A FORMER Royal Marine who was shot in Afghanistan is ready to serve his country again — as a firefighter.

James 'Jay' Warnock (pictured) is ready to swap one uniform for another and begin his new career as a firefighter after serving with 42 Commando Royal Marines for six years.

The 27-year-old former Royal Marine based in Plymouth was deployed to Helmand province for six months between 2006 and 2007.

As a reconnaissance operator, he conducted several foot patrols in places like Kajaki and Naw Zad.

Towards the end of his tour, he was shot by enemy fire through one buttock and heel.

James said: "I was lying on the ground firing a machinegun when I was hit by a bullet. It went through one of my buttocks into my heel. It just missed my head.

"Being in Afghanistan was hard work. I did enjoy myself but it was scary at times. There was not a lot of sleep but a lot of adrenaline."

Afghanistan was James' first experience of war.

After being flown back to the UK, James spent five months recovering from his injuries.

It was then he thought about life after the Armed Forces.

James, from Great Headland Crescent, Preston, said: "I would have gone back to Afghanistan. But when I got injured at the end of my tour it just hit home that I could die.

"At the time I was wounded I thought it was part of my job, but I reassessed my life. I decided to leave the Armed Forces because I was fed up with being away all the time. I couldn't settle anywhere."

James left the Royal Marines in June, applied to the fire service and completed his training in Bristol in September.

After his passing out parade, he was posted to Paignton fire station where he is due to start his new career on January 15.

The former KEVICCS pupil said: "Being a firefighter can be a risky job, but I think it should be safer than being posted to Afghanistan.

"Two of my friends from 42 Commando got blown up by improvised explosive devices quite recently. It is something I think about."

James, who has two younger brothers and one younger sister, believes the training he received as a Marine will help him in his new job, especially working as a team, keeping calm in dangerous situations and in pressured environments.

He added: "I think being in the fire service has the same kind of camaraderie than with the Royal Marines.

"We also help the community and it is an exciting job with a buzz and adrenaline rush. It's quite a physical job too. Quite rewarding too."

James's mum Lorraine Cunningham said having her son back home, for the first time in six years and knowing he was safe, was special.

James was shot on Mother's Day and rang home the next day to say he was okay.

Mrs Cunningham said: "When he was serving with the Royal Marines, it was a difficult and worrying time. Now it's nice to have him home and know that he won't have to go to a war zone ever again.

"We're all pleased to have him home serving locally. We're all proud of him of what he has achieved as a Marine and now being accepted in the fire service."