Post Afghanistan

May 29, 2011

THE affection of the UK to its armed forces was clearly presented to me this week in the form of 400 bags of post at an outpost near Gereshk.

We visited the MOB Price camp for three days for a veterinary project involving the Afghans and Danish and British battle groups.

On entering the camp you couldn’t help but notice the vast array of grey Royal Mail bags full to the brim with parcels and letters.

We chatted to the postman and he told us this amount of mail was “not unusual” week to week.

I couldn’t help but question that if they get this much mail in the summer, how on earth does the postal system survive at Christmas?

It’s a fine balancing act and a difficult problem to get round.

On one hand the parcel of sweets and accompanying hand-written note from Mrs Miggins of Devon, addressed to ‘A Soldier’, is a lovely gesture.

But if Mrs Miggins’ parcel and hundreds of others sent by the goodwill army of the UK clog up the system, it means that letters and parcels addressed to certain servicemen and women from their family and friends will be massively delayed.

Any serviceman or woman out here will tell you that it’s lovely to receive a parcel or letter from anyone. It makes them feel appreciated, wanted and special.

But if they have the choice of that, or post from their family, I know which one they’ll choose.

The post is flown over to Afghanistan by plane and then taken by helicopter to the outposts whose servicemen then organise it being delivered around the areas.

In itself it is a huge effort. And when you have say, 400 bags of post, it’s a colossal one at that.

Fortunately Stevie, the dedicated postie at Price, has a couple of volunteers who help him with the mountains of deliveries.

But how do you solve the problem? The generosity and goodwill of the nation is sadly a problem.

Last year alone 3,723 tonnes of mail was sent via the BFPO system.
I’m sure even Postman Pat would throw a fit at the thought of delivering that.

So there are now a series of websites, which have been set up to help balance the issue.

If you’re looking to send out post to a serviceman or woman, try visiting: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/ServiceCommunity/BFPO/ for information and advice.

There are also countless charities – many of which can be found online – who can assist.

Aside from the postal service the last 10 days or so have been busy for us here at BFBS at Camp Bastion.

We’ve had several injuries and tragically more deaths of British servicemen in the last couple of weeks, but the mood is still very much of focus and determination.

Everyone takes a risk just by being here among this madness, however the level of commitment has never been more channelled as it is today.

Twitter: @tristan_nichols