Perthshire soldier serving more than his country on front line
ByThe Courier Reporter
Reservist Gary Carling is deployed on his first tour of duty at Observation Post Dara.
A Perthshire soldier is grabbing a “pizza” the action on the front line as a chef.
Reservist Gary Carling realised he was no slouch in the kitchen during his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.
The 29-year-old labourer, who is currently serving with 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), used to prefer leaving the cooking to his wife Gemma.
That all changed though when he was deployed to Observation Post Dara in Helmand Province.
“Before we came here, I rarely set foot in the kitchen,” he said. “When we came to Dara though, it was sink or swim as we all had to take turns cooking for the rest of the guys.
“I had to learn pretty quick and it can be a fair bit of pressure when you have loads of guys coming off duty looking for something good to eat.”
Gary, a dad of two, discovered a skill for making pizzas from scratch and boasts a repertoire of three flavours steak, tuna and chicken.
His creations have been a hit with the troops, who said their pal could “give Dominos a run for their money”.
Perthshire soldier serving more than his country on front line
