Warwick Rotarians hear about Life in Afghanistan from Army reservist.
A serving Army Reservist, Major Lucy Sewell recently gave a presentation to the Warwick Rotarians, offering a compelling account of her deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2012. Lucy also completed a 30 year career as a Police Inspector with Warwickshire Police, successfully balancing the demands of fulltime policing with her commitments to the Army Reserve.
Lucy joined the Army Reserve at the age of 19, motivated by a desire to broaden her horizons. She progressed steadily through the ranks and was commissioned as an officer in 2003. Her commitment saw her training regularly at weekends, often transitioning between policing duties during the week and military responsibilities in her spare time. This dual career afforded her opportunities to travel extensively, including to Canada, France, Germany, Nepal and Austria, before she volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan.
During her six month tour in Helmand Province, Lucy utilised her policing expertise to mentor Afghan police officers. Operating in a highly volatile environment, she became adept at identifying threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and potential sniper positions. Reflecting on the experience, she spoke candidly of the dangers faced and the personal losses endured, having lost friends during the deployment.
She highlighted the complex challenges on the ground, noting that at the time Afghanistan was responsible for the vast majority of the world’s heroin production, remarking, “It’s all about the poppy.” Corruption within local policing structures, she explained, was widespread at both junior and senior levels. Drug use among some officers, inadequate security standards, and uncertainty over allegiances created an atmosphere of mistrust. So-called “green on blue” insider attacks, where Afghan personnel turned their weapons on coalition forces, further eroded confidence between mentors and their counterparts.
British forces were deployed in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021, during which 457 personnel lost their lives. Today, the country remains under the control of the Taliban, and many of the freedoms previously established have since been lost.
Lucy reflected that her service in the Army Reserve significantly enhanced her policing career, contributing to her promotion to Inspector. She credited the experience with developing her resilience, leadership and confidence, as well as strengthening her ability to manage critical and firearms-related incidents and to work effectively with diverse communities.
For those considering a similar path, the Army Reserve offers opportunities for individuals aged 18 to 49 who can commit to 27 days per year. Training is conducted during evenings and weekends, enabling participants to combine military service with civilian careers.
Closing the event, Rotary President Jon Wassall commended Anna’s fortitude and thanked her for sharing her experiences, noting how valuable such insight is within the community. She now continues her service in a role supporting UK resilience.
Major Lucy Sewell with President Jon Wassall
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