Prince Harry says he killed an undisclosed number of Taliban fighters during his second deployment to Afghanistan. While on his way back to England, he told the Press Association's pool report that he took his enemy "out of the game" during his four months in southern Helmand province.
When asked if he had killed anyone while working as a co-pilot gunner in the Apache attack helicopters, the 28-year-old British heir said, "Yea, so lots of people have. The squadron's been out here. Everyone's fired a certain amount." According the royal, there were times when he had to "take a life to save a life."
In the British Army, Harry, who was referred to as Captain Wales, was trained to operate deadly rockets, missiles and a 30mm cannon. He added, "If there's people trying to do bad stuff to our guys, then we'll take them out of the game, I suppose."
He also mentioned how the roles of Apaches and CPGs have changed since his first deployments back in 2007 and 2008. "It used to be very much: front seat, you're firing the whole time. Now, yes we fire when we have to but essentially we're more of a deterrent than anything else. Our job out here is to make sure the guys are safe on the ground and if that means shooting someone who is shooting at them, then we will do it," said the prince. "It's not the reason I decided to do this job. The reason to do this job was to get back out here, and carry on with a job."
Harry also said that he fit right in with the other soldiers and was treated like "one of the guys".
During the interview, Harry said he was "thrilled" that the duchess, his brother Prince William, and Kate Middleton are expecting and "can't wait to be an uncle."
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