MILITARY OBSERVER WESTERN SAHARA: The way to Papa Lima with the Desert Hawks

Carsten Dombrowski - here is the homepage of his CAPSARIUS ACADEMY, which delivers the excellent "Callsign Doc" newsletter - served as a military observer of the German Bundeswehr in Western Sahara. In operation, everything needs to be learned in order to become a Patrol Leader:

The first four weeks in the team side are for acclimatization and getting to know the individual roles within a patrol. That's how I began my time as a patrol driver on the second day after arriving in SMARA, the home of the "Desert Hawks". Each of the 9 team sides had its own name.

From Newcomer to Patrol Leader

Every newcomer starts off as the driver of the second vehicle, then moves to the position of the driver of the first vehicle, and then as an intermediate step becomes the vehicle commander of the second vehicle. In this final role, they are the deputy of the patrol leader, the Patrol Leader, or PAPA LIMA (PL) for short. This sequence makes perfect sense. This way, one experiences each role, each with different tasks and areas of responsibility. Driving a vehicle in the desert is one thing, but cooperation and the associated division of responsibilities are distributed across the entire team. Water and emergency rations, additional equipment for vehicle recovery, radio and navigation systems, and much more must be organized and prepared before starting the tour.

During the operation, the deputy is an advisor to the PL, at the same time monitoring the correct route selection using a navigation device. Furthermore, they communicate with the team side, or in case of emergency, with the headquarters. All these functions are sometimes very complex, and it takes time to become familiar with them. Thus, the four weeks are truly filled with purpose. Many thousands of kilometers are covered during this time, many hours and days spent in the desert.

At the same time, the aspiring PL learns all about the MINURSO mission. They receive a manual and almost memorize it. At least the fundamental points, such as the legal foundations. During the verification trips at one of the conflict parties, there is often a cat-and-mouse game. This means that UN observers are denied access to military properties or inaccurate information about armaments is provided. It is effective to be knowledgeable about the contractually negotiated agreements to act confidently.

Becoming PAPA LIMA

After about four weeks, the time has come for the PAPA LIMA test.

The day starts with a patrol of about 10 to 12 hours. Preparation, issuing of commands or briefing of the team, and various tests during the ride itself. The Team Side Commander, a Lieutenant Colonel, participates in this patrol. In addition to standard procedures, classic emergency situations are simulated, and the resulting procedures are practically tested.

• Behavior in case of a vehicle accident
• Behavior in the event of mine/UXO discovery
• Scouting/Determining a helicopter landing zone
• Orientation in the field
• Radio procedures
• Dealing with conflict parties
• Leadership qualities as a PL

After the verification patrol ends, a presentation on the mandate is given to the entire Team Side. That means all MEOMs listen to the presentation and can ask questions about the work as a PL afterwards. The whole thing is somewhat like a cross-examination, and you are indeed thoroughly tested.

But eventually, this evening scenario passes, and at the end, the official certificate as a Patrol Leader is dignifiedly awarded. An honorable and moving moment. The intercultural way of dealing with the fresh graduate is at times touching. It was an instructive but also tough four weeks of training and an extremely exhausting day of testing.

Military Observer in Western Sahara - for further reading:

Part 1: The Selection

Part 2: The Training

Part 3: Helipatrol and False Tanks

Part 4: In the Land of the Puszta and Magyars

Part 5: When German soldiers go traveling

Part 6: Following the dust

Questions? Contact the CAPSARIUS ACADEMY via our [email protected] with the subject "Morocco".

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