Homepage Contact Us About Us Help/FAQs Shop Mail Jobs Forums
Search
Tuesday February 9th 2010


  NEWS
Previous Page  

The TA Patrols Kabul


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Source: MoD




A unit of British reservists are undertaking regular foot patrols in the streets around the International Security Assistance Force's headquarters in Kabul, establishing a presence in the area and building rapport with the locals.

The 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (4 YORKS), a British Territorial Army infantry unit, deployed to Afghanistan's capital Kabul three months ago for a six-month tour. The Battalion is in charge of force protection for the International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) headquarters.

More photographs of 4 YORKS on patrol in Kabul are available on ISAF Media's flickr photostream >>>

As well as providing perimeter security, they are also conducting foot patrols around the city. Delta Platoon's Second-in-Command Sergeant Major Tony Archer, from Middlesbrough, said:

"Out of all the tasks we perform here in Kabul, getting out and patrolling is what we enjoy the most because that's what we are, infantry soldiers."

By undertaking foot patrols the soldiers have been getting to know the locals and have also, over the three months of their deployment, seen some improvements to the city as Lance Corporal Kenny Wilson of Kingston upon Hull explained:

"People are friendlier; they get to know our faces, know who we are. Throughout the city there is development everywhere; there are new buildings getting built left, right and centre.

"There are new road surfaces being laid. Traffic lights, street lights, electricity, running water and sewage systems have improved in certain areas. Community spirit is a lot better. You see more people out, and more women getting involved in daily activities."

"The kids on the street are fantastic," he added. "They'll run up to you and say hello, try to get sweets off you; they're just kids like everywhere else. They're just fantastic people."

Being a reserve unit, all members of 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment work part-time for the Service and have civilian jobs in their hometowns. The unit is comprised of school teachers, security guards, salesmen and a variety of other professions. Their various backgrounds and professional experiences help bring a wide breadth of knowledge to this deployment:

"I love what I do," said LCpl Wilson. "It's making a difference."

Print A Printer Friendly Version Of This News Item
For more information click on or go to http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews
Sign up for free
to the following
military news;
Patrol Store special offers newsletter
Weekly Newsletter
Select both
& keep up to date!

First Name

Surname

Email address


  © NSI (Holdings) Ltd 2005
News Archive  Military Information  Site Map  Disclaimer