On arriving at Shaibah Log Base, Basra in mid April, we all acclimatized and did a training package which consisted of Group and Zeroing range and First Aid Training and also had Intelligence Briefs. This was a good package and it got us in the right frame of mind for the rest of the tour.

We then moved to Fortress Lines, our home for the next 7 months. We took command of the Operations Room, fitted out the Sqn’s Land Rover fleet with comms at double quick time and the tour was off and running.

During the tour the troop has provided long-range communications throughout the Brigade Area, which covers some quite large distances. This has proven quite difficult at times but with hard work, durability and tweeking of swiggly amps it has all come together.

 The HQ element also have to provide the OC’s Rover Group, this provides the OC with mobility and close protection when he travels to visit the troops on task sites.

The accommodation is tented with air conditioning units installed; this is a godsend, as it can get unbearable at nights. Everyone has his own living space, which helps with the quality of life.

 The tour is really going well for the troop so far and has gone really quickly up to now. The troop’s morale is very high due to the letters and parcels from our family and friends. On Thursday night the squadron bar is open and we are allowed 2 beers, which gives us a chance to relax.