The Welsh Cavalry has moved into position in northern Kuwait

Troops in the Queen's Dragoon Guards - known as the Welsh Cavalry - are as far north in Kuwait as it is possible to be.

They are part of the British army's forward units and seem certain to be used to pave the way for commandos and paratroopers to move quickly across the border.

Soldiers in the tank regiment can expect to be scouting and engaging targets inside Iraq within hours.

On the eve of war, some have spoken about their fears in the coming conflict, which now seems inevitable.

'Scared'

Their last few hours in camp have been spent focusing on the task at hand.

It has also meant time to think about friends and relatives.

1st QUEEN'S DRAGOON GUARDS History:- Has roots in units formed by James II in 1685 Modern regiment formed in January 1959 Comprises troops from Wales, Herefordshire and Shropshire Duty:- Ypres, 1914-15 Somme, 1916-18 Afghanistan, 1914 El Alamein Kosovo, 1999 Foot-and-mouth, 2001 Queen Mother's funeral, 2002 Tearful send-off for troops Soldiers head for Gulf Guards on Kosovo mission

While some have busied themselves with work, others have volunteered their fears freely.

Corporal Gareth Thomas said: "I think anyone who says they are not nervous and slightly scared is a blatant liar, because we all are."

He admits to being "a little bit scared" and says: "No doubt it'll increase as we get nearer D-day."

Two things worry him: the unknown, and the thought that he possibly might not make it back to Kenfig Hill, near Bridgend, to see his son and his new wife.

Trenches

Trooper Ryan Thomas said he and his colleagues share their feelings with each other.

He said: "I start thinking about home and if you just keep it bottled up inside you just break down, so we do talk about it amongst ourselves as a crew."

Weeks of desert training will now be utilised for real.

Soldiers filled in trenches before leaving their camp for good - the hours before a battle are also psychologically important.

Major Jeff Houlton of the Royal Engineers, said: "Through talking about their difficulties, their concerns and their anxieties, they will conquer those fears.

Ammunition

"When the day comes for us to go forward, it's too late to be in two minds and I'm sure everybody will be focused on the job in hand."

The men can rely on new laser technology and guidance systems to aid them in their duties.

The cramped interior of tanks and armoured vehicles will be a suffocating temporary home.

But from now on in they will have to be almost self-sufficient, as the regiment's tanks and scout vehicles move with their stocks of food, live ammunition and water on board.

All the preparations have now been made, and the Welsh Cavalry will move into Iraq when ordered and be asked to go to war.

It seems, then, that the time has come for all the training to be put into action.