FROM pistol shooting, to learning how to handle large grenade launchers, and working in small eight-man groups, 1 Rifles need to master the skills necessary for the harsh environment they will encounter.

During the training constant drills and scenarios are staged: a mock police UN station comes under attack; an army Land Rover is driven across roads littered with hazards, under threat of ambush; casualties need extracting from a dangerous position navigating through challenging terrain.

Amid all the chaos and din of the battle and weighed down with hot and heavy body armour, the soldiers must keep their wits about them while firing live rounds.

Training officer Captain Chris Pawlowski, 29, from Redbrook, said the training was invaluable.

He said: “Training with live rounds gets them used to thinking of the reality they will be facing.

“The soldiers can go away saying 'I trust him.' This is what makes us really good at our job.”

Major Charlie Grist, 34, from Minchinhampton, commands A Company, he said it was hard work but the troops were enjoying it.

“We focus on the challenges we think we're going to face so there's a lot of live firing and there's a lot of tactical training,” he said.

Rifleman Ben Ashley, 18, from Bristol will be one of those going on his first tour. He is following his two brothers into the army, one of whom is currently in Kosovo with 2 Rifles, Ben is looking forward to getting on with the job.

His fellow rifleman Michael Slater, 19, from Cirencester, wanted to join the army at 15, he will also be on his first tour.

He said: “Afghanistan will be a real experience and I think the adrenalin will kick in if I need it. Being in the army is something I've always wanted.”

But fighting isn't the only consideration on the agenda for the 1 Rifles during their time in Afghanistan. Part of their pre-deployment training also focuses on the interaction with local communities.

Cpt Pawlowski said: “We are not in Afghanistan to invade. We are trying to give the Afghans a chance for a better society, not to destroy it.

“One of our roles is to build dams and bridges, to educate and to bring a chance for democracy.

“Nothing will happen quickly, especially when we continually come under attack, but if we can offer them the opportunity for democracy, then perhaps they will no longer harbour terrorists.”