Katie .

From civilian nurse to providing Artillery support to a Brigade

Having wanted to join the Army since joining Army Cadets at 13, I originally trained as a Nurse at the University of Southampton. I soon realised that nursing wasn’t for me as I wanted to focus more on the soldiering side of the Army. Upon commissioning from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst I joined the Royal Artillery. As an Artillery Officer I have been fortunate enough to work in almost every artillery discipline, deploying on several operational tours in role. I have worked in many headquarters, from Company to Corps and experienced working with other Corps, Regiments, Services and Nations. My career has been varied, challenging, hugely rewarding, and certainly never dull!

Designing and delivering projects which impact our people

I am currently employed as a project manager within the Army Headquarters. My day to day role sees me researching, designing, delivering and assuring programmes which are focused on making the Army an even better place for our people to serve.

Knowing that as a team we have the potential to make a real difference

I remember seeing coverage of Gulf War I on the television as I was growing up; I remember thinking that I wished I could do something about these things rather than just watching them helplessly unfold on the television. I felt by joining the Army I had a chance to make a difference, and to play a part in the changing of history. I definitely feel the Army has allowed me to do this and still passionately feel that the British Army is a force for good with the potential to make significant changes.

Figure out what you want, then work hard to surpass it!

The Army provides a whole host of challenges at every level, but it also provides you with the tools to rise to those challenges, and if you so choose, surpass them. The training that the Army provides allows you to find your true and best self, to push yourself and test yourself - work out what you want to achieve, then use your new found skills to achieve even more!

Being awarded a Bronze Star by the US Army

I was fortunate enough to complete a year long attachment to the US Army. Initially I was stationed in Seattle, Washington, before deploying to Iraq on Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On completion of my tour with them I was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone.