“One Platoon get cooking in CP PARI”
CP PARI is one of two check points (CP) manned by A Company in the PB1 Area of Operations (AO) at the time of writing. It lies approximately 800M to the south east of PB1 and its close proximity to the Abpashak Wadi is no accident. The CP has a ‘Revivor balloon’ which is a large white blimp with a camera on which provides a bird’s eye view of the area. It has excellent ‘eyes’ on the Company’s Eastern boundary and wadi crossing points used by the insurgency.

Much larger than the ABPASHAK EAST check point, PARI is a mixture of old compound buildings and Hesco Bastion and as a result gives the Platoon plenty of room for relaxation and administration between patrols........(Click on 'read more' below) 

1 Platoon were the first to deploy to CP PARI and set about winterising the check point with some gusto, all in preparation for the coming rains that effected the AO so badly last winter. Roofs were waterproofed, sandbags filled, drainage systems dug and a welfare room was made complete with flat screen TV! This has all complimented the rejuvenated alfresco dining area nicely with special credit going to Serjeant Sammi Mataika and Corporal Gareth Jones who after unleashing hidden DIY skills have improved living conditions for all.

In addition to this the 10 man ration packs issued to CP PARI has unearthed a few hidden chefs from within 1 Platoon. Lance Corporal ‘Baggy’ Burgoyne soon became famous for his pancakes and extra spicy dishes and Rifleman ‘Davey’ Averill also pulled off an absolute blinder of a dinner one evening. The cooking prowess of the Fijians was already well known with Sjt Mataika and Rifleman Benny Bainimoli producing some exquisite suppers which in terms of quality could easily rival any field kitchen.

CP PARI is unique in that it is the only location where a whole Platoon is left to its own devices and as a result is looked forward to by all! Daily patrols are conducted into the local village CHAR KUTSA and we have already started to make friends with some of the residents. It is pertinent to mention at this stage the Afghan Local Police with whom we share CP PARI with. These are locally recruited men who act as an armed neighbourhood watch and have proven extremely valuable when interacting with the locals for 2 main reasons. Firstly it puts an Afghan face on a patrol, often making us more approachable and secondly they know exactly who everyone is and spot any suspicious persons a mile off.

2 Platoon are now in post at PARI and have continued on the work started a few weeks ago. The dining facilities have had yet another extension and the open air gym is shortly to receive a roof. By the time 3 Platoon arrive next week the check point will undoubtedly hold a 5 star rating and will continue to live up to its alternative name, CP Paradise.

Lieutenant Will Ward
Officer Commanding 1 Platoon
A Company
5 RIFLES Battle Group