A SOLDIER who has just completed his pre-deployment training could be posted to Afghanistan at any time with 24 hours' notice.
Jack Hicks, 20, of Weelsby Road, Grimsby, has travelled to Croatia and Cyprus for gruelling training to prepare for his departure with the Second Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment.
And Jack said he is not bothered if he is sent to Afghanistan over Christmas because he cannot wait to "get back with the lads".
"I am excited because I could be called at any time to be deployed," he said.
"I can't wait to work as a team with all my mates.
"A lot of the Grimsby lads are already out there so it will be good to join them.
"For the past few years, I have been in constant training for my deployment.
"It has been hard work, involving a lot of walking with weights on my back.
"We don't use many vehicles so we have to carry a 50kg bag, which contains weapons and food."
Jack said he hasn't been at home for his birthday for the past three years due to being abroad training.
"I really enjoy travelling and seeing the world," he added.
Second Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment corporal Dean Tofton, 29, of Immingham, is based at the Army Careers office.
He said: "I have been in the Army for seven years and have been placed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Germany and various other places.
"I pass on information and my experiences to potential new recruits.
"As soon as they walk through the door I can tell which category they fit in, such as if they have good grades they could be a medic, or are physically fit they could make a combat role.
"There are roles for females, too, and if they're interested in joining the Army they should come along to the Freeman Street careers office."
For more information about joining the Army, phone 01472 354112 or visit www.army.mod.uk/join
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