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Headquarters Squadron Update (Through the eyes of the Squadron Leader)
5th May 2009
Salaamu alaikum (Hello), And so it was the majority of those deploying from the squadron departed Swanton Morley on 7 Apr. An emotional time for all and one I personally struggle with, it is never nice to say farewell to loved ones.
Our final arrival in Afghanistan happened in the early hours of the morning after a very long flight. The Quartermaster met us all and looked after us in true Light Dragoon style and corralled us to our accommodation for some well earned sleep. The next 5 days saw us all having to go through mandatory training and lectures to ensure we were all prepared to deploy out on the ground and face all the potential threats. The Theatre Training Package was well worth while and focussed the mind to the challenges that face us all over the coming months.
Eventually, we were all split to our various locations fully prepared to support the Battle Group. Camp Bastion is the location of the Quartermaster Department and is the hub for all re-supply. Headed by the Quartermaster and his team; a very important role. Further south is one of the Forward Operating Base's (FOB); I live here along with a small team headed by the Squadron Sergeant Major. Out in the desert to our west lies another large FOB, the location of more of my re-supply team, headed up by another Sergeant Major and his small team. Living conditions in the FOB’s are basic but comfortable and you want for nothing. That said you can never get enough letters and parcels; the dialogue from our loved ones is extremely important over here, you would be amazed how important the helicopters are here, they deliver mail every time they come!!!! There is never a shortage of volunteers to unload them as they all hope for reward at the end – a letter!
I will end there and up-date you all again in a months time.
De khuday pa amaan (Goodbye)