Hamilton soldier John Bryant on way to Afghanistan

Jul 29 2010 Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON teenager from an Army family will be serving his country in Afghanistan before the end of the year.

Fusilier John Bryant was originally in the Army Air Corp.

However, the 18-year-old decided that if he was to be deployed to Afghanistan, he wanted to go as an infantryman.

Fusilier Bryant has now successfully completed the combat infantryman’s course at Catterick.

And at the passing out cermony, held on Friday at the North Yorkshire camp, he won the `best in field’ award for excelling during his training.

His platoon commander, Lieutenant Gordon MacGregor described Fusilier Bryant as a “natural soldier who had found his vocation in the infantry”.

Lt MacGregor added: “He has relished the challenges thrown at him by the course and with his innate soldiering ability, overcome them. “He is a very young man with intelligence and maturity who will go a long way in the army."

After some well-earned leave, the teenager will join The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The battalion are due to go to Afghanistan later this year.

Fusilier Bryant went from school to the Army Foundation College. He spent a year there before being posted to the Army Air Corps.

However, he opted for the life of an ordinary soldier, following in the footsteps of his father, who was in the infantry for 22 years.

The teenager said: “That was an influence but I also prefer the infantry role to what I was doing in the Army Air Corps.

“Although I had the advantage of experience when I went to Catterick, it's still a tough course, but also an enjoyable one.

“I was chosen as the section second-in-command, which put me in the spotlight.

“I was chuffed when my skills in the field and on exercise generally were recognised.

He added: “Some of my friends have joined the army on the strength of what I've told them about the course at Catterick.

“The whole family are proud of what I've done, especially my dad.

“As far as going on operations is concerned, it's a goal I've set myself and I'm about to achieve it. I'm a bit anxious, but I've got more training to do and I'm looking forward to getting out there."