by Dave Salter
Northern News Services

NNSL (DEC 16/96) - Join the army and see the world. That was a popular slogan in the 1970s.

Well, Paul Green of Hay River will travel through Europe in the New Year and he will carry a gun. But he'll be shooting targets on the biathlon circuit -- not enemy soldiers.

The 25-year-old is a member of the national "B" biathlon team and is heading to Germany for the World Cup championship in early January.

He'll continue his overseas trek with stops in Italy, Switzerland and the Czech Republic for Europa Cup events.

Green is no stranger to European competition -- last year he trained for three months in Norway.

And in November, Green qualified for the national team during trials in British Columbia. He admits he was disappointed he didn't make the "A" squad -- which features Olympic standout Myriam Bedard -- but not discouraged.

"I was happy with my shooting, it makes up for my skiing, which isn't as strong."

Green placed fourth in the individual event and second in sprint.

The following weekend he finished second overall in the 20-kilometre individual race and 10th in the sprint.

Green says his long-term goal is to compete in the 1998 Olympics. To do that he'll have to post qualifying times at World Cup events.

"I think it's possible. The Olympics are my ultimate goal."

Green's old coach Pat Bobinski of Hay River wouldn't be surprised if Green achieved Olympic glory.

"He's a very hard-working, dedicated athlete," says Bobinski.

"He's one of the best, if not the best biathlete to come out of the North. He's certainly the most driven.

He was also a talented wrestler as a kid. I'm just glad I stole him away for biathlon."

When Green returns from Europe in late February, he'll compete in the nationals in Camrose, Alta.

Paul is not the only biathlete in the family. Sister Moira was NWT junior athlete of the year in biathlon last season and is presently competing with the University of Saskatchewan.