PRINCE Harry cleared a major hurdle in his quest to return to the front line yesterday after being declared an Apache helicopter top gun.
The third in line to the throne is now “limited combat ready” and could return to Afghanistan in the next six to 12 months.
The prospect of him taking on the Taliban comes while Prince William serves with the RAF as a search and rescue pilot in the Falklands despite Argentine fury.
Prince Harry – or Captain Wales – served in Afghanistan in 2008 as a forward joint terminal attack controller, guiding Apaches, bombers and drones into attacks on the Taliban. His tour of duty was cut short after foreign media blew his cover but he has made no secret of his desire to return.
Yesterday the Army Air Corps formally declared him and more than 20 comrades “limited combat ready” on the £40million Apache attack helicopters after a gruelling 18-month course.
 Yesterday the Army Air Corps formally declared him and more than 20 comrades “limited combat ready”  |
Prince Harry, 27, completed a two-month exercise in the US where he proved his skills in handling the two-seater aircraft in mountainous and desert conditions. At a dinner at Wattisham air station, near Ipswich, Suffolk, he was awarded the prize for best co-pilot gunner – a polished 30mm round from an Apache cannon mounted on a stand. It is only the second time the award has been made.
It means that the Prince proved himself to be the “best front-seater” on the course.
Prince Harry, who is still an officer with the Household Cavalry, has now been assigned to 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment Army Air Corps at Wattisham as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade.
In Afghanistan he is likely to have a price on his head. He has already undergone tough hostage training in which he was hooded and subjected to simulated torture.
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