TA soldiers off to Afghanistan. Spr James Shales, Spr Tom Richardson, Spr Wayne Le Claire and Lt Leanne Christmas Picture: MATTHEW HOTTON (00861359)

SIX soldiers from the Jersey Field Squadron – five men and a woman – will be serving in Afghanistan during 2010.

The squadron’s second-in-command, Captain Nick Spratley, told the JEP that the squadron’s training was even more important than in the past and was specifically geared up for operations in Afghanistan.

He said: ‘This will be a difficult operational tour of duty. The squadron are very proud to be supporting the Regular Army on an international footing and the soldiers have a wide range of skills to offer.’

Among those being deployed to Afghanistan with 21 Engineer Regiment in March will be Sappers Wayne Le Claire, Grant Feltham and James Shales, as well as Lieutenant Leanne Christmas, who will be acting as a Captain at Camp Bastion.

Sapper Tom Richardson, who is currently serving a two-year attachment with the Regular Army with 43 Battery, 32 Regiment, Royal Artillery, will be deployed to Afghanistan in October with 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Another Sapper from the Squadron, who did not wish to be named, is also preparing for an operational tour of duty in Afghanistan with the 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Reconnaissance Force.