Toby Graham, aged 20, is currently serving with the 3 Rifles in Northern Helmand Province as part of a six-month tour of duty.
After showing great skill in training he has became a key member of the highly trained Fire Support Group (FSG), a role which is normally reserved for more senior soldiers.
In this role he operates the long range, heavy calibre weapons from the Army's latest vehicle platform, the Jackal.
Sadly, one of Rfn Graham's best friends was killed in action just after Christmas and three others have been injured in the fierce fighting.
Talking about one of the incidents Rfn Graham said: "In a recent operation I was called into action when I saw insurgents laying Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the dead of night. Once I received confirmation that this is what they were doing, I waited for my orders and then successfully engaged them at long range using a Javelin missile.
"These (IEDs) are deadly weapons and the enemy plant them indiscriminately. The reality is that they kill and maim more Afghan civilians than they do British soldiers."
Rfn Graham's job also involves working closely with the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.
He said that although at first he was sceptical about working with them nothing he had read or heard matched up to his expectations.
Rfn Graham attended Mount's Bay School before joining the Army when aged 18. He is now looking forward to returning to Newlyn to spend some leave with his family and friends.
He added: "I have a large family back home on the Gwavas estate and I have missed them during the tour but living together with all the lads out here is like having a second family.''
Rfn Graham's family is looking forward to welcoming him home.
His older brother Steven has described him as a "bit of a rascal".
He said: "He is mad as a hatter, he is a bit of a joker and clown but well known and liked in Newlyn and Penzance. Although the family believes the Army was the right thing for him we are nervous when he is out there. He enjoys doing what he gets paid for doing and gets on with things. He does not see it as having it rough and has never complained about the kit."
Steven says Toby is a very good sportsperson and that they both enjoy playing bingo at the British Legion in Newlyn.
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN