War Story 028: Mike Harrage, 216 Parachute Signals Squadron (Afghanistan)

Mike Harrage is a former British Army soldier who began his military career as a Radio Operator in the Royal Signals. Early on, he realised he wanted to push himself further and volunteered for the Airborne Forces straight out of training. After successfully completing P Company and his parachute training, he earned the coveted Maroon Beret and Parachute Wings.

Mike deployed on two operational tours of Afghanistan, experiencing combat on both. His first tour as a Company Signaller attached The Royal Irish Regiment, operating from a patrol base in Nade Ali, Helmand Province.

He later deployed on a second tour as an attachment to a Special Operations advisory team. Made up of International Special Forces SNCO’s and Officers they were tasked with advising the Crisis Response Unit, a Special Forces Squadron in an elite Regiment of Afghan National Police operating in Kabul. 

Known for his sense of humour, Mike tells his story with an emphasis on the laughter and banter that helped soldiers endure some of their darkest moments. Always a smile on his face.

Today, Mike works professionally in telecommunications and is also an emerging DJ. He has written a number of poems reflecting on the soldier’s experience in Afghanistan, aiming to give a voice to those who did not return. In the near future, he plans to launch a platform to share these works more widely.

Instagram: @blactionman

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