THEY say the pen is mightier than the sword but speaking as a reporter due to travel to a war zone I disagree.

If faced with a Taleban insurgent armed with an AK-47 the opportunity of writing an article criticising their behaviour with be small consolation.

It begs the question why am I going.

Some may argue that with Colchester-based troops suffering their worst spell during the current tour, in terms of casualties and serious injuries, it is the wrong time to go.

But again I disagree.

Whatever your views on the current conflict nobody can argue that the bravery and efforts by our soldiers is heroic.

They do not choose where or when to fight but do their duty for their country whenever they are called on by the people we vote in to make the decisions.

And as the military reporter in an Army town I have a responsibility to tell the readers and the public what they are doing and experiencing in our name - especially during a tough and busy period.

I would never for one minute suggest that a reporter going to Afghanistan for a few days, who may not even see the front line, is even in the same ball park (to coin a phrase from Pulp Fiction) as what those from 16 Air Assault Brigade are experiencing.

But the trip gives me an opportunity to get an insight into how life is for our soldiers.

And hopefully then to pass this onto readers to give them a better understanding.

So, with most of the paperwork and a couple of days of training completed, I am as ready as I will ever be.

Slightly scared and more than a little nervous but ready.