Having been in theatre for a couple of weeks now I thought it appropriate to give you an update on what L/Cpl Boulton and I have been doing.

Our transit from Windsor to Camp Bastion (via South Cerney, Brize Norton and Kandahar) was surprisingly painless: this at least in part due to the extremely low expectations set for us by those who have experienced RAF transport in the past. Having said that, any lingering doubts that we were entering a war zone were firmly dispelled – if not by the landing at Kandahar with lights off and body armour on then most certainly by the drive in Kandahar airport past some very tooled-up and Gucci-looking American fighter aircraft.

The first two days at Bastion consisted of a reception package that all deployees must go through. Having had this time to orientate ourselves and settle in, we were immediately thrust into preparing the HCR Squadron in which we are serving for operations. L/Cpl Boulton has had to put in many hours working on his vehicle, as well as taking part in extensive range and IED packages both day and night.

Amusingly, while on the ranges, such was the locals’ desire to collect the brass from expended ammunition they were even sitting on the Scimitars as they fired. Eventually it took the firing of mini-flares and the threat of attack dogs to scare them off!

Meanwhile, in Admin Troop I was very busy issuing to the Squadron a whole range of kit (from Osprey body armour, to first aid trauma packs, to laser aimers and more), placing demands and preparing loads for resupply. I also had to assist with the various accommodation moves and generally rush around finding spare parts, consumables and kit that the Squadron needed.

I have been put in charge of Modacs kit, POL demands and have been made Unit Post Orderly. The latter is high-profile, as everyone wants to know where their post is: if I had a dollar for every time someone said to me “My wife sent me a parcel two weeks ago, has it arrived yet?” or equivalent I'd have enough to buy some of the extensive and expensive range of perfumes and aftershave that the NAAFI has seen fit to stock in the camp shop.

The Squadron deployed complete on a MOG earlier this week. 'MOG' stands for 'Mobile Operational Group' (or some variant of that - it varies according to whom you speak) and means, basically, that the Squadron goes out deep into the Taliban heartland looking for trouble. I don't mind admitting there was a twinge of sadness and regret for me as I saw the Squadron depart while I stayed behind with the rest of Admin Troop. Our job is obviously critical to keeping the Squadron going but I am hoping to accompany one of the MOGs at some point during the tour.

Unfortunately, such is the manning state of the Squadron - the Light Dragoons had double the number in their Admin Troop than we have, and they were very busy too - that may not happen. Still, in the best WD tradition I am cracking on with the job in hand.

Facilities on the camp, while basic, are adequate. We are sharing large air-conditioned tents, usually 7 to 10 per tent, and we have our large issue mosquito nets which we all put up for a bit of privacy. The food is excellent and the camp is blessed with both a NAAFI shop and cafe, and even a mobile Pizza Hut van. Welfare-wise we are actually very well looked after. For example, for those with TVs there are six stations on BFBS, as well as two radio stations. Internet time and telephones are usually available (although the internet tends to need booking) and is more subject to the four and a half hour time difference with the UK and OP MINIMISE than any lack of facilities.

Kit-wise we have pretty much everything we need too.  The only exception to this is some sort of grab-bag (as I find Osprey body armour to be so bulky and heavy it precludes using either webbing or the issue assault vest) but fortunately Sgt Rowe is looking into it for me, and may well be unnecessary for me anyway.

Just before I sign off as my allotted time comes to an end I'd like to thank W Squadron for all the blueys John and I have received: they are very much appreciated and it's good to be kept up to date with news from home.