On the front line with our boys (From Stroud News and Journal)

On the front line with our boys

During the season of peace and goodwill, Stroud MP David Drew, who has recently returned from Afghanistan, talks about his visit and urges people to reflect on our own good fortunes and spare a thought for others who find themselves a long way from home this Christmas.

AS we sit down for our Christmas lunch this year I hope we can cast a thought for those from our community who will be facing a less salubrious festive season.

These are the soldiers from the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment currently stationed in Afghanistan.

This is a tough assignment as I found out when I visited them for a week last month on a fact-finding mission.

The regiment has been tasked to undertake its six month tour of duty as part of the multilateral International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which oversees peacekeeping in the north of the country.

However, it has also been given the more difficult role of organising the shift of ISAF forces to the south, where it will replace the Americans.

This is a problematic assignment as there is much more Taliban activity there and the troops will come into direct confrontation with warlords who control the drugs trade.

My first impressions of Afghanistan were of a staggering beautiful country sadly ravaged by ever-present conflict.

I toured Kabul as part of a patrol with RGBW soldiers and began to realise the risks they take and the enormity of the task ahead. Afghanistan is ideal territory for guerrillas and these patrols are crucial in bringing stability to the capital.

In the main, Kabul is returning to some normality but soon after I left there was an attack near Camp Souter, where I stayed.

As well as being based in Kabul, most of the soldiers are further north in Mazar-e-Sharif.

This is the home of the Uzbeks and Tadjiks, who have traditionally been more welcoming of allied troops, but threats still exist.

Sadly, the regiment recently lost Corp Stephen Sherwood, who was shot by a lone gunman.

Significantly, in the melee that followed the sniper was captured and handed over by local stall-holders, which was indicative of the good relationship the regiment has developed with locals.

During my trip I witnessed much of the positive work the regiment does alongside its peacekeeping duties.

For example, Provincial Reconstruction Teams have been set up to heal the divides.

I also visited a school which the Army helped repair and equip. That one school caters for 9,000 pupils makes you realise the scale of the problems.

It was extremely moving to talk to the teachers and then to be offered a gift when they had so little to give.

Just paying the teachers is a major exercise.

My final memory is of being briefed on what the future holds for British troops.

Being asked to push south will stretch resources, expertise and commitment to the full.

However, the UK is also taking the lead in fighting drug barons who generate more than half of Afghanistan's national income.

This is a crucial task but one that will bring our troops into direct confrontation with powerful warlords.

Now there are those who will question the regiment's role and even ask why MPs are visiting the troops.

I never cease to be affected by the professionalism, commitment and humanity of the British Army when on peacekeeping duties and my experience in Afghanistan confirmed all my earlier feelings.

I have also always seen it as part of my role to visit my constituents.

The British Army is still respected and required in many parts of the world and continues to help secure peace so people can get on with their lives in some normality