. Personnel:
Method of handling EPW: Bring back to FOB
E. Miscellaneous:
Special equipment: None
V. Command & Signal
Command & Signal are located in the map above.
A. Command

1. Location of the higher unit commander and CP: -17.921777, 31.095942
2. Location of key personnel and type CP during all phases of the operation: -17.925289, 31.094891
3. Adjustments to the unit SOP: None

B. Signal

1. SOI index in effect: Frequency: FH/CT 603, Bunny Main).
2. Method of communication by priority: FM and then runner
3. Codewords (Green, Bounce, Paddy, Dove)
4. Challenge and password: C:Nap P:Wiskey
5. Number combination: 5
6. Running password: Defiant
7. Special instructions for RTOs: If you are in charge of all commo, monitor the radio continuously, remind me about reports that are due to higher, if you are the enroute recorder and the recorder / timekeeper on the objective.

 

[Drivindeath]

Naio90 Alex Logan Strix Bruno J.Hyde JJSmithJr

 

[Drivindeath]

5 CASA/IPTN CN-235, will be traveling at 450km/h at 4,575m for flights to and from.

They will load up on goods mentioned above. They will travel from squares IO>IN>IM (Cork Airport-Lisbon Portela Airport). They will refuel there, then travel from squares IM>JL>JK>JJ (Lisbon Portela Airport-Libenge Airport). They will refuel there, then travel from squares JJ>KI (Libenge Airport-Lubumbashi Air Force Base). They will refuel there, then travel from squares KI>KH (Lubumbashi Air Force Base-Mugabe Airport). They will refuel, and unload cargo there.

The return is as followed: After refueling at Mugabe Airport they will travel from squares KH>KI (Mugabe Airport-Lubumbashi Air Force Base). They will refuel there, then travel from squares KI>JJ (Lubumbashi Air Force Base- Libenge Airport). They will refuel there, then travel from squares JJ>JK>JL>IM (Libenge Air Port-Lisbon Portela Airport). They will refuel there, then travel from squares IM>IN>IO (Lisbon Portela Airport-Cork Airport).

They will repeat this process 5 times, changing pilots each rotation. The first 4 flights will be carrying goods mentioned above. The 5th flight will be carrying 500 Personnel from the 1st Infantry Battalion along with the weapons mentioned above.

Strix JJSmithJr J.Hyde

 

[Drivindeath]

The 5 CN-235 would take off after all preparations were made, i.e. fueled, loaded with equipment. They would be flying for approx. 3 hours.

A radio transmission is broadcast on an encrypted line.

"Lisbon tower this is 303 M&D Squadron. BREAK. We are a party of 5 CN-235, coming from Cork, Ireland. BREAK. Requesting clearance to land. OVER."


Strix

 

[Drivindeath]

If the Air Traffic Control showed no objections they would land in Lisbon Portela Airport. They would go to their assigned gate to go refuel. If the officials from Portugal wished to inspect the cargo they would be given full access.

Once refueled they would contact for departure and proceed to take off toward Libenge Airport. They would be in the air for roughly 4 hours and 30 min. They would contact the tower air Libenge Airport in Zaire.

"Libenge tower this is 303 M&D Squadron. BREAK. We are a party of 5 CN-235s, coming from Cork, Ireland. BREAK. Requesting clearance to land. OVER."

If there are no objections from Air Traffic Control they would land. Refuel and prep for take off to Lubumbashi Air Force Base.

Strix JJSmithJr J.Hyde

 

[Drivindeath]

After refueling they would take off heading for Lubumbashi Air Force Base.

The flight would last about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

As they approach Lubumbashi Air Force Base, they would contact Air Traffic Control.

"Lubumbashi Tower this is 303 M&D Squadron. BREAK. We are a party of 5 CN-235s, coming from Cork, Ireland. BREAK. Requesting clearance to land. OVER."

If there are no objections from Air Traffic Control they would land. Once on ground they would refuel and allow any inspections of the cargo.

JJSmithJr J.Hyde

 

[Drivindeath]

After refueling they would take off from Lubumbashi Air Force Base, heading for Mugabe Airport.

The Flight would take about 2 hours.

As the approach Mugabe Airport they would contact Air Traffic Control.

"Mugabe Tower this is 303 M&D Squadron. BREAK. We are a party of 5 CN-235s, coming from Cork, Ireland. BREAK. Requesting clearance to land. OVER."

A separate transmission would be made to coalition forces on ground.

"UZACOM staff on ground this is Outlaw Actual, I'm currently arriving with the 303 M&D Squadron. BREAK. We will be landing momentarily, I would like to speak with whoever is in charge on ground and establish a staging area for the Irish Expeditionary Forces. OVER OUT."

If there are no objections from Air Traffic Control or coalition forces they would land. Once on ground they would refuel and unload all cargo. Col Patrick would make his way to whoever is in charge on ground.

Alex Naio90 Logan Strix Bruno JJSmithJr J.Hyde

 

[Drivindeath]

The planes would be guided safely to the ground by the Argentinian Forces at the Airport.

The planes would go refuel and unload all Equipment and Supplies on board. Col Patrick would disembark the aircraft and start making his way towards the Argentinian Command Section on the airport grounds.

Once refueled the planes would take off using the same route in reverse. They would do this route 4 more times brining the same supplies. On the 5th and final trip they would bring the 500 soldiers of the 1st Infantry Battalion along with all their weapons. 3 of the 5 planes will fly back to Ireland after the 5th trip to Zimbabwe. 2 planes with crew, will remain in Zimbabwe to be utilized for recon operations and for evacuation.

J.Hyde JJSmithJr Naio90 Strix Bruno Alex

 

[Drivindeath]

The second shipment will arrive in Zimbabwe at 2100 local time tonight using the same planes and route as before.

 

[Drivindeath]

The third shipment will arrive in Zimbabwe at 2100 local time tonight using the same planes and route as before.

 

[Drivindeath]

The fourth shipment arrived at 2100 last night and the fifth shipment will arrive at 2100 local time tonight.

 

[Drivindeath]

Top Secret and Encrypted

500 Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade have arrived in Zimbabwe and have begun setting up a base of operations at Mugabe Airport.

They have set up a section of the airport as seen here on the map:

They have yet to enter the Capital of Harare but have plans to do so once the base has been established. They also have two CN-235 at the Airport, the other three Aircraft have returned home.
The 1st Brigade of the Irish Defence Force is on standby pending further deployment of troops.

DEPLOYED
500/30,280 Permanent Personnel
0/3,075 Active Reservist​

Alex J.Hyde JJSmithJr Strix Bruno Naio90

 

[Drivindeath]

The Irish forces on Forward Operation Base, now code named, Shamrock, would have completed in their set up of a base. All 500 soldiers would still remain on the base and have rotational guard shifts of their occupied section of the Airport.

 

[Drivindeath]

Secret and Encrypted​

2 C-5As would be by the hanger by Casement Aerodrome being loaded with 8 Tarpan Honkers on each plane. It was a tight fit but nothing that these giant Aircraft can't manage. Once loaded and fully refueled they would approach the runway and be given clearance for take off.

"Tower this is 503-C requesting take off, BREAK, Party of 2 aircraft to Mugabe Airport. OVER" one of the pilots would say.

"503-C, Party of 2 C-5A, you are clear for take off, climb and maintain 1,000ft 0-5 minutes after departure, BREAK, then climb and maintain 10,000ft 1-0 minutes after departure, BREAK, climb and maintain 30,000ft 2-0 minutes after departure, Contact Mugabe Tower when over Zimbabwe Airspace. OVER" the tower would say.

503-C would give a full read back and then take off with engines at full power for take off. The current flight path is as followed: IO>IN>IM>IL>IK>IJ >JI>KH. They would keep to the coast until reaching Angola and flying over Zambia until finally reaching Zimbabwe Airspace, at which point they would begin their decent and contact Mugabe Tower. Once approved to land they would do so and unload the vehicles that the members of the 1st Infantry Battalion would collect.

​

The planes would then refuel and head back with the heading of: KH>JI>IJ>IK>IL>IM>IN>IO.

They would repeat this trip 8 more times loaded with Tarpan Honkers. 5 KC-130Ts from the 303rd Squadron, would then be fueled up and loaded with fuel, and 10 C-130J from the 104th Squadron and 503rd Squadron, would be fueled. The C-5A would also be fueled up. The C-130J would have 92 Fully equipped troops and the C-5As would have 73. They would take 7 trips in total and refuel as necessary following the same flight path. The KC-130Ts would follow them half way between grids IL and IK before turning around back to refuel in Ireland. When they planes would be traveling home, they would fly out to those grids and refuel the C-130J before falling in formation back to Ireland. They would also request clearance for take off and landing each time. On the last flight of delivering troops the 6 members of the Air Corps still in Zimbabwe would take a flight back to Ireland on one of the C-5A.

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Breakdown of Troops and Equipment

144/1,000 Tarpan Honkers
2/2 CASA/IPTN CN-235
2,000/2,400 1st Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade
2,000/2,350 3rd Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade
2,000/2,350 12th Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade
200/400 1st Communication and Information Service Company, 1st Brigade
100/300 1st Engineer Group, 1st Brigade
250/1,250 1st Supply and Transport Group, 1st Brigade
50/200 1st Ordnance Group, 1st Brigade
500/750 1st Military Police Company, 1st Brigade
400/750 1st Medical Support Group, 1st Brigade
All together there would be 7,500/31,297 troops deployed to Zimbabwe.
All troops would be equipped with Steyr AUG A3 or FN MAG, Heckler & Koch USP and x2 Mecar M72 HE Grenade. They would also have x100 M2 .50 Cal Machine Guns and x44 Heckler & Koch GMG Grenade Launchers to be mounted on the Tarpan Honkers. They would bring all necessary ammunition. ​

---

After which the C-5As and the crews would get a week off to rest. The planes would be getting further prepped by the ground crews of the Air Corps to deliver 2 Flights loaded with Pharmaceuticals, 5 Flights of Food, and 5 Flights of Water. They would be following the same flight pattern as before, requesting take off and landing each time, and would refuel as needed when on ground. Their final stop would be at Casement Aerodrome, Ireland.

 

[Drivindeath]

Secret & Encrypted

UNIT BREAKDOWN

Col Patrick would gather all the Irish Soldiers deployed in Zimbabwe and brief them of the Unit Break Down (UBD).
"Get some rest tonight troops. Tomorrow we liberate and provide humanitarian support to Zimbabwe!"
- Col Patrick, 1st Brigade​

1st Infantry Battalion

1st Infantry Battalion​

COMPANY	Alpha Company	Bravo Company	Charlie Company	Delta Company
PERSONNEL	500 INF 17 CIS 9 ENG 21 S&T 5 ORD 42 MP 34 MED	500 INF 17 CIS 9 ENG 21 S&T 5 ORD 42 MP 34 MED	500 INF 17 CIS 9 ENG 21 S&T 4 ORD 42 MP 34 MED	500 INF 17 CIS 9 ENG 21 S&T 4 ORD 42 MP 34 MED
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL	628​	628​	627​	627​
EQUIPMENT	x1,256 Jungle Uniforms x469 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x628 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch GMG 40mm Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,256 Jungle Uniforms x469 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x628 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch GMG 40mm Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,254 Jungle Uniforms x468 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x627 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch GMG 40mm Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,254 Jungle Uniforms x468 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x627 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch GMG 40mm Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers

3rd Infantry Battalion

3rd Infantry Battalion​

COMPANY	Able Company	Boxer Company	Cork Company	Dagger Company
PERSONNEL	500 INF 17 CIS 8 ENG 21 S&T 4 ORD 42 MP 33 MED	500 INF 17 CIS 8 ENG 21 S&T 4 ORD 42 MP 33 MED	500 INF 17 CIS 8 ENG 21 S&T 4 ORD 42 MP 33 MED	500 INF 17CIS 8 ENG 21 S&T 4 ORD 42 MP 33 MED
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL	625	625	625	625
EQUIPMENT	x1,250 Jungle Uniforms x467 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x625 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch MGM Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,250 Jungle Uniforms x467 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x625 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch MGM Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,250 Jungle Uniforms x467 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x625 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch MGM Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,250 Jungle Uniforms x467 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x625 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch MGM Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers

12th Infantry Battalion

12th Infantry Battalion​

COMPANY	Armagh Company	Baker Company	Charles Company	David Company
PERSONNEL	500 INF 16 CIS 8 ENG 21 S&T 4 ORD 41 MP 33 MED	500 INF 16 CIS 8 ENG 21 S&T 4 ORD 41 MP 33 MED	500 INF 16 CIS 8 ENG 20 S&T 4 ORD 41 MP 33 MED	500 INF 16 CIS 8 ENG 20 S&T 4 ORD 41 MP 33 MED
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL	623	623	622	622
EQUIPMENT	x1,246 Jungle Uniforms x465 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x623 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch GMG Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,246 Jungle Uniforms x465 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x623 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch GMG Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,244 Jungle Uniforms x464 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x622 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch GMG Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers	x1,244 Jungle Uniforms x464 AUG A3s x125 FN MAGs x622 Heckler & Koch USPs x1,000 Mecar M72 HE Grenades x8 M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Guns x4 Heckler & Koch GMG Full Auto Grenade Launchers x12 Tarpan Honkers

Support Units

UNIT	1st CIS Company​	1st Engineer Group​	1st Supply & Transport Group​	1st Ordnance Group​	1st Military Police Company​	1st Medical Support Group​
NUMBER OF PERSONNEL	200​	100​	250​	50​	500​	400​

(Support Units can work independently in their normal job field, however numbers shown in the Unit Breakdown are also represented here, these are not duplicate numbers.)

Total Equipment

EQUIPMENT	Jungle Uniforms​	AUG A3​	FN MAG​	Heckler & Koch USP​	Mecar M72 HE Grenade​	M2 Browning .50 Cal Machine Gun​	Heckler & Koch GMG Full Auto Grenade Launcher​	Tarpan Honkers​	CASA/IPTN CN-235​
TOTAL NUMBER​	15,000​	5,600​	1,500​	7,500​	12,000​	96​	48​	144​	2​

 

[Drivindeath]

J.Hyde

 

[Drivindeath]

Secret & Encrypted

Operation Constitution: Mission Harare Security

​

1930hrs: Col Patrick briefs his men on the operation with the map that the Zimbabwe Government provided him:
Green= 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Infantry Battalion
Light Green= 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Infantry Battalion
Dark Green= 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Infantry Battalion
Blue= 1st Platoon, Able Company, 3rd Infantry Battalion
Light Blue= 1st Platoon, Boxer Company, 3rd Infantry Battalion
Dark Blue= 1st Platoon, Cork Company, 3rd Infantry Battalion
Red= 1st Platoon, Armagh Company, 12th Infantry Battalion
Light Red= 1st Platoon, Baker Company, 12th Infantry Battalion
Dark Red= 1st Platoon, Charles Company, 12th Infantry Battalion
Gold= 1st, 2nd and 3rd Platoons of 1st, 3rd, and 12th Infantry Battalions as well as D Company's.

Each Platoon will be at their respective zones for 3 days, they will be given a standard load out of ammunition, as well as enough food and water to sustain yourselves. Each Tarpan Honker will be loaded with 5 Personnel, Driver, TC, Gunner, and 2 extra packs. Each platoon will have 12 Tarpan Honkers for a total of 60 soldiers per platoon. Additionally each truck will carry 2 boxes of pharmaceuticals, 2 extra boxes of MREs, and 2 containers of water. These are to be distributed amongst the population as needed. Our primary mission is security however. Patrol the streets and build friendly relations with the locals. Do not fire unless fired upon.

2000hrs: Battalion Commanders form operation orders and instruct the company commanders of their intent.

2010hrs: Company Commanders inform their Platoon Leaders of the mission and informs each of their 1st Platoons of their area of operations and Rules of Engagement.

2030hrs: Platoon Leaders instruct their NCOs to begin prepping for their missions.

2045hrs: NCOs task soldiers to load up the trucks with all the supplies listed above.

2100hrs: NCOs conduct PCC and PCI on the soldiers.

2110hrs: All troops going on mission are given down time to rest a do any necessary preparations for the up coming mission.

2350hrs: All trucks are staged and ready for mission.

2355hrs: All trucks leave Mugabe Airport to their respective destinations and set up areas of security.

0025hrs: All areas of security are established and a work rest cycle has been established within each platoon. Squads of 15 from each platoon patrol the streets of Harare. 15 Solders from each platoon maintain security around each of their encampment sites. 15 Soldiers from each platoon are tasked with improving their encampment sites. 15 Soldiers from each platoon are resting. They would change tasks every 2 hours.

​

 

[Drivindeath]

J.Hyde

 

[J.Hyde]

Drivindeath

As the sun rose on a brand new day over Harare, most people remained in their homes. The lack of modern society meant most people didn't have a job to go to, so most of the adults stayed at home, while the children were allowed to play outside due to the schools shutting down. Admittedly, the streets of Harare were not a safe place for children to play in, refuse had begun to pile up due to the lack of garbage collection, which merged with the broken water and sewer system to create an ever more overpowering stench of baked human excrement and refuse that lingered in the air.

The kids who were fortunate enough to live near the sites chosen to be outposts for The Irish patrols began to bunch up as they watched the strange white men in army gear go about fortifying and improving their little safe havens in the city, or follow the soldiers that were out on foot patrol in the streets. Some kids were brave enough to approach the soldiers and speak to them. While the prevalent languages taught in rural Zimbabwean schools were regional tribal languages, such as Shona or Ndebele, followed by English once they reached the 3rd grade, urban schools taught English exclusively, so they were more than able to strike up a conversation with The Irish in their own de facto main language of English.

Adults that were keeping watch over their kids were much more wary, preferring to keep their distance and watch the foreigners like hawks, since past experience with the military and police in Zimbabwe had ended up acts of violence being perpetrated upon the innocent.

 

[Drivindeath]

The soldiers definitely noticed the smell in the city when they first arrived. Some acted as if they didn't even notice while others put their face masks on in an attempt to block out the smell.

The Irish soldiers where very friendly when greeted by these children. One of the patrols stopped to interact with the children, a soldier from 1st platoon, Cork Company, 3rd Infantry Battalion took a knee, opened his ruck and took out a Football (Soccer). He put it on the ground next to him and he continued to look around his ruck. He pulled out a box of MREs and opened it. He would pull out his knife and open the box. He pulled the bags out and cut them open before handing them out to the children. He would then kick the football towards the kids gently with a big smile on his face.

Moments like this would happen across Harare. The Irish soldiers wanted to make an impression of peace and public safety.

J.Hyde