The “Long Road” Finally Underway
By Tpr Tony Neaves, B Sqn, BG roto 8
By Tpr Tony Neaves, B Sqn, BG roto 8
After 14 months of training, preparation and waiting, B Sqn has finally begun deployment of troops into Afghanistan with TF 3-09. A three hour bus ride to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton took us to our first of four plane rides. We arrived in Kandahar Air Field (KAF) in the wee hours of the morning with little sleep and began our preparation for deployment behind the wire. After all the administration work was completed, we picked up any last minute kit that we needed, like new lenses for our protective eyewear, ballistic plates for our flak jackets and tan t-shirts, socks and raincoats to add to our ever growing mountain of kit.
Once we settled into our rooms we took the bus out to the 25 metre range to test our C7/C8 rifles and 9mm pistols. Once our personal weapons were confirmed to be in working order we attended a series of briefings. The cobwebs had been shaken off and everyone was ready; we were loaded and transported in a Canadian Chinook helicopter. Escorting us were two Griffons who were armed to the teeth - it was awesome.
Once we arrived at our Strong Point, we got the camp brief and settled in quickly. The first road move to KAF through Kandahar city was when reality hit me. Seeing all the children in the dust filled streets and the farmers harvesting the crops to feed the villagers brought it all into perspective. Going through the Bazaar with the tiny streets and the locals living their daily lives was surreal. Many children and adults waved and gave us the thumbs up, which put a warm sense of purpose in my heart knowing that I am making a difference. Weaving in and out of the crowded market streets with crowds of locals, animals and barely an inch to spare, forced me to rely on my training. With knowledgeable leadership plus a strong team spirit within the Squadron, I believe, without a doubt, the task set before us will be accomplished with great success.
Once we settled into our rooms we took the bus out to the 25 metre range to test our C7/C8 rifles and 9mm pistols. Once our personal weapons were confirmed to be in working order we attended a series of briefings. The cobwebs had been shaken off and everyone was ready; we were loaded and transported in a Canadian Chinook helicopter. Escorting us were two Griffons who were armed to the teeth - it was awesome.
Once we arrived at our Strong Point, we got the camp brief and settled in quickly. The first road move to KAF through Kandahar city was when reality hit me. Seeing all the children in the dust filled streets and the farmers harvesting the crops to feed the villagers brought it all into perspective. Going through the Bazaar with the tiny streets and the locals living their daily lives was surreal. Many children and adults waved and gave us the thumbs up, which put a warm sense of purpose in my heart knowing that I am making a difference. Weaving in and out of the crowded market streets with crowds of locals, animals and barely an inch to spare, forced me to rely on my training. With knowledgeable leadership plus a strong team spirit within the Squadron, I believe, without a doubt, the task set before us will be accomplished with great success.
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(click to enlarge)
Sgt Zottan Resal smiles as B Sqn arrives at their home for the next six months.
Vehicles weave their way through the narrow streets of Kandahar City.
Tpr Tony Neaves glances out of the hatch of his armoured vehicle.
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