In 2007, there was an announcement by the British Army that Prince Harry would not be allowed to serve in Iraq. The decision was based on the threats aimed directly at the prince from sources within Iraq. The prince expressed public disappointment that he would not be able to lead his unit to the front lines.

Fast forward to 2008, where despite the British Army’s hesitance to deploy him, Prince Harry has been spotted on the front lines in Afghanistan. Harry was deployed in December with the rest of his unit, and his location was kept secret due to an agreed upon blackout in the British press. That is, until yesterday when an American website the Drudge Report leaked the Prince’s location. Since the announcement, militant websites have threatened the Prince’s welfare and worried the British Army. The decision is still pending as to where Harry will be transferred.

Many have questioned Harry’s devotion to serving with his group, Joint Tactical Air Control, in active combat. The Prince sees himself as a normal solider, only superior to those below his rank of cornet (second lieutenant). I believe Prince Harry should be applauded. Politicians in the United States try to keep themselves and their children away from active duty, while encouraging young voters to enlist. Pride in one’s country and a sense of duty is something that the crown seems to possess that our own leaders are lacking. Kudos to Harry; as for American politicians, please sit up and take notice from this devoted royal.

Do you think military service should be a bigger part of politics in America, or are those British just archaic?