Guardsman Jamie Janes, 20, of 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, died near Nad Ali District Centre in central Helmand province on Monday morning.
His death took to 220 the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan since the mission began eight years ago.
Lieutenant Colonel Roly Walker, commanding officer of the Grenadier Guards Battle Group, said: “So early in our tour, the tragic death of one of our brave young men comes as a shock. Jamie was a soldier to his heart and a friend to all.”
Guardsman Janes died en route to hospital following an explosion while he was on foot patrol.
Three of his colleagues were also wounded in the blast, which was followed up by an insurgent ambush, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
He was born in Stafford but his family moved to Brighton when he was two.
After beginning his Army career at the age of 16, he joined 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards when he was 18.
He leaves his girlfriend, Kate, three brothers - including one currently serving in the Army - two sisters and his mother.
Lt Col Walker added: “He knew the dangers he would face in Afghanistan but he had the courage to keep soldiering.
“He stood tall amongst his fellow men as an experienced hand who willingly stepped forward to take on the difficult task of clearing routes, and he gave the less experienced soldiers in his section huge confidence.
“He leaves behind a strong impression and his memory will inspire us. I am hugely proud of him, and humbled by his sacrifice.”
Guardsman Janes died in the way lived - “protecting his friends from danger”, Major Richard Green, his Company Commander, said.
“His experience and cool head reassured the younger, less experienced Guardsmen and set their minds at ease as they began to come to terms with the task at hand,” he said.
“He died in the way he lived - protecting his friends from danger; a true Grenadier.”
Lieutenant Alexander Rawlins, his Platoon Commander, said: “Professionally and socially, he was an integral part of 6 Platoon, good at his job and was always up for a laugh.
“He would speak often of his girlfriend, Kate, whom he loved very much and with whom he was hoping to start a family.
“He died as a result of wounds he received whilst on patrol, clearing safe passage for his comrades.”
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth praised Guardsman Janes’ “exemplary service”.
“I was very sorry to learn of the death of Guardsman Jamie Janes, a soldier who, I’m told, had given exemplary service since joining the Army at 16 and had a promising career ahead of him,” he said.
“He had already shown his bravery, professionalism and dependability on a previous tour of Afghanistan and was an integral part of his company.
“He also clearly cared deeply about his family and my thoughts are with them at this very sad time.”
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