Britain's Prince William wants to fight in Afghanistan. The future king - who turns 27 on Sunday - is keen to follow in his younger brother Harry's footsteps by serving on the frontline for his country.
William said Thursday: "I didn't join the forces to be mollycoddled or treated any different. As far as I am concerned, if Harry can do it then I can do it."
"You talk to everyone else and it's impossible but I still remain hopeful there is a chance. As a future head of the armed forces it's really important you at least get the opportunity to be credible and to do the job I signed up for the best I can. That's all I have ever wanted."
The royal left the army to join the Royal Air Force and is set to become an operational search-and-rescue pilot next summer.
William and Harry - who spent 10 weeks fighting the Taliban as a forward air controller last year - are both training at the Defense Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury, in Shropshire.
Harry, who is sharing a house off base with William, chose to enter helicopter training after being told he could not serve in war zones on the ground again because of heightened fears for his safety.
The 24-year-old prince 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. To get out to Afghanistan again would be fantastic and my best chance is to do it from a helicopter."
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