Message from the Commanding Officer Lt Col Gus Fair DSO

29th June 2009

Armed Forces day is billed as an opportunity for the nation to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. My emphasis is on the whole community. It is not just those in uniform that need the nations support – it applies even more so to their families.

In some respects those of use that are deployed have it relatively easy, we know what we have been asked to achieve, we know the risks and have absolute confidence that those who stand either side of use will pull together and watch each other’s backs. We must detach ourselves from the worries of day-to-day life at home to concentrate on the risk and challenges we lead out here.

For the families however, life is not so simple. On top of the nagging worry of having loved ones away the daily life continues. The children still wake you up early, don’t tidy their rooms, get sick, have tantrums, school and work runs go on as does the house keeping, garden and car maintenance. We could not focus on our tasks out here without the confidence that you are managing to keep the domestic machine running. In the old days this was referred to as keeping the home fires burning. The prospect of coming home from our own peculiar challenges of warfare to the familiarity and security of the family home is a vital contribution to the morale we all require to maintain the professional motivation to stay focused and thus safe. This is therefore a long winded way of acknowledging the increased pressure and burden that the families bear while we are deployed and it is an attempt to thank you for your support. Without it your other halves, mom’s, dads, sons and daughters would not be able to concentrate only on their tasks out here. We all need this focus to avoid mistakes as mistakes can be particularly expensive here in Afghanistan. In return for your support I hope we are delivering a commitment and performance that will make you proud.

I would also like to mention those of you whose husbands and fathers remain within RBSM as part of the Rear Support Squadron. Never an easy task and often a thankless one at that. They are providing us with a terrific level of support and I am truly grateful to the way they are stepping up to the mark of such an unglamorous yet essential role. To me they are as much of the team as those deployed out here. I therefore thank you for the sacrifices you too are having to make in ensuring they are able to provide us with the support we require whatever the hour and whatever the need.

If I might offer you my view on how your loved ones are getting on out here. The physical conditions we exist in are truly extreme. Do not be fooled by the suntans and easy crack when they come home on R&R. Even if you are resting there is nothing comfortable about a dusty 40 degrees without shade. It is only just short of unbearable to work in these conditions. All this of course before the Taliban throw in their piece. They are dangerous, determined and demand great professional respect. In these environmental and threat conditions your loved ones are demonstrating incredible commitment and selfless teamwork to deliver truly great results.

Moffs death was a huge shock to all,,,,,,,,, I know it was at home too. Despite very deep grief felt by all, the blokes have been outstandingly professional and refocused on their tasks. I am incredibly proud of how every badged and attached Light Dragoon is performing out here. I would like to dwell a moment longer of Moff. He was truly unique and larger than life in every way. It is worth reflecting on all that has taken place since the news of his death. We have seen the greater Regimental family close tight as it has dealt with its own grief. But more importantly, this family has closed to support the Moffet family. The dignified send off we gave Moff in Afghanistan, to the flowers laid at the front gate of camp. And the representation from across the Regiment at Wooten Basset, and at his funeral in Northern Ireland. The letters of support that the family and I continue to receive from the wider Regimental family amply demonstrate just how close a family that is. There is no doubt of the depth of emotion that binds all of us together – and this is not commonplace even in the Army – and should be cherished.

So far this year at least I see Armed Forces day as an opportunity for you to feel hugely proud of your husbands, wives, sons and daughters deployed in Afghanistan. They are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances. I would also wish to celebrate the unique family and Regimental community we live in. However great the cause we might pursue there are not many families that provide such selfless support to loved ones who are away risking their lives. There are even fewer places left where the entire neighbourhood can gather for a street party, know all their neighbours and share so much.

Finally, the Regiment is about to deploy to another area in Helmand. We will be extremely busy and comms back home will be difficult for some weeks. As ever I can only ask you to bear with it and understand that it will not always be possible to ring home as often as we would like.

On behalf of all of us here in Afghanistan, thank you very much for all your support.

The burden you bear is recognized and hugely appreciated.

Have a great day

Col Gus