A SALISBURY man working at Porton Down has scooped an operational service medal for work he carried out in Afghanistan.
Jarrod Cornforth, 33, an operational analyst at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), received his award after completing three tours of duty – the most recent to Kandahar in Afghanistan.
He was presented with his medal on Thursday by Prince Edward, who visited Porton Down to open their new Minerva Building.
“I am very proud,” said Mr Cornforth. “I would do it any way but it is an honour to get the recognition.”
While out in Afghanistan, he acted as an analyst and researcher to support decision making made by front line staff.
This included identifying potential strengths and weaknesses, looking at situation awareness and focusing on logistics.
He has worked for the Ministry of Defence for ten years, and said he fell into the position. “I am glad I did,” he said. “It is the satisfaction that I am out there helping to make a difference to our troops out on the ground.
He received his award alongside five other Dstl workers; Matthew Brookes and Robin Hiley, both based at the Fort Halstead site, and Chris Morriss and Amy de Vries, who also work at Porton Down.
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