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Darlington student heads to Afghanistan

Jan 31 2010 by Nicola Juncar, Sunday Sun

The Afghanistan post came through the Civil Military Co-operation group, which works on the country’s stabilisation, including reconstruction and development.

Rachael was promoted to the rank of captain and worked in Afghanistan for six months. She was first based in Nad E Ali with the Royal Marine Commandos, overseeing civilian compensation claims and the digging of bore holes and water pumps.

She then moved to the town of Nawa, where she supervised the start of reconstruction work on a school, a clinic and a mosque.

The work was fraught with danger, as Rachael and her team were subject to heavy rocket attacks from the Taliban.

She said: “The attacks were fairly terrifying, as we were living in an area roughly the size of two football pitches and the only thing you could do to defend yourself was to lie on the ground.

“Despite that, I loved every minute of my time there.

“It was a varied and fulfilling tour. Being involved in the rebuilding of a community and seeing the Afghans reclaiming their dignity through this work was a unique experience.”

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