Postcard from Afghanistan

Matt Stride, Operations Analyst has swapped the comfort of his office at DP World Southampton for the not so comfortable surrounds of Afghanistan and a seven month tour of duty as part of his Territorial Army (TA) career.

Matt left Southampton back in July and began training in various locations in the UK and Germany.  In early October, Matt and fellow TA colleagues were mobilised and deployed to Helmund Province to join the 1st Queens Dragoon Guards in their official role as armour replacement drivers.

During his time in Afghanistan, Matt and his fellow soldiers will provide force protection to senior military personnel and will work from tanks known as Mastiffs, Jackals and Pumas.

Talking about Matt’s deployment, Geof Hansford-Adams, Head of HR, DP World Southampton, said:

“We have a number of employees at the terminal who are involved in the Reserve Forces which we fully support whenever possible.  We are pleased for and proud of Matt passing his training and being able to fulfil his wish to see active service.  Naturally, we wish him a speedy and safe return home.”