Army living conditions

As Normandy Company prepared to move its men and personal equipment from Bastion's transit accommodation to the new company lines, anticipation was rife amongst the troops as to the condition of our new living quarters.

Basic canvas 8 men tents with 'roll a trac' plastic flooring, 3 pin power outlets and noisy air conditioning (a godsend when it works) were the extent of our facilities. A fridge that was in our room, brought previously by the departing 4 Rifles, was quickly snapped up by our section for $100 US along with various other bits of personal kit that was exchanged for a few dollars.

Over the next couple of days everyone set about making their bed-spaces' their own by erecting mosquito nets, draping ponchos, sheets or flags (Villa & Blues flags in one room make for some interesting banter!) between sections and knocking up makeshift tables out of scavenged bits of pallets and timber that could be found around the camp. After hanging up our fabric stacking shelves we were able to finally unpack all our kit, equipment and clothing and for the first time it actually felt like we had arrived when we could finally organize our belongings in preparation for the next 6 months.

next - Patrolling Helmand's dangerous road network