Ross arrives at Camp Bastion, he’s given a medical briefing then straight out on an offensive operation in the ‘green zone’, a thin strip of agricultural land that lines the banks of the Helmand.
It’s during this first foray that Ross experiences the dangers faced by British soldiers.
Only a few hours out from base and the convoy immediately behind Ross’ hits an explosive device andthe crew learn that Corporal Darren Bonner has been killed.
Further into their mission B Company patrol come under fire from Taliban positions. Ross and the crew are pinned down in open ground for some minutes by enemy fire before the Army can extract them.