DUNDEE MAN COMMANDS PARAS IN AFGHANISTAN |
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Written by Ian McLeish
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Sunday, 13 July 2008 |
Former Dundee High School pupil, Lieutenant John Martin, 25, has been commanding Paratroopers from the elite 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, during their second tour to Afghanistan in two years.
In the past 4 months, the battalion has worked in some of the most challenging areas of southern Afghanistan, including the Gereshk Valley in Helmand, the Arghendab Valley in Kandahar, the mountains of Zabul, and the streets of Kandahar City. Reflecting on his experiences, John said:
‘It’s a great job, and a real privilege to work with some of the most motivated and professional soldiers you could imagine.’
John commissioned at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst into The Parachute Regiment in April 2006. Since joining, he has completed his arduous selection and training to become a qualified paratrooper, as well as completing his Jungle Warfare Instructor’s course in Borneo, and conducting overseas exercises in Cyprus, Malawi, and Belize. He has also completed a skiing course in Austria, taken part in a rugby tour of New Zealand, and completed a freefall skydiving course in the UK.
The former Scottish Schools rugby player says, ‘I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself. Since joining the Army, nothing has changed, but the opportunities to push myself have got even better. The opportunities afforded by the Paras to anyone who is fit and determined enough are second to none. Getting into the Paras is demanding, but highly rewarding.’
In Afghanistan, John has been a Platoon Commander, in charge of leading up to 30 men. He describes his current experiences in the country as among the best in his career.
‘The conditions here are difficult, and being Paratroopers, we are sent to some of the most challenging places. We spent a month in a Desert Larkin [camp] in Helmand in temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius with no shade. But it is worth it. I can see that we are starting to make a difference to this amazing country.’ |
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 13 July 2008 )
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