PICTURE of the day: Patrol Base living

Since Operation Moshtarak began in Helmand just under four weeks ago, the soldiers of the Battle Group, which includes Royal Welsh, Afghan National Army and Police as well as the French Foreign Legion and French Marines, have established a number of patrol bases which are now home.

Living is basic and ingenuity is a key attribute needed to make the best of the situation.

This is Patrol Base Shaheed, home to B Company, the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh and their multinational partners.

If you are one of the lucky ones to live inside the bed spaces come in a range of comfort. Top of the luxury stakes is a cot bed with a mosquito net. Next comes a mosi net and roll mat on the floor and the most basic is simply a roll matt and sleeping bag on the floor. For those outside there are two options the first being a tent and the other the traditional soldiers’ favorite, a bivi.

Living on a diet of 24 hour ration packs is the norm out in the patrol bases. But when the guys can get hold of different ingredients the ‘Jamie Oliver’ comes out in a handful of the lads and the results can be amazing.

When in Rome… traditional afghan bread or possibly a Fijian roti. Either way they are fantastic

Without the usual gym facilities of the main bases it’s time to improvise. Weights made from scaffolding and ammo tins as well as pull up bars and if the exercise you get out on patrol isn’t enough there is plenty of room to run around the inside of the compound. The scenery isn’t great but it does get the heart going.

Sgt Garathy with a fresh water crab found in the compound

The ablutions are basic but better than some I have seen out here

Hygiene is everything out here when living in these basic conditions. They might not be power showers but out here showers like these are amazing and greatly appreciated.

The evening conference is a daily gathering of all the key staff in the patrol base. Plans for the following day are discussed and everyone provides an update of their activities.
Information is power and out here we share it

While those not on duty are tucked up in what ever bed they have, the ops room is manned 24/7.

Pictures: Major Paul Smyth