Deegan W.

From riding a horse on parade to driving tanks across the prairie.

I joined the Household Cavalry which is a union of the two most senior regiments in the British Army; The Life Guards and The Blues & Royals. It is divided into the Household Cavalry Regiment and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. I first went to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment the ceremonial face of the regiment in 2012 and conducted mounted state and public duties in London. My skills and training took me across the UK and the rest of the world to conduct key international events, all whilst representing the Monarch and the Nation. After spending three years in the mounted regiment, I went to the Household Cavalry Regiment, which is the operational unit, providing an armoured reconnaissance capability with now the state-of-the-art AJAX armoured fighting vehicle. The soldiers are foremost armoured reconnaissance experts but also specialise in other battle winning capabilities, including snipers, drones, and information activity. I was fortunate to be involved in Anti-tank, combat engineering, infantry support and spent a year as a diving instructor.

Recruiting Coordinator at Norwich Army Careers Centre

I am currently 1 year into a 2-year posting at Norwich Army Careers Centre. My job means I help applicants with advice about careers in the Army and exploring their options within a future career. I also help to organise events to spread awareness of the opportunities within the Army. I use the experience I have gained from my time in the Army, to give others the best insight into the army, so they can utilise the best opportunities the army can offer.

Talking to people about the potential opportunities in the Army.

Most people I speak to, whether its potential candidates who come into the recruitment centre or (sometimes) their parents, few really understand the short- and longer-term benefits of a career in the British armed forces. There are those who apply with serving family members who may have encouraged their application but even then, few understand the list of financial benefits, that by far eclipse the perks of almost any civilian job. I enjoy talking about the subsidised food accommodation and family housing, the education incentives, free adventure training expeditions, sports training and equipment use, abroad travel with expenses paid and more. For example, I am currently granted 'home to duty' which means i get money to cycle to and from my place of work. One of the main 'takes' I give to potential recruits is that the army will allow you to choose what job role you want to do, then train you in that role paying for your tuition and (civilian recognised) qualification, then give you the job at the end! "Now!", I say after, the army expects you to give back in the form of 4 years’ service, but again this is the perfect opportunity to work in the job role you've chosen gaining experience within the army you can go on use elsewhere.

Have a look and learn more.

The army is more than what is seen in dramatised film and television. It’s a group of had working individuals who have learnt to be a part of the army, learnt their strengths and weakness, learnt what kind of job and job role suits them best. There is so much opportunity it is impossible to write it all here but information about the army has never been so easily accessible. The wealth of insight that can be gleaned, to help you determine the right career path in the army, is massive and can help you decide. Even if that decision is not to join the army, you won’t know until you have a look.

Exercise CAMBRIAN PATROL

Exercise Cambrian patrol has been running for over 60 years and is the British Army’s principal All Arms Patrol Exercise. It is open to all three Services (Regular and Reserve) and international participants are encouraged to take part. The exercise is a mission focused and scenario-based exercise, but it is not a competition. However, throughout the patrol, performance is assessed based on Battlecraft Syllabus and Individual Training Requirement, in addition to robustness and leadership. Each patrol will cover approximately 60 kms (average climb and descent is over 1000m) carrying no more than 32 kgs per person. The Exercise is designed to be arduous, and all participants must be prepared both mentally and physically for the challenge ahead.