- ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Jamaican Brian Arnold, a member of the British Royal Marines, Commando Unit, in full uniform.
Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
BRIAN ARNOLD is an extraordinary Jamaican. At 25, he has completed a tour of duty in Iraq as a member of the British Royal Marines Commando Unit and is preparing for his second overseas tour early next year.
Home in Jamaica on a recent vacation, Arnold spoke about his experience as a British marine and his future.
Like many other unemployed youth, Arnold could have hung out on the streets off Washington Boulevard in Kingston, but a 2002 visit to his brother in England changed his prospects.
"I was a cadet at Meadowbrook High School (St. Andrew) and was named best recruit/ cadet. My brother knew of my interest in the marines so when I went to London, he got me brochures and forms and I applied. I got no response, so I went to the careers office and found the Royal Marine Corps to be the most challenging," he told Flair when asked how he had got into the marines.
The process, he said, was not difficult if you discounted a 30-week training period during which recruits learn to use weapons, drive various units, do cliff assaults, boxing, martial arts, drills and other tactics vital for survival.
"I like the challenge of life as a marine and the respect accorded to us," said Arnold.
"I was assigned to 40 Commando Unit and was told we would be going to Iraq. My unit had 300 men and we went to Iraq in July 2002 and spent six months before being lucky enough to come off duty on January 18, 2005."
Each marine is signed for 22 years, but can decide to quit after four and a half years. In his case early departure would jeopardise his permanent residency in Britain.
"I'M NOT AFRAID OF DYING"
Although unwilling to use the word 'war' to describe the current situation in Iraq, Arnold said he had visited many of the trouble spots in Iraq.
"I am not afraid. I joined the marines for pride and I don't approach my job in fear, and I am not afraid of dying. I think of living for family and friends. I only get frightened when I telephone home and my friends and family are afraid because of what they see on television."
Except for one occasion when his camp came under mortar attack while travelling in landmine-infested territory, Annold's unit did not encounter much hostility.
As for the attitude of Iraqi citizens to the foreign forces, Arnold said that for the most part they were happy for the troops' presence, although the American soldiers got the brunt of the hostility.
THIRSTY FOR DIRTY PICTURES
He discovered while on prison guard duty that although Iraqi nationals observe strict religious practices, they were always thirsty for pornographic material.
In spite of the risks involved, Arnold, who is now back in camp, said he would return to Iraq if he had to. Next year he is scheduled to go to Afghanistan. He revealed that before going on dangerous missions they carefully rehearse several times.
"We are mainly involved in taking supplies to the coalition forces, but we always have to be on the lookout for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); there are many minefields close to the borders so we travel with Electronic Counter Measures (ECMs)."
Arnold noted that the wealth of the Middle East was not evident in Iraq, except in the capital Baghdad. Kuwait, bordering Iraq, was not bad either but there were few trees, he added.
"In the summer, taking a shower is like being in a steam room. November to January are cooler months."
JAMAICA MORE DANGEROUS THAN IRAQ
How does he compare the violence in parts of Jamaica to his experience in Iraq? "This is not a war, but compared to Iraq, it is more dangerous because in Iraq, we have an entire company looking out for each other. Here you don't have that. Our young people need to be gainfully occupied so they don't resort to crime."
A MARINE'S PAY
Salary for marines range from £700 to 1,200 monthly. The higher end of the range is paid to marines in overseas combat. They also get a health package that provides free dental and eye care and each marine is insured. They are also given three meals a day and missing a meal incurs a penalty.
ROMANCE
And what about romance? Is there a special person in this marine's life? He insisted that he did not have time for a serious relationship now because given the circumstances, he could not commit to anyone.
