WHAT are the risks of working as a soldier in Iraq? I can of course only comment on my own situation, as one of thousands of support soldiers.

The risk is neither as high as some might think, usually based on the two minutes of footage seen on the evening news.

Neither is it as low as I'd suggest to my family during any correspondence and telephone calls.

Thankfully, my mother won't be reading this.

I'm usually based on either of the two main camps, which means I'm pretty "safe", although during the first few days we were introduced to the sound of mortars.

Not ours.

You'll have to believe me when I say the novelty wears off after the first.

We have immediate actions on such events, donning our helmets and body armour, which we carry everywhere.

During our Hallowe'en party, just two minutes before the band were due on, the alarm sounded, the music was cut and various draculas and zombies were sat around in helmets and armour, waiting for the all-clear. Needless to say the party was over.

Of significant risk is moving out of camp, either from road traffic accidents or improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

In this theatre, as in any other, the largest killer is road traffic accidents, speed being the prime cause.

The Highway Code, if it exists for Iraqi civilians, is purely discretionary. The first time I ventured out, we had a vehicle approach us on the "wrong" side of a motorway in the fast lane. This is a fairly common event, if a bit unnerving at the time.

I can't say too much about the IEDs but they do show up from time to time, as the controlled explosions which can be heard at irregular intervals would testify.

My own situation is in contrast to the front-line soldiers who spend each day working at the sharp end, for whom I have an increasing respect.

regards,

Nick