Best of both worlds for man on a mission

Lance Corporal James Hylands

AN engineer from Shaw has been deployed to Afghanistan after signing up to serve part-time in the Army.

Lance Corporal James Hylands, a member of the Territorial Army, has waved goodbye to his family and his day job as a civil engineer to embark on a tour of duty in Helmand Province.

The 39-year-old is now serving with the 73 Armoured Engineer Squadron, in the 21 Engineer Regiment.

Challenges
He said: “I have enjoyed the first few weeks of the tour and am looking forward to the continued challenges it will bring.”

James originally enlisted into the Royal Engineers Territorial Army at Failsworth Barracks where he completed his training in May, 2000.

He has attended annual camps in Germany, Cyprus and Scotland.

He also completed Mission Specific Training.

So when the opportunity came along for an operational tour he jumped at the chance.

The keen runner added: “I’ve enjoyed serving in the TA with the Royal Engineers.

“It provides a greater depth to soldiering and the skills I have learned help me to be in better shape for my civilian career as well as in the military.”

But he has not forgotten his roots just yet.
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