Stephen Cartwright: Home comforts key to keeping troops' spirits up in heat of battle

It's been rollercoaster ride of tough training and meticulous preparations for seven months of exhausting work in the harsh desert of Afghanistan, in temperatures peaking at 55C, away from loved ones and home comforts. This was followed by homecoming parades, memorial services and a difficult period of adjustment. My admiration for the men and families coping with all these challenges is boundless.

Finally, we have enjoyed a well-earned rest and time to reflect. Our tour was an amazing experience. We had an exciting role as the "flying squad" of southern Afghanistan, heading out on 21 specific missions deep into Helmand and Kandahar – some operations lasted for 24 hours, others took a gruelling ten days with the constant threat of explosives, booby traps and gunfire.

We targeted Taleban narcotics and bomb factories, destroying them and tonnes of drugs destined for UK shores. We worked with the Afghan army, helping train its troops to provide its own effective defence force.

But the enduring memory I have is of team work at all levels, with everyone delivering. I am particularly proud of our success around Babaji, thanks to operation Panther's Claw. There is tangible progress there, with roads open, thriving bazaars, wheat seed distribution and new schools.

The Afghans are proud people, but grateful for these improvements and the removal of Taleban rule. There is constant evidence of real progress and we must not give up. Bringing development and security to these areas takes time. As soldiers, we measure success by the drip-drip of missions accomplished. We also know the dangers, which sadly saw us lose six of our fine men. Their deaths hit us hard, but this is not failure; we are proud of their achievements and they died as heroes.

The support from home has been of great comfort – the generous letters and parcels always boost morale. Prince Charles himself sent boxes of Duchy biscuits.

I was staggered by the sheer number of people at parades in Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perth throughout December. Even on cold, foggy days , people came in droves to cheer the battalion.

In Inverness, our home for just two years, the welcome was warm and heartfelt – I was tingling with pride. We continue to have strong family, community and recruiting links to these areas, which we hold dear whether at home or abroad.

But in thanking the public for its support, I also ask for its patience. It's in our interests to succeed in Afghanistan for the good of the Afghan people and to prevent terrorism on our own streets in the UK.

So what's next for 3 Scots? A soldier's life is a busy one, and 2010 brings new challenges. We will focus initially on generating junior leaders, welcoming recruits and getting everyone fit, including injured soldiers who have a new rehabilitation instructor helping them return to duty.

In the summer, we will train in Kenya, before becoming the "operational standby battalion", on 24 hours notice to move anywhere in the world, to provide humanitarian aid or emergency evacuations. These activities give us something to aim for, allowing us to regroup into a cohesive team.

So the medals pinned on our chests signify the battalion coming full circle; one chapter closed, a new one starting. We wish our fellow Scots soldiers well as they head to Afghanistan this spring. We hope they continue to enjoy Scotland's backing – it gives us all strength and cannot be underestimated.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright is Commanding Officer of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland