Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Prince Harry to go back to Afghanistan

Tony Jones
Saturday 08 May 2010 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Prince Harry could return to serve in Afghanistan after changing his career path in the armed forces and being accepted to train as an Apache helicopter pilot.

The 25-year-old was judged by Army Air Corps commanders to be best suited to the Apache, which is used to locate and kill Taliban fighters, gather intelligence and provide cover for larger Chinook helicopters transporting troops and supplies.

Lieutenant Harry Wales served in Helmand as a forward air controller directing air strikes for 10 weeks in 2007-08 but had to be removed after a website revealed that he was in Afghanistan. The disclosure raised fears that those serving with him would become increasingly targeted by the Taliban.

The Prince, an officer with the Household Cavalry Regiment, became a pilot to increase his chances of being re-deployed to the country.

Speaking last June about his flying training, he said: "I'm really enjoying it and, as everyone knows, it's my easiest way of getting back to the frontline. Maybe safer, maybe not, I don't know."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in