Our People in NSW
Trent Chapman - Back to Afghanistan
Ten years ago Maitland’s Trooper Trent Chapman, 27, was running around in Morpeth Bulls’ green and gold. Now he’s in Army camouflage and heading off for his second deployment to Afghanistan.
Trent joined the Army straight from St Mary’s campus. He’d always liked the idea of travel and doing something a bit different.
Soon he will be one of 1550 Australian soldiers in troubled Uruzgan province who will be helping to train Afghan soldiers and to restore peace and stability.
“I started off as a medic for five years then changed to cavalry,” said Trent. “It’s a more combat role, and it means I’m now a Trooper not a Private.
“In Afghanistan we’ll be operating from our main base at Tarin Kot out to forward bases in more remote places. There are a lot more of them on the map now, so what we are doing is working.
“Half way through the deployment we all get some leave and I’ll be heading to Ibitha in the Mediterranean – it’s a bit of a party island!
“After 8 months all my mates will be back so we’re planning a road trip to the USA.
“But first there will be the first beer at home with my mum Jennifer and my sister Kristan. The old duck will have one waiting in the fridge.”