William to begin command training

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Prince William is to begin a four-month Army training course on commanding reconnaissance units.

The 24-year-old, who graduated from Sandhurst in December, will be taught how to be a Troop Leader in charge of armoured Scimitar vehicles.

The course will include field tactics, live firing and vehicle maintenance.

William, who is a member of the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals like Prince Harry, is heading to Bovington Camp in Dorset.

The course, which starts on Thursday, will prepare William to take charge of around a dozen soldiers equipped with four Scimitar vehicles, used to scout out the enemy.

Driving course

It includes sections on commanding soldiers in various simulated operational settings and maintaining armoured vehicles, weaponry and other specialist equipment.

Using the unit's weapons, signalling and driving a Scimitar are also taught.

Scimitars are equipped with thermal and visual sights allowing scouting in all weathers and are armed with a 30mm cannon and a general purpose machine gun. Harry is going to Iraq on a tour of duty to the frontline, also as a Troop Leader, in the next few months.

It is not thought William will see frontline duty as he is believed to be planning attachments with the Navy and RAF to prepare him for his future role as head of the Armed Forces.