Martyn Bird has just returned from mobilisation in Afghanistan where he and his unit served on the front line.
Martyn Bird has just returned from a tour of Afghanistan where his platoon undertook several important roles. Initially they were sent to carry out Quick Reaction operations around the British Camp Bastion and the American Camp Leatherneck, responding to incidents. As Guard Commander he led a team of 13 men, controlling the main entry point and searching all vehicles as well as searching for IED (Improvised Explosive Devices). Their job also consisted of Force Protection for the Medical Emergency Response Team who perform air rescue.
After three months his unit was sent to assist the Welsh Guards on Operation Panther’s Claw, where his tasks involved reassurance patrols, building relationships with the community, installing over 50 water wells and successfully reopening a local school.
Ready and organised
Such a critical role demands a high degree of preparation and Martyn’s pre-deployment training gave him just that. Following two weeks at Chilwell for military tests, map and first aid training he had training to get his Category C driving licence which is now required for the new armed vehicles and Land Rovers. Following this he began his formal operational training and went on an exercise with 3 Scots. Finally, they were sent to Northern Ireland to train on the kind of fighting vehicles they’d be using on tour.
We did some good training. As we were mobilised as a unit we did a lot of our own training with the permanent staff of the Mercian Regiment, a lot of whom have been to Iraq and Afghanistan so they adapted the training for us."
He is equally appreciative of his employer. Royal Mail have a policy offering a generous amount of additional paid leave. This in turn makes them attractive to Reservists who provide them with a source of hard working, high calibre staff.
My manager can see the leadership skills I bring back to my civilian role. I have the responsibility of managing night collections at work, which is an important job."