Description
Object description
RAF Regiment activities in Basra one year after the invasion of Iraq.
Full description
I. Fragments of interview with RAF Regiment Flight Lieutenant (?) discussing the learning of Arabic by his men for use during patrols and at vehicle checkpoints.
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II. Fragments of interview with woman soldier at vehicle checkpoint.
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III. Soldiers in the back of a Chinook helicopter. View over gunner's shoulder at desert below. Soldiers disembark and move along road. Vehicle checkpoint with low flying Chinook. Further General views on board Chinook in flight, intercut with checkpoint scenes on the ground (woman soldier searches women and children, male soldier searches men). Soldiers patrol roadside, looking through the SUSAT sights on their SA80s. Pick-up truck is searched. Chinook flies in to land: soldiers get on board.
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IV. Fragments interview with Corporal Liz Taylor of the RAF Police, responsible for a shift of ten people at permanent checkpoint, about the perils and procedures of vehicle searches and the usefulness of knowing Arabic. Local man (in Newcastle United shirt) is interviewed at checkpoint, next to baggage check machine. Military police and search dogs check lorries as they enter the Basra APOD. Lorries pass through (slight freeze in image for a few seconds.
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V. Fragments of interview with Iraqi employed as a teacher of Arabic to British personnel; views of lesson in progress.
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VI. Interview with RAF Regiment Group Captain.
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VII. Fragment of interview with Warrant Officer Chris Blackman (2 Squadron, RAF Regiment) about a project underway to raising the homes in the village to a level above the floodline. Difficulties of dealing with various tribes (some of whom are feuding) is noted.
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VIII. Further fragments of interview with RAF Regiment Flight Lieutenant (?), this time discussing the current projects.
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IX. Warrant Officer Blackman discusses the project with a tribal elder (through interpreter). (Abrupt end.)
Physical description
DVCPRO