Prince Harry Bound for Iraq

Prince Harry of Britain will be sent to Iraq to command a tank unit, the Defense Ministry confirmed Thursday.

According to CNN, Harry – who is third in line for the throne after his father Charles and brother William -- is expected to be deployed with his Royals and Blues regiment near the southern city of Basra.

British officials have indicated that Harry, 22, could be kept out of situations that could jeopardize his colleagues amid fears he would be a prize target -- or "bullet magnet" -- for insurgents.

However, Harry, who graduated last year from Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, has insisted he does not want special treatment.

"There is no way I am going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country," he said on his 21st birthday.

Britain's Press Association quoted a regimental source as saying that Harry is "over the moon" at the news.

Clarence House, which speaks on behalf of the prince issued a joint statement saying:

"We can confirm today that Prince Harry will deploy to Iraq later this year in command of a troop from 'A Squadron' of the Household Cavalry Regiment.

"Whilst in Iraq Cornet Wales (Harry's regimental title) will carry out a normal troop commander's role, involving leading a troop of 12 men in four Scimitar armored reconnaissance vehicles, each with a crew of three.

"The decision to deploy him has been a military one... The royal household has been consulted throughout."

The statement also warned the press that speculating on Harry's exact location while he's serving could pose a security risk to the prince and his fellow troops.

"This is like President Bush sending a son to the frontline. The decision is both dangerous and courageous at the same time," said Evening Standard royal correspondent Robert Jobson.

"It is a success for Harry but he has become the number one target for insurgents."

Re: Prince Harry Bound for Iraq

I give him a LOT of credit for going, but I don't think he should.

Re: Prince Harry Bound for Iraq

Re: Prince Harry Bound for Iraq

I hate that this is such public knowledge - we should have found out when he came back - he truly is going to be a target over there

i like that he wants to go - he did not join the military just to say so

Re: Prince Harry Bound for Iraq

I admire him for this, but I wish he wasn't going.

Re: Prince Harry Bound for Iraq

I agree with all of you- it really is admirable. I am not a huge fan of the royal family, but I respect the fact that all the men have served in the military, often in dangerous capacities. You can't say the same about some of our leaders and/or their children.

Re: Prince Harry Bound for Iraq

Re: Prince Harry Bound for Iraq

I admire him for wanting to go, but I don't think he should.

It will only further endanger the "regular" guys. Plus, all the extra money for security for him could probably be used elsewhere.