"We've been watching the television night and day, Nate. Do you know where you're going?"

"I can't tell you that, Mum. I'm just going into Afghanistan with my men."

I did know where I was going. Bravo and Charlie Companies of 40 Commando were inserting into Bagram Airfield. The base had been secured by our very own Special Boat Service (SBS) during the early days of the invasion. What excited me was the fact I knew the 82nd Airborne would be based out of Bagram. One thing I did know was my military history. Sort of...

"When do you ship out?"

"Soon, Mum. You know I can't go into exact...