Tackling tough terrain
Trooper Drake is currently deployed to Mali where he has been taking on the challenges of Western Africa
More than 300 British personnel are currently deployed in Mali on the UN Peacekeeping Mission, MINUSMA. Trooper Drake is one of the drivers from the UK’s Long Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG).
MINUSMA is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization mission in Mali. When established in 2013, the mission was asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilisation of the country.
Trooper Drake speaks about his time in Mali as a driver for the UK Task Group👇
Tell us about your role.
“I’m a driver for a reconnaissance troop within the UK contingent of MINUSMA. My job is to drive and maintain my four-wheel drive, a Jackal 2, when we are on base and on patrol, and call in mechanics when necessary. One of the things I like most about my job is being hands-on with the vehicles.
“The terrain and climate is tough and quite bleak, especially now in the dry season, when it’s very sandy, so I really have to focus on picking the best route for the vehicle and knowing when to put my foot down to avoid getting stuck. I’ve really had to adapt and learn new skills to drive in this environment which is exciting for me on a personal and professional level.
“Gao is a challenging place to work. During the day temperatures can reach 51°C (124°F), so it’s extremely hot and unlike anything I have experienced before. On patrol, we are drinking 14 litres of water each day.
What is it like being on patrol with the Task Group?
“Patrolling remote areas brings a sense of security to people living there and helps to reduce criminality like theft. I have been on foot patrol in local village markets where thousands of people are buying and selling the things they need to survive, which is an incredible experience.
“It feels good to be able to contribute to keeping people safer. Because of our presence, they can sleep better at night knowing their crops won’t be taken or their animals stolen. Although Mali is dangerous, we are well trained and well prepared.
“We are good at what we do, so any armed elements would be wary of targeting us.”
What is Mali like?
“This is the first time I have served overseas, and I was expecting a level of poverty in Mali, but it was an eye-opener to see how widespread it is here. We come across a lot of kids without shoes, so one day my colleague bought a pair of flip-flops for a young boy and he was so appreciative.
“There is an endless stream of people arriving; their motorbikes and donkey carts packed high with sacks of rice, millet and tea.
“The steady hum of chatter is interspersed with the bleating of goats and the cries of young children strapped to their mother’s back.”
What is it like engaging with the Malian people?
“I think as a peacekeeper in my 20s, young Malians feel more comfortable with me than they might with an older soldier; I guess they feel as though I am a little different from them than older colleagues. We sometimes play football with local youth which they really like; you can see their faces light up, so it definitely makes them happy.”
“Overall, it’s a really unique experience being here and one which my friends back home in the north of England are quite jealous of. You can see the difference you make as a UN Peacekeeper and that is a rewarding feeling.”
