Troops promoted before heading to Afghanistan

Nov 27 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE FINAL countdown is on for Ayrshire troops heading to Afghanistan.

And this week the cream of the crop stood proud as they were promoted ahead of the gruelling tour.

Dozens of troops took part in a parade at their barracks after six weeks of intense training in Kirkcudbright.

And the dedicated soldiers’ families headed up to Penicuik to watch our boys pass out last Friday.

The hard working troops are attached to The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2SCOTS).

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Borton, the commanding officer of the 2SCOTS, explained: “Today marks the end of a non-commissioned officer cadre, and 74 soldiers have passed off the square after six weeks of gruelling training to become lance corporals at a passing off parade in order to mark the successful completion of the course.

“The training involved detailed low level tactics and a lot of leadership skills and admin. It is about teaching them all of the skills needed both in the barracks and on the field onoperations.” At the ceremony, Lt Col Borton thanked the wives of the soldiers who have been apart from their loved ones for weeks.

He added: “Today has been a great opportunity for us to welcome wives and families to come and see the soldiers showing themselves off and doing a great job, and to congratulate them on this great achievement.”

This time next year, the 2SCOTS will be preparing for Christmas in Afghanistan. Something that the troops are already preparing themselves for.

Lt Col Borton continued: “I think that’s probably on the forefront of everyone’s minds, but we are looking forward to going. Next year will be a busy year of training. There are many people in the battalion who haven’t been to Afghanistan yet and are looking forward to the challenge of going over there.”