A SOLIDER has deployed to Helmand Province for his third tour of Afghanistan during a crucial phase of the campaign. 

Staff Sergeant Harley Upham, aged 32, of Taunton, is serving with CYCLOPS Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (2 RTR) in the Nahr-e Saraj District.

One of his roles is to provide support to the Afghan National Army as they take the lead on delivering security to their people for the first time.

The dad-of-three said: “There has been a huge change in their capability. They are now planning their own missions and carrying them out independently of British and coalition forces. They are also providing their own support in all but the most extreme cases.”

Harley first deployed to Helmand in 2006 with an infantry unit, and was awarded a Joint Commander’s Commendation.

Four years later he deployed with 2 RTR operating in heavily-armoured Mastiff vehicles and was Mentioned in Dispatches for his bravery under fire on an operation.

For his current tour, Harley is using his experience and working directly with Afghan Army soldiers as they secure Helmand this summer.

“The ANSF are firmly in the lead now,” he said. “They have proven through their successes that they can do this without our help and they are ready to look after their own future.”