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Lessons to be learned in Afghan battle zone
Not even bullets and bomb attacks from the Taliban can help our troops escape their homework.
That is because Fulwood-based Captain Declan Lynn, who normally works at the city's barracks, aims to keep them well educated on the frontline in Afghanistan so they can gain GCSEs and a range of other qualifications.
Capt Lynn, who runs the Army Education Centre at the barracks, has developed his own self-styled "University of Shorabak" at the Shorabak base in Helmand Province where he carries out lessons and sets work for soldiers.
He explains: "Basically, for quite a few of the guys, school wasn't particularly their favourite time.
"They have come out and joined the Army, but in order to promote between the ranks and be effective managers as they take on more management responsibilities, they need those basic skills to be developed a little bit further.
"I'm here to bridge that gap and get them up to the standard required. We concentrate really on three main areas.
"In accordance with national guidelines, we work with their basic literacy and numeracy skills and try and get them up to level two standard, which is the equivalent of A to C at GCSE level."
After joining the Army 10 years ago, Captain Lynn completed his military training and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) teaching qualification before being deployed twice to Iraq, which he described as a "fantastic experience".
Capt Lynn is currently seconded to the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), usually based at Weeton Barracks, near Kirkham, but is serving out in Afghanistan until his six-month tour ends this spring.
He is also involved with the development of the Afghan National Army, which includes teaching English.
He says: "I operate on a drop-in basis where people who realise or know they have work to do, or are on a course, can drop in at any time.
"They will let me know what it is they want to do and I will give them a time or an appointment to come back, I'll prep some work for them and we'll work on it together."
He remains dressed for combat in a soldier's uniform complete with body armour and rifle and says he will not force soldiers to learn.
Capt Lynn adds: "At the end of the day I'm very conscious that the (education) officer is more than a teacher that goes to work in green kit or desert uniform – we are soldiers first and teachers second.
"Obviously forcing education on them wouldn't be productive.
"Education is a very individual thing.
"And I always treat adult education as something that people elect to do.
"I'm not going to be running after anybody and tell them they need to be doing their homework while they are in base, but I will work with anybody that is willing to work."
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
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