Home Time

Booked my flights home today so my tour must be coming to a close, There’s still loads to do but I’m confident it will all be wrapped up before I leave. 

I have attended a number of Iftars during Ramadan and these have given me an opportunity to sample the local cuisine and talk to local government officials who you would normally only speak to in a working environment.  I must confess to being extremely partial to the lamb koftas in particular.

Working as a civilian out here people automatically assume you are either Foreign Office or MOD, so it’s interesting to see the reaction when you tell them you’re a tax man!  Needless to say there has been a fair bit of ribbing but all good natured and it usually stops when you get your notebook out and ask them to confirm their address and date of birth.  There have also been a few impromptu tax advice clinics during a coffee break.

We had an interesting experience yesterday as we made our way through the streets of Lashkar Gah. As we rounded a corner I heard a loud bang which made the heart beat somewhat quicker. This was followed by a few more crash and bangs, which I only realised was the local kids throwing stones at us when I saw them bounce of the bonnet.  It only lasted a few seconds and consisted of a few stones but it certainly concentrated the mind for the rest of the journey.

I am now starting to wrap up my work and tie up all the loose ends, I am disappointed about leaving the project before its completed but it’s in capable hands.  Tony the project manager will have to cover my role until the end of the project and although I feel I am leaving it in good hands, there is always that pang of guilt at leaving something unfinished.  Mind you the weather is shocking at the moment with sandstorms blowing across the camp, so who knows if I will be getting out at all!  I’ve just been informed by the flight cell that it is unlikely that the helicopters will be flying tomorrow but to report to the helipad at 7am just in case.  I spend the evening packing all my kit and cleaning my room - setting my alarm more in hope than expectation!

The following morning the weather is slightly better but I still think a flight is unlikely as I grab my breakfast.  Tony gives me a hand to lug my kit down to the helipad - there are people everywhere as all those who have had flights cancelled over the last couple of days are trying to get a seat on anything that’s leaving.  Fortunately the helicopters are flying and an RAF Merlin arrives on time. I carry my kit onboard and strap myself in.  No matter how many times I fly I am still amazed at just how low these aircraft fly over the ground and I always breathe a sigh of relief when we land.  I had a 12 hour wait in Camp Bastion and took the opportunity to track down some old colleagues who were working there with the military but it was soon time to board another plane before eventually returning to London.

After a great night’s sleep in a London hotel, I was up bright and breezy and into the SU HQ to go through all the standard debriefs and hand my kit in.  This all went well and I even had time for a pub lunch and my first beer before heading over to Euston Station and my train back to North Wales.

I am now back in work and have had time to reflect on my deployment. My views however haven’t changed - our military and civilian staff are doing a fantastic job in often difficult circumstances.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Helmand. It was hard work and often very frustrating but I was working as part of a great team and I learnt a great deal from the environment and my colleagues whilst also being able to make a difference in my own small way.

Would I deploy again? Absolutely. I am already studying the positions available and looking forward to returning to Afghanistan or elsewhere, as and when required.