Sharing Challenges and Rewards

C Company, Corporal Aaron Kitts
23rd August 2011

Corporal Aaron Kitts has come a long way since his days at Falmouth Community School: about 6000 miles in-fact, as he is currently on active operations bringing security to the people of Central Helmand, Afghanistan. Aaron, 24, is one of 3 brothers who have served their country and had always dreamed of joining the Army.

As a member of 9 Platoon, 1 Rifles, based in the infamous ‘Green Zone’ he works from a small Check Point manned by British and Afghan soldiers. Although his days follow a similar pattern no two are ever the same and he says “the challenge and excitement of not knowing what will happen” when he steps out on patrol is what he “enjoys most about his career”. Aaron is his team’s second in command responsible for overseeing the preparation of both his soldiers (known as Riflemen) and their Afghan partners and at times stepping-up to take over command of the unit.

He and his Riflemen’s mission is to bring stability and security to protect the local civilians from insurgent brutality and allow trade, education, healthcare and governance to flourish. They patrol through fields and villages daily taking regular breaks to speak to villagers and even enjoy the odd tea break of local ‘Chai’, as well as searching for the waning Taliban.

“We’re a tight knit team and we push ourselves hard, but I wouldn’t change it for the world and knowing I have these lads behind me makes me proud to be a Rifleman. There are insurgents out there, but we focus on helping the people and training the Afghan security forces so they are ready for the day ISAF leaves”.

Aaron’s work is well summed up by Sergeant Rahmatullah his local counterpart “we are very grateful to Corporal Aaron. As our partners his team work closely with us and share the same challenges and rewards”.