DTN News: Royal Welsh Make Final Preparations For Helmand, Afghanistan

DTN News: Royal Welsh Make Final Preparations For Helmand, Afghanistan *Source: DTN News / Ministry of Defence UK (NSI News Source Info) LONDON, UK - December 5, 2009: Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell visited 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh yesterday as they took part in their final training exercise before deploying to Afghanistan.Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh decamping from a Chinook helicopter during a training exercise at their barracks in Chester [Picture: Stuart Bingham, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009] It is the soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh that are making up the 500 extra British troops that Gordon Brown announced would be deploying to Afghanistan in early December. The battalion was undertaking a training exercise involving them decamping from a Chinook helicopter on a sports field at their barracks in Chester yesterday, Thursday 3 December 2009. Amongst the soldiers on the exercise was Fusilier Martyn Ellis, who explained the importance of helicopters: "The Chinooks, they are a life-saver, as well as the Sea Kings. When the casualties are coming in thick and fast you need air support," he said. Mr Rammell, watching the exercise, said the soldiers will partner Afghan forces in preparation for the eventual hand-over of control. He described the soldiers as dedicated professionals and said: "I know they are going to do a fantastic job." Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh onboard a Chinook helicopter [Picture: Stuart Bingham, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009] Explaining why the extra soldiers are deploying, the Minister added: "It allows us to build up the Afghan forces' capabilities so we can eventually withdraw. "We can't withdraw at the moment because if we did the Taliban would return and the terrorists could target this country and others." 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock, explained the mentoring process further. He said: "We will be living together, eating together, planning together, to improve their capabilities so that eventually they can stand on their own two feet." Adding that his men will focus on providing a secure environment for the people of Afghanistan, he said: "I am fully confident in their skills and preparation. We have been on standby for some time and are now focused on getting out there and doing the job. "This is my second Christmas away and it doesn't get any easier but it is something we can get on with. "There are stacks of parcels going out there and we make sure everyone can speak to their families back home." Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh board a Chinook helicopter [Picture: Stuart Bingham, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009] Among the battalion's soldiers is 18-year-old Fusilier Matthew Pearce, one of the youngest in the battle group. He said: "My family is behind me and have only said good things about it and they will see me when I come back." Another, Lance Corporal Matthew Thacker, who deployed to Afghanistan in 2007, said: "We knew the announcement was coming. I've been before so I know what to expect. I just want to get out there and get it done. "My wife is a bit gutted but it is what we joined the Army for. It is a good life and the lads are all great. You have to be close in this job." For Corporal Steven Evans, this will be his first time to Afghanistan. He said: "We have been training for nearly a year for this. The job is there to be done. I am excited to go out there, get it done and get back. "I have got a nine-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl and my family are concerned but they have confidence in the training we do and they are very proud of me."