A PORTER with a North-East council is bracing himself for a change of scenery with a call-up to join British reserve and territorial troops poised for action in the Gulf.
Brian Mullin could soon be leaving behind County Hall, Durham, for the warmer climes of a field hospital in Kuwait, should hostilities break out with neighbouring Iraq.
A member of the Territorial Army's 201 Field Hospital 'A' squadron, based in Newton Aycliffe, he is preparing to travel to an Army base at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, for two weeks' top-up training.
That fortnight's preparation will get Mr Mullin's squadron "ready for action".
They should soon learn what their posting will be, with three field units being put on battle station alert.
Two will head to the Gulf, while the third will remain at home to deal with casualties on arrival following transportation back to Britain.
Mr Mullin, a combat technician with paramedic skills, is a qualified first-aider at County Hall.
He is no stranger to military duty as he is a former "regular" soldier, serving three tours of duty in Northern Ireland with the Royal Artillery.
He has been a territorial soldier for 19 years, while working at County Hall for the past 16 years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article