Testimonials - Cpl Scott and JT Lane
Afghanistan - Cpl Phil Scott and JT Jeanette Lane
In April 2003, Jnr Tech Jeanette Lane and I, both from the Band of the RAF College, were deployed to Kabul in Afghanistan.
We were to be the first RAF musicians to be deployed out of area (OOA) since the Gulf Conflict in 1991. Thursday 24th April 03 was the big day for me, with Jeanette flying out 4 days later on the 28th April.
We were both to be part of the first non-formed unit of six personnel replacing the Tactical Provost Wing. During our tour of three months we were employed as aircraft guards at Kabul International Airport (APOD). A role that is vastly different from our normal duties as a musician.
A typical day in Kabul would see us on a 12 hr shift at the APOD ensuring the security of the aircraft and its contents. During the day the temperature would reach well above 90F - an environment not suited to being in uniform and body armour! However, during the night shift the temperature could drop well below freezing. Once the shift had finished we would then take ourselves on a 20 minute drive through Kabul City back to our unit where our priority would be to eat, exercise and shower.
Aircraft guarding can sometimes be a monotonous task, and so after 3 weeks we decided that we should arrange to have our musical instruments sent out to us (1 x flute and 1 x tuba), so at least then we could make use of some of our time spent on shift - whilst one of us kept a keen eye on the aircraft, the other was able to get on with some desperately needed practice...
Cpl Phil Scott
Post Script - Phil and Jeanette, already engaged before they were deployed, married soon after thier return giving their experience the happiest of conclusions.