WARZONE - is an 8-part observational documentary series about life on Kandahar Airbase.

This Mondays episode (episode 2) gives an insight into two of the most popular attractions on the base – market day and meal times.  LAC Nathan Choules and his fellow gunners from the RAF Regiment prepare for six months on the front line and Welfare Clerk SAC Kate Aziz visits the fire and rescue team at Camp Bastion.
It’s Saturday in Kandahar which means the market comes to town. As Afghan traders descend on the base, Air Commodore Bob Judson reflects on what the bazaar means to the troops. “This is the closest they will come to real locals,” he says. “It’s one of the highlights.” The stallholders sell everything from tourist trinkets to high-quality textiles, and Air Cdre Judson is ready to do some bartering.  He thinks he’s got a bargain but his interpreter knows otherwise. The interpreter wears a disguise to protect his identity from the Taliban. “If they know I am working for NATO, of course they will kill me”.  
Gunner LAC Nathan Choules decides on some retail therapy too so he heads to the boardwalk area of the base where there are several superstores selling luxury items such as DVDs, laptops, trainers and even bikes. He also snaps up gifts to send to his mother and little sister and holds back the emotion at the mention of home.
The Regiment Squadron undergoes 10 days of gruelling training to acclimatise to the harsh conditions – 40 degree heat and plenty of dust. They practice with the general purpose machine guns, hand grenades and the 50 cal guns. “You get disciplined, you get fit and you get paid for doing all of it,” enthuses Nathan, “I’d even recommend it to my own mother”.
“If you have to use them, you’re in the shit, basically,” says Nathan as he examines a knife. “This is the real deal now.”
The one thing the troops can look forward to after a hard day’s training is a hot meal. For Nathan’s unit, this means enjoying some real home comforts offered up by the British canteen. As well as full English breakfasts and Sunday roasts, there are pies, kebabs and curries to be had. All this can be doused with quantities of brown sauce and washed down with pots of tea. In just a month, the troops get through as much as 230 tons of meat and fish; 350 tons of cheese and 500,000 eggs. “The old saying that an army marches on its stomach is very true,” remarks Air Cdre Judson.
Welfare clerk, Kate Aziz heads out to Camp Bastion to check that the fire and rescue brigade for whom she’s responsible are getting enough rest and relaxation time. The fire crew is part of the immediate response team and has to rescue soldiers who become trapped inside damaged vehicles on the front line, as well as ensuring the safety of planes and helicopters landing in Bastion. The trip away from Kandahar brings the reality of the war home to Kate.

Gripping stuff! - I may join!

MY Fiancé's in that series; I wish it was on now, it would really help

Nick

It seems as though the info you placed above has a wider audience! See this link to another forum at DigitalSpy!



Jan

I would like to say a special thank you to all our troops in Afghanistan. I know it's hard to be parted from the ones you love.and how your loved worry about you at this time.my brother was injurered in northern ireland.so i know it is hard for those that are here worrying about you.you will be owed a great debt by country for the job you do.once again a big thank you.