Helping keep crazy Kabul drivers under control
Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 08 May 2008
RESERVISTS from 4th Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (4 LANCS) are serving in Afghanistan.
The 34 soldiers in the a Territorial Army unit are deployed as a force protection platoon, guarding the headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), in February
The platoon will return to the UK in August.
The men, who serve the Army in their spare time are, in civilian life, solicitors, a chef, an engineer, a fork-lift truck driver and a part-time model.
Platoon commander is Captain Nick Kennon, 35, a Carlisle solicitor, and his men include Kingsman Paul Bruce, 21, of Workington.
Kingsman Bruce said: “I loved going to the ranges here. We have had the chance to fire foreign weapons and I also got to fire my LSW - light support weapon - at long ranges on rapid fire, which is something I have never had the chance to do in the UK.
“The scenery at the ranges is spectacular. During vehicle patrols my role is top cover of the rear vehicle - I have to keep traffic at a safe distance and control it - this is challenging in Kabul as it is full of crazy drivers!”
The platoon works a four-day rotation comprising lookout in the guard towers, manning the gates of the base, where they conduct searches, internal security escorts and patrols, and manning the Quick Reaction Force, ready to respond to incidents.
