Siblings are TA's true band of brothers 20.07.11
36Three Territorial Army soldiers - all brothers - are heading to Afghanistan together to be attached to the same battalion. Three of the Neal family's 10 children -- eight sons and two daughters -- are reservist riflemen and another is just beginning regular army selection. Rifleman Darryl Neal, 24, recruited his brothers Kevin, 23, and Shaye, 20, three years ago. He said: "Once you're in, it sort of expands and you start trying to bring other people in, your friends and that, and I thought well why not me brothers." The three are being tested to the limit on a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise at Otterburn Ranges ahead of their deployment with 5 RIFLES. They are not in the same company: Two are in one and one is in another. Rifleman Shaye Neal said: "My poor mum. She's very proud, she's miserable, she's getting all the information she can by going to the welfare briefs just to help her feel a bit better about things." At least she has the comfort of knowing the three brothers can support each other throughout the deployment. As for who's taking care of whom, Darryl said: "No-one looks after anyone, all look out for each other." And they all agree there is no-one else they would rather go to war with!