British army ‘improving the lives of the Afghan population’

The ongoing efforts of the UK army are improving the lives of the Afghan population on a daily basis, one sergeant has reported.

Warrant Officer Stuart Lee told the Redditch Advertiser that his second tour of duty in the country has made him more optimistic about the future of Afghanistan.

He said that the key to the nation’s future is the children and he sees the fact that so many have been "inquisitive and positive" towards the presence of the armed forces can only be seen as a good sign.

Sergeant Major Lee is currently based at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province and will remain there for the entirety of his six-month deployment to Afghanistan.

He explained that he particularly enjoys the camaraderie that is felt among his fellow soldiers, adding: "It is really enjoyable and satisfying, getting out and about and being able to have a down to earth chat with the guys."

Prime minister Gordon Brown recently praised UK soldiers, saying that their "courage and professionalism" in the combined Allied and Afghan push against Taliban forces – Operation Moshtarak – is already helping to provide hope for the local community.

Posted by Trevor Smith