Bermudian Dathan Byrd is mentally preparing for what may be the greatest adventure of his life - the possibility of fighting in Afghanistan.

The 22-year-old, who joined the US Marine Corps three years ago, surprised his family by coming home on leave to Bermuda this Christmas, but will shortly be leaving to begin a six-month deployment.

He believes he could be heading first for the Mediterranean area, but said there was a possibility he would be summoned to go to Afghanistan to help fight America's new war. But the young sergeant, of Hermitage Road, Smith's, did not seem afraid of what lay ahead. Instead, he said he was viewing the possibility of being stationed in the war zone as just another part of the job he has chosen.

He has already spent six months in the Mediterranean on deployment with his infantry section, and is relishing the thought of going back.

“We're just like a presence for the world - to deter violence,” he said when talking about the Marine Corp. Let's say we're taking on a humanitarian role right now (in Afghanistan). We're rebuilding an airport and giving out food - trying to keep the peace, like they did in Somalia.

“But when stuff does arise, well, if we get an order - if we were told go find him (Osama bin Laden), then we'd go find him. Right now we are playing both roles. We could be called at any time.

“We can switch from being nice to fighting.”

Sgt. Byrd said Marines are periodically deployed overseas for six-month stretches. Once there, stationed aboard ships, they perform a multitude of tasks from volunteer-type work, such as rebuilding hospitals or schools, to joining in battle.

As for when he might be called to fight, Sgt. Byrd did not know. He added: “I'm not sure - I'm scheduled to do my regular six months, and that's all I know at the moment. There's no set day or time - nothing runs on a time schedule.

“We can prepare for it, though. Say on Monday, I may be told there is a possibility of me going sometime that week - so I will start preparing straight away. And every day on board the ship we prepare ourselves.That way, we can just throw our stuff in a bag and go. We're usually ready to go within a day.”

His mother, Debbie Byrd, said she was concerned about the possibility of her son going to fight in the war. “People say it's almost over, but I don't think we're getting the true story.” she said.

“And he's not allowed to tell us what's going to happen. But I'm a strong believer in God and I'm just going to pray. He just feels like it's his job.”