- Camp Bastion Attack -

I hope my report will go some way towards exonerating the two Marine officers forced to retire early because of the success of the raid. One civilian security contractor who was present at the weekly British security meeting told me this:

"It occurred once a week on a Friday morning and it was chaired by the GSM. Consisted of Senior WOs (including the RMP CSM) and me (to take any contractor flak). It was usually a discussion of such weighty matters as sleeves up or down, shirts tucked in or out and a weekly bun fight of the '10 best reasons why my men can't do sangar duty'. Sleeping on sentry was topic raised by the RMP CSM almost weekly, him being of the opinion that offenders should be subject to CM, the GSM however thought a 'stern talking to' would sort the problem."

GSM = Garrison Sergeant Major
WO = Warrant Officer
RMP CSM = Royal Military Police Colour/Company Sergeant Major
CM = Court Marshall

He also describe camp security as a "@@@@ing disgrace". I am ashamed to have been part of a guard that let our allies down so catastrophically - i am seeking some redemption by speaking out, but more importantly i'm trying desperately to ensure such diabolical failings aren't repeated. I apologise sincerely to you and all who served in Camp Leatherneck.

Thank-you very much for taking the time to look - i have followed the chain of command for 4 years trying to get these points acknowledged but to no avail, hence why i am now speaking publicly.