Afghanistan Roulement Infantry Battalion (ARIB).

In April 2004 the 1st Battalion were deployedto Afghanistan as part of a multi-national force, which was assisting the Islamic Transitional Government of Afghanistan. They were involved in a variety of peace support operations in Kabul, the capital and Mazar-e-Sharif, which is in the north. Although the 1st Battalion last served in the country in 1919 during the 3rd Afghan War, the nature of operations were now very different. the 1st Battalion was responsible for maintaining stable and secure conditions so that the country can peacefully rebuild itself. As well as countering the ongoing threats from terrorism the 1st Battalion also assisted in training the Afghan National Army and rebuilding the country’s infrastructure. The battalion was divided into three different roles:

Kabul Patrols Company (KPC).

The KPC were responsible for maintaining security in two of Kabul’s most notorious districts. They include the Olympic Football Stadium where the Taliban used to conduct public executions and the old cantonment, from which a British Garrison had to flee in 1841. Soldiers patrolled the streets of Kabul on foot and from open top vehicles. They mixed and talked with the local population. This is a skill that British soldiers are natural at. It helps build trust and understanding and is an important source of information. In the previous year this led to the KPC seizing several key members from the local terrorist network.

UK Afghan National Army Training Team (ANATT).

The Afghan National Army was formed after the fall of the Taliban. It belongs to the Islamic Transitional Government of Afghanistan and works closely with the multi-national security force. The UK ANATT is responsible for training the Afghan corporals, sergeants and junior officers. An important part of their training is the development of junior leadership and the qualities expected from professional soldiers. This is an essential part in rebuilding a just and accountable army, which will continue to maintain stable conditions in the country after the multi-national security force leaves.

Mazar-e-Sharif Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).

Mazar-e-Sharif is in northern Afghanistan near the Uzbekistan border. The city and surrounding region was fought over between Ahmadshah Massoud’s US backed Northern Alliance and the Taliban. Massoud was himself killed by pro-Taliban suicide bombers two days before 11th September 2001. The PRT worked throughout the region. They were involved in supporting governmental and non-governmental organizations who are rebuilding the country’s institutions. They were also involved in building communications with key political figures, whilst promoting support for the Islamic Transitional Government of Afghanistan. Terrorism is also a threat to the region's stability. Some of the tasks were similar to those conducted by British and Indian officers during the ‘Great Game’ in the 1800 and 1900s. Small self-sufficient teams spent weeks traveling to some of the remotest parts of the region to meet with local community and regional leaders. Many of these men fought against the Soviets and subsequently the Taliban. The PRT has an important task in building confidence within the region and creating the stable conditions for sustainable development.

What were soldiers doing?

Whilst in Afghanistan we were involved in a variety of sensitive and demanding roles. The average day could vary from meeting important political and community figures, patrolling the streets, seizing terrorist leaders, rebuilding schools and hospitals or being part of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), which sits at high readiness to intervene in incidents.
We had to adjust to these quickly and be prepared to work long hours and without days off. We bore large amounts of responsibility and deat with new and challenging situations. We were also be increasingly reliant on one another, forming strong cohesive friendships and trust. We earned a bit of additional pay and were awarded with the Afghanistan campaign medal. But many would argue that the greatest benefits were the rewarding sense of achievement and the memories and wealth of experience gained.