Airforce Afghanistan

RAF reservist Tom Calver carried out an unusual assignment in Afghanistan – helping a documentary crew find out about the lives of UK soldiers, sailors and airmen in the country. The result was Airforce Afghanistan, a series on Channel Five.

Tom’s role was to work with the SO1 Media Operations as his project deputy, minding and advising a team from Granada productions as they followed Forces life and work on Kandahar Air Field in southern Afghanistan.

“There were two TV crews, and as well as helping them get the access they needed, I also acted as driver, advisor and occasionally as a microphone stand!” Tom says. “With operations happening around the clock, it meant some long days minding the crews, but I really enjoyed it.

“It was a great opportunity, giving me the chance to see operations across Kandahar, from the headquarters to the flight line. And wherever I went, there were fellow RAF reservists.

“What happens at Kandahar may not be as high-profile as what happens in Helmand, but the work done there is vital. The importance of the RAF’s role was brought home when I flew to Tarin Kowt with the film crew on a Hercules. It was about 18 minutes away by air, while I was told that the road trip took around 18 hours.”

The documentary featured the work of various teams from the RAF and other services, including Harrier pilots, Chinook engineers, physical training instructors and aeromedical teams. A major focus was 1 Squadron, RAF Regiment, which patrolled in the area around the base to protect its personnel.