Is Britain getting out?

[Switchblade Eddie]

I saw on the news that Britain had set a date to withdraw troops by May 2009. Does anyone know if this decision is just for Iraq, or if it includes Afghanistan aswell. This may sound like a silly question but it's hard to get any info over here in the states. Any and all information would be appreciated.

[Hyperlithe]

Just Iraq.
Afghanistan is a whole other story, no way can you lump the 2 together.

[wannabe_rock]

Out of Iraq by 31st July, except for some who will stay on as advisors to Iraq's Navy and other organisations.

[adamb]

I can second the above, was on news last night.

Anybody have an idea how much longer we will be in Afghanistan? Providing everything goes to plan I should be finishing ITC in August so if my regiment is going on tour next christmas could i say it is more than likely ill be going to Afghanistan?

[LostandFound]

I would imagine we will be in Afghanistan for a very, very, very long time yet.....

[green boil]

I can second the above, was on news last night.

Anybody have an idea how much longer we will be in Afghanistan? Providing everything goes to plan I should be finishing ITC in August so if my regiment is going on tour next christmas could i say it is more than likely ill be going to Afghanistan?

When u get to camp bastion in helmand and see what they have built and still building in the middle of no where u will understand that we are there for a very long time

[adamb]

I see, whos building this thing the RE or the Afgans? and what is it?

[Fusilier]

I am sure I heard on the news that troops can expect to be in Afghanistan for at LEAST the next five years.

[druadan]

Bastion is the main British camp in Helmand, located in the middle of a great big flat bit of desert. There are various other forces there (Estonian and Danish mainly, or at least used to be), though it is a British camp. It's brother Bastion 2 is going up just over the way, they'd just started clearing the ground for it when I left after Herrick V (two years ago), looks fairly well developed now though I've only seen it from the air. Bastion itself has grown up a fair bit in the same time, though is still developing. Most of the work is done by contractors of various nationalities, who do employ a lot of local(ish) civilians.

Over time it's gone from a berm in the sand, to a tented city, and is now becoming mainly pre-fab buildings. It also has the best hospital in-country. If you're joining the Forces, you'll see it soon enough