9:19AM, Thu Jul 12, 2012

South Shields Soldier On A Mission To Keep British Troops Safe In Afghanistan

By Hugh Macknight Location: South Shields / Afghanistan

A South Shields soldier is teaching thousands of British troops to keep safe from deady explosive devices in Afghanistan.

Bombardier Charlie Lambert, 37, is working as part of a small team providing Counter Improvised Explosive Device training to all the new soldiers arriving in Afghanistan.

Based at Camp Bastion, Charlie and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and Search Task Force train soldiers before they deploy to their Forward Operating Bases and Patrol Bases.

The EOD and search task force also deal with all the bombs and Improvised Explosive Device’s (IED’s) that get found or reported in theatre.

Charlie, who joined the Army in his teens is a member of 19 Regiment Royal Artillery and is now on his third operational tour of Afghanistan, has served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq.

"We have given refresher training to over 8000 soldiers since arriving in theatre, and still have three months left to push of a six month tour," said the former Springfield Comprehensive School pupil.

"We teach all the current drills and skills to a high standard to combat the threat of IED’s. It’s also a good chance for the girls and guys to have a refresher of current practices before they go forward.

"With IED’s leading to the highest casualty rate in Afghanistan it is very important that they receive this training and comply with the right procedures before they get on the ground.

"The British casualty rate from IED’s has come down compared to other nationalities we serve alongside, so it’s already proven that this training saves lives."

Charlie is looking forward to returning home for some leave in the autumn but is not missing the British summer.

"I’m definitely not missing the weather in the UK at the moment; it seems to have been raining nonstop for the last 3 months," he said.