Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
When going through selection for the Army, it can be very tempting to try and be the person you think they are looking for. That might work in the short term, but in the longer term, or when you are under pressure / tired / in command, that doesn't work. It is far better to be the person you really are, with your own quirks and personality, and to utilise your own skills and abilities. The Army can teach you how to lead and think tactically, it can develop your fitness and your endurance, it can't change how you start out as a person.
Career path
SO3 G1 (Pers)
British Army
From 09/2008 to 06/2024Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I joined the Army because I wanted to give something back, to utilise my skill set in a way that I couldn't do in a civilian role. I'd been around the Armed Forces for years before I joined, and I knew the services were a family. Everyone watches out for each other, and strives towards team goals. There is a real sense of belonging, especially within tight-knit squadrons, or in the Officers' Mess. The Army also provides the opportunity to develop, not only military skills, but civilian and personal development as well. Coupled with sports and adventure training options, there is never a dull day.
Greatest achievements
As part of the work our Squadron undertakes, we regularly get asked for highly specific technical advice on projects and programmes that may be planned for years down the line, and which we can spend months working on for them. However, we sometimes get asked to advise on live operational taskings where we can see the outcomes of our advice in real-time, where we have minutes to provide output. These activities have the most impact on us. By occupying the 'thinking space' for commanders, it allows them to focus more on the 'tactical space' and, combined, that provides a huge advantage in the operational domain.
Shaun M
Top Insider Advice
Learning to live within the values of the British Army is the best way to live for opportunities and self-improvement. Courage - have the courage to take opportunities, and volunteer for things that others won’t. Discipline - don’t be easily led, and always do the right thing - even if there is nobody watching. Respect - respect is often hard to earn and easy to lose; treat others the way you want to be treated and don’t forget to respect yourself. Integrity - be honest with yourself and others: you’ll learn faster and better for it. Loyalty - be loyal to your values and don’t fall into following the wrong crowd. Be loyal to your friends and family. And, most importantly, be loyal to yourself and what you want to achieve. Selfless Commitment - do things with conviction, work hard, and offer yourself up to always being there for people when you can. Following these values will give you the best chance to achieve anything you want in the Army - whether that's a promotion, time away doing sports, or making friends. All your winnings and failings will come back to asking yourself, "Did you stick to the CDRILS?"
Matthew F
Supply Chain Operator / ESports Manager
Top Insider Advice
Kyle P
Top Insider Advice
There will be opportunities that come your way, which at first may not sound great, however, if you volunteer for those you will be rewarded. I volunteered to go to Kosovo for 6 weeks, in return I was picked to go skiing for a week in Italy, all paid for by the Army. I loved both experiences and have never regretted that decision.