Episode 15 - Operation PITTING with WO2 Adam Croucher & Major Chris Duncalfe

In this episode, we speak to Major Chris Duncalfe and WO2 Adam Croucher about their experience during the Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) of Kabul - Operation PITTING, while in their respective roles of Officer Commanding (OC) and Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of A Company, 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment. Op PITTING marked the end of 20 years of British military involvement in Afghanistan, fighting against the Taliban following the Al Qaeda attacks in the United States in September 2001. We explore how they prepared their Company in the lead up to likely operations, and speak about their insertion into the country and how the operation progressed. We explore the challenges of the operation from a junior leadership perspective, as well as how intent based leadership (or Mission Command) plays a major factor in fostering responsibility, judgement, adaptability and empowerment of others within the team. Finally, we explore the notion of leading by example, particularly when difficult moral decisions must be made, and the utility of responsible challenge and intelligent disobedience in the face of a dynamic and rapidly changing operational situation.