Harry takes Afghan role 'in his stride'

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Prince Harry takes "everything in his stride" as a helicopter pilot on the "front line of a terrifying war" in Afghanistan, a British military official said.

The 28-year-old prince arrived in Afghanistan at the beginning of September for a second tour of duty. He's a co-pilot on an Apache helicopter.

The prince is "taking everything in his stride," the military official recently told The Sun.

"When in the air his role is diverse. This is no game and Harry is on the front line of a terrifying war," said the official, whose name was not reported.

"He's in the thick of it and is one of the lads. He's genuinely liked and respected by his comrades, and if people think flying an Apache in a war zone is privileged child's play they're on another planet. He's genuinely risking his life in a war zone because he loves the army and his country."

Harry also is a gunner. He is responsible for operating the aircraft's weapons systems, including Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun.

His team is typically involved in missions to provide cover for British helicopters vulnerable to ground fire as they move personnel or rescue injured troops, the official said.