03/21/2026
[ 20 YEARS ]
Next month it will be 2 decades since I deployed to Afghanistan's, Helmand Province as part of 3 Para Battle Group.
The first troops to experience the full fat serving that the Taliban had to offer in that region, a serving our brothers and sisters in the coalition would later find out for themselves.
It was brutal, harsh, one hell of a learning curve for many of us.... But it was old school. A proper f*cking shoot out as would say ππΌ
I deployed as a boy, and returned more prepared to become a man. I was lucky to be surrounded by amazing friends and colleagues who helped me through the s**t and little did they know the amount of background noise I had going on at home. They were my firm base and I will love them forever.
I was also lucky enough to be surrounded by phenomenal soldiers. The troops of 3 Para Battle Group are a force multiplier to say the least. A specialized tool to get a job done. I made many friends across the BG and shared many experiences. It was the best and worst of times all rolled into one f*cked up summer of love π€ We lost many on Operations, and we have lost many more in the following years. That is thorn of the rose, in this crazy job we love and hate to do.
I plan on doing a video to honour all those who served and scrapped in the Helmand Province, so I will do an ALL CALL SIGNS shout for footage soon π₯ Mad how I was the guy who chopped all footage of mine and others together back in the day on Windows Movie Maker, and I'm still f*cking around with it these days after 24 years in.
This footage was shot by one of our lads from 51 Para Sqn RE. It was the POV of one sanger during a heavy contact at the compound in Sangin. This Sanger had heavy weapons letting loose, 51mm Mortars whipping out bound past people's ears, and small arms. This was one defensive position amongst many that day. Plus a fully stocked FSG rooftop and 81mm mortar pit. This went noisy and it went hard.
To all who were out there with me and those who sadly never came home, those we've lost after. You have my love and respect always. Chris (Con)