A LOCAL soldier from Kilgetty is preparing for his first military operation abroad. Private Paul Simpson enlisted into the 1st Royal Welsh Regiment over a year ago at Haverfordwest's Army Careers Information Office (ACIO), following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who both served with the British Army. Born in Zimbabwe, the 18- year-old is heading to Cyprus with his regiment for pre-operational briefing before flying to Afghanistan at the end of May. Paul, who has spent the last 12 months completing his training at Catterick, North Yorkshire said: "Joining the Army has always been an ambition of mine. Since visiting my local Army office in Haverfordwest over a year ago, my life has completely changed for the better. I've worked so hard for the last 12 months, learning new skills and getting to know my fellow students - it's now time to put all that effort to good use." Sergeant Barry John, who welcomed Paul to Haverfordwest's Army Careers Information Office in 2005, added: "I'm so pleased to see that Paul is doing so well. He impressed everyone whilst a student at the Army Preparation Course, he impressed us in the office and I know he will prove an asset to the Army. "When he first visited us here in Haverfordwest he relished a career with a Welsh regiment. He has passed all his training with flying colours and is now about to start another chapter in his life with his first military operation fast approaching. I wish him the very best of luck." For further information on the 1,400 different career paths available with the Army, log on to http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk">www.armyjobs.mod.uk, call in to the Army Careers Information Office, Dalton VC Centre, Freemans Way, Haverfordwest or phone 01437 767329.
