Home Away from Home? Life on British Tactical Bases in Afghanistan

When the UK armed forces deploy overseas, they operate from static locations known as operational bases. Historically and through to the present day, troops on deployment engage with a range of ‘placemaking’ activities, including displaying photos, creating murals and building furniture. The British military also provides troops abroad with a Deployed Welfare Package, including radio, TVs and live entertainment. Previous research indicates that by creating a ‘home away from home’, tactical bases provide both a physical and mental sanctuary for American troops. Derwin Gregory shows that certain ‘home’ comforts can be detrimental to the operational efficiency of deployed British troops, while placemaking activities merely provided a goal-oriented activity to prevent boredom.