Back to the Front: Paras in Afghanistan (video)

[SO19]

Fighting the Taleban

By Alastair Leithead
BBC News, Kandahar



The Parachute Regiment under 16 Air Assault Brigade is back in Afghanistan just two years after leading the first British deployment into the south of the country.

Things have changed since they were here last, when they faced Taleban attacks day and night defending government compounds in remote districts of Helmand.

Now they are on the offensive and have four times the troops and resources.

The 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, known as 3 Para, are based in Kandahar, and will be sent to different provinces as they are required.

The BBC is following four young soldiers over the next six months to see how 2008 unfolds in one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan.


LIEUTENANT MATTHEW CLAMP

Lt Matthew Clamp, 25, from Barnsley, is commander of "A" Company's 2 Platoon and is on his first tour to Afghanistan with 3 Para, which he joined in July last year.

He finished Sandhurst officer training at the end of 2006 and remembers hearing all the stories from those who had served in Helmand in the violent summer of that year.


LANCE CORPORAL PETER McKINLEY

L/Cpl Peter McKinley is serving with the Mortar Platoon of 3 Para on this tour, having served during the last deployment in Helmand.

Then he was awarded a military cross for two acts of bravery, saving the life of a wounded American soldier while he was under fire, and for continuing to fight on after being injured in battle.


PRIVATE CHRIS FOSTER

Pte Chris Foster, known as Fozzie, is celebrating his 21st birthday in southern Afghanistan on his first tour of duty with 8 Platoon, "A" company of 3 Para.

Both his fiancee, Lindsey Manche, and one of his two sisters are in the military.

Fozzie is from Conwy in north Wales and joined the Paras in 2006 when they were last based in Afghanistan.


LANCE CORPORAL PHILIP BRIGGS

L/Cpl Philip Briggs, 22, is in the sniper platoon of "D" Company, has been in 3 Para four years and is from Bradford.

He was in the rifle company in 2006, serving in the towns of Sangin and Now Zad, where some of the most intense fighting took place. Briggs was shot in the chest, but the bullet struck the protective plate of his body armour and he suffered only bruised ribs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7364357.stm

[sky ninja steve]

and the vid report http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7358831.stm was fookin funny the bbc reporter was running in front of me when we were moving about 600 meters to a new position and he spanked in right on his face had to help the silly twat get up all his mic and camcorder were fooked lol

[sky ninja steve]

whoops sorry about that shouldve looked you already posted it lol

[just_me]

You were there Steve? Not doubting, just asking.

[freer07]

The BBC is following four young soldiers over the next six months to see how 2008 unfolds in one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan.

Is this going to be on tv?

[sky ninja steve]

yeah i was there bloody long day that was think u see me at one point looking ally as fook with me mk6 alpha and me chubb on me back lol

[just_me]

yeah i was there bloody long day that was think u see me at one point looking ally as fook with me mk6 alpha and me chubb on me back lol

I don't know if this is your first time out or not, but is it like you thought it would be?

[sky ninja steve]

yeah first time only got to battalion in dec .in some ways its wot i thought it would be and sum ways not but i suppose it each to thier own and everyone had their own experiences and interpretations of what its like out here me personaly im enjoying it miss home like but youve just gotta deal with it .i think its more surreal than anything else like hearing all the stories from 06 in depot then actually being here doing it for yourself

[just_me]

It must me really good to be doing it for real, after all the training you must have done for the past few years (I mean before ADSC, getting fitness up to scratch). I'm looking forward to getting my application underway, sh*tting it about the Medical, not old enough to start application yet, have to wait till Spring 09. All the best out there.

-Be nice to hear from some of your experiences if you feel like sharing, curious what it's like firsthand.

[Skeav]

Well that certainally looks more exciting than my average morning. Less incoming though

Sky Ninja- proper jealous mate! Just keep your head down yea?

Cheers

Skeav

[jcclimber]

...with me mk6 alpha and me chubb on me back lol

Hey Steve, how about a bit of opsec buddy. Only thing I had to worry about was not stepping in crap and needles

[sky ninja steve]

noted . yeah weve been having the kids tring to come up and stab us with needles when patroling like

[mutter1]

noted . yeah weve been having the kids tring to come up and stab us with needles when patroling like

Jesus christ if there wasn't enough shit to worry about

[harry hackedoff]

Hey Steve, how about a bit of opsec buddy.

That`s you told off then Ninge

Has Para 01`s request chit for 3 Para Mortars come through yet btw?

Seriously, you lads are making Airborne history with the whole Reg deployed.
Here`s to a job well-done and a speedy and safe return.