As we drove in convoy through Sangin town I noticed the soldier in the vehicle behind me had his machine gun trained on anyone and anything at the side of the road – men on scooters, women, children and vehicles.

Given the risk of suicide bombers and Taliban launching an attack on troops no chances can be taken – particularly in busy market areas where danger can come from any angle.

Last week three Marines were tragically killed near Sangin by a suicide bomber in the form of a teenage boy pushing a wheelbarrow. Everyone is a potential threat – no chances can be taken.

Looking through the peep hole in the back of the Snatch I tried to see how the locals reacted to staring down the barrel of a machine gun. They all froze, as they are expected to do, and did not look visibly shaken up or frightened.

Part of the culture shock out here for me is the bizarre way the paraphernalia of war – be it loud explosions, gun fire or even the site of machine guns quickly become a normal part of everyday life.

As I was musing this latest little observation the Snatch suddenly stopped in the middle of the town, causing me to panic slightly.

A loud bang then cracked through the air, scaring the living daylights out of me. I later learned a soldier on lookout through the top of the snatch had let a flare off because a civilian vehicle in the path of the convoy had not moved out of the way.

The flares, which make a loud sound like a shot, produce a flash of green or red giving a warning to whoever is in the way to move.

The flare thankfully worked, the vehicle duly moved aside and, with some relief on my part, we were soon on our way.

I had never fully appreciated the risk that troops face when they have to move about on the road. The path has to be checked for IEDs before the convoy leaves and personnel have to be on full alert for Taliban attacks or suicide bombers as they make the journey.

The organisation, communication and precision with which the soldiers carry this out is absolutely phenomenal. They put their lives and limbs at risk daily and the way they counteract the threat is incredibly professional.

I can see how they form incredible bonds of trust out here - relying on each and every team member to keep everyone safe.

I am due to be flying out of Sangin tomorrow (Dec 17) and I have to say I will be sad to leave here. It has been a privilege to see how 1 Rifles work and I have met some fantastic people.

Keep your heads down guys and stay safe.