MINDEF LAUNCHES VIDEO SERIES ON DEPLOYMENTS IN AFGHANISTAN

Rocket attacks, harrowing plane rides, and a sweltering desert environment are just some of the challenging conditions Mr Mano Mahendran experienced as he went solo in Afghanistan.

A video-journalist from the Ministry of Defence Public Affairs, he could not turn down the chance to capture the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) soldiers in action in a combat zone.

From the harsh and arid Uruzgan province to the cold and austere environment of Bamiyan province, Mr Mahendran filmed the men and women of the SAF's teams as they made a difference to the lives of the people there.

A 52-man Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Task Group operated to provide aerial surveillance of areas around the base in Tarin Kowt, the provincial capital of Uruzgan, while a 21-man Weapon Locating Radar team provided early warning of rocket attacks for the personnel deployed there.

"I was amazed at how quickly these soldiers adapted to the volatile environment and the uncertain security climate," he said. "Rocket attacks are common, so you need to be extremely alert at all times. But the camp premises were highly fortified with anti-blast walls - a very comforting thought!"

Up north in the Bamiyan province, he met the SAF's six-man engineering team, who persevered against language barriers and freezing temperatures to build a comprehensive health clinic for the locals in the Foladi Valley.

Reflecting on his exciting 14-day journey in Afghanistan, Mr Mahendran said: "It's definitely shaped the way I look at life in general. Never take your peace and security for granted.

"I also have a new-found respect for our soldiers operating in Afghanistan. What they do might seem small, but they're making a significant difference to the multinational operations as well as the lives of many Afghans."

Titled Ops Diaries - The SAF in Afghanistan, the six-part series filmed by Mr Mahendran will be up on cyberpioneerTV channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/cyberpioneertv. Catch the first episode on 20 Jan, 6pm!