Royal Welsh in Afghanistan at Christmas
As hundreds of Welsh soliders prepare to spend Christmas on the frontline in Afghanistan -
Real News has been speaking to the families they've left behind.
Hundreds from the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh are begining their six month tour in Camp Bastion in Helmand province.
2nd Lieutenant Mark Lewis is from Swansea.
It's his first time out in Afghanistan.
Hear the interview with his mum Sandra
The soldiers are making up the extra five hundred British troops needed in the country.
It's a six month tour of duty for many.
Fusilier Nick Shipton is from Radyr in Cardiff.
It's his third tour in Afghanistan.
The soldiers will focus on providing a secure environment for the people of Afghanistan.
They'll be working in partnership and mentoring Afghan forces.
Their focus is providing stability operations aimed at helping reconstruction and development of the country.
Fusilier Kevin Jenkins is from Caldicot.
It's his second tour - but his first visit to Afghanistan.
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock says:
"I am fully confident in their skills and preparation.
We have been on standby for some time and are now focused on getting out there and doing the job.
"This is my second Christmas away and it doesn't get any easier but it is something we can get on with.
"There are stacks of parcels going out there and we make sure everyone can speak to their families back home."
Real News Reporter Jessica Johnson speaks to Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock
The 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh are based at The Dale Barracks in Chester.
They're a light role infantry battalion.
Corporal Dylan Davies is from Carmarthenshire.
He's a married father of one.
His wife is due to give birth in January.
Find out how he feels about the tour
Lance Corporal Steven Courtney is from Neath.
It's the 24 year old's 2nd tour in Afghanistan.
He spoke to Real News about his feelings on going
Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammel watching a training exercise last week.
He described the soldiers as dedicated professionals saying "I know they are going to do a fantastic job."
He also explained why the extra soldiers are deploying,
"It allows us to build up the Afghan forces' capabilities so we can eventually withdraw.
"We can't withdraw at the moment because if we did the Taliban would return
and the terrorists could target this country and others."
Lance Corporal Phil Shortman is from Glynneath.
It's his second tour of Afghanistan.
His wife is due to give birth to his first child in May, when the battalion is due to return from their tour.
Lance Corporal James Phillips is from Pembrokeshire.
It's the 20 year old's 3rd tour of Afghanistan.
Jackie Samuel is from the Rhondda.
Her son David is in Afghanistan. It's his fourth tour.
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