Royal Engineers improve local infrastructure after Op MOSHTARAK

Part of the reason for this work is to enable the heavy International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) vehicles used in resupply convoys to reach the new bases that Afghan and ISAF forces are establishing in the area cleared of Taliban insurgents last week.

The new bases will enable the ISAF and Afghan forces to ensure that the Taliban cannot regain control of the area.

Improvements to the local infrastructure will also though help improve the lives of the local people, meaning they are more likely to embrace the rule of the Afghan Government over that of the Taliban.

As part of their work, the Royal Engineers have been patrolling the local area. Warrant Officer Class 2 (Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor) Sean Semple talks about one particular patrol:

"We dismounted and patrolled along a track, assessing potential vulnerable points - the places the insurgents are most likely to plant IEDs - and also where our vehicles could potentially cause damage to the heavy, mud compound walls and dusty roads.

"Patrolling down the track we heard heavy gun fire to our east and west, so we were definitely on our guard.

"Moving on, we reinforce every point the track crosses a drainage ditch to cope with the increased weight of the resupply trucks in the logistics convoys following us. This took most of the day.

"Each time repair was required it drew locals from all over the area. They watched the Engineers' every movement and seemed to converse amongst themselves about how we were improving the local infrastructure.

"One of the local elders asked for a shot of the sledgehammer and assisted with the repairs. Nice touch - another little victory - and some happy local faces.

"There's no doubt the locals are pleased to see us, but they need convincing that we will stay. We need to prove to them that they can live and function without the Taliban - then they'll have no place here anymore.

"The Viking support group from the Royal Tank Regiment is providing our flank protection. What an awesome job these guys are doing. With their armoured and highly mobile vehicles, they are not afraid to go anywhere, so there's no hiding place for the enemy.

"We arrived at our admin area for the night. For once we're in place before it gets dark.

"We've been out six days now. The more the weather heats up during the day - and it's been getting quite hot the last few days - the more we are sweating, so no doubt we're all smelling lovely!

"Karl, our driver, cooked an awesome scoff. It was a famous army 'all in' - loads of ration packs in a pan, cooked together, with some Tabasco sauce and curry powder thrown in. I wouldn't choose it from a restaurant menu but it was great all the same.

"We learn later about the sad loss of two more British colleagues. It makes you think that it could so easily have been one of us. Our thoughts are with their loved ones. Rest in peace lads."

Read more from WO2 Semple's daily blog on the Daily Mirror website - see Related Links.