War Stories, Episode 1: A British Infantry Officer in Afghanistan, 2007

War Stories, Episode 1: A British Infantry Officer in Afghanistan, 2007

From War Studies by Department of War Studies

March 26, 2026 · 1h 26m

About this episode

The episode explores the experiences of a British Infantry Officer in Afghanistan during 2007, focusing on the challenges faced in counter-insurgency operations.

In the inaugural edition of the War Studies War Stories podcast series, hosted by King’s alumni Rupert Lane and Nick Denning (War Studies, 2002-2005), Ru and Nick briefly explain what they’re looking to achieve in this series, through the use of King’s own unique resource - its alumni and their experience of war (built on King’s War Studies ‘Experience of War’ module). Ru and Nick then take a deep dive into the life of a Platoon Commander in the high intensity counter-insurgency conflict in Helmand, Afghanistan, 2007, through the eyes of co-host Nick’s own experiences, serving with the Royal Anglian Regiment in Nowzad. Ru delves into the challenges Nick’s unit faced fighting the Taliban in the Afghan summer covering the experience of warfare, through tactics, morale and combat, working in a hostile environment with a civilian population just trying to survive. Further Reading • News clip: https://youtu.be/hTH0yMuc3pQ?si=c2jC_nz2vF6Ck4_v • Press: https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/aug/05/military.afghanistan • Podcast 1…

People in this episode

Hosts: Rupert Lane, Nick Denning

Topics covered

  • British Infantry
  • Afghanistan
  • Counter-insurgency
  • Military Experience
  • War Stories

Keywords

  • British Infantry
  • Afghanistan
  • Royal Anglian Regiment
  • counter-insurgency
  • warfare
  • military tactics
  • combat experience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Royal Anglian Regiment

Places: Helmand, Afghanistan, Nowzad

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