Graeme J.

Joining the Army at 20 I have been given great opportunities.

My interest was always sport and fitness so I joined and was not disappointed. Initially learning all the basics of being a soldier and forging friendships for life. Then learning my job role as a tank driver while earning a wage and gaining qualifications. I became part of my regimental football team and also qualified as a physical training instructor, after a few years experience in my job role. The opportunities I took were cross country skiing in Austria, a football tour in Germany and also other sports I did during the working week. These included boxing and cross country running which I had never done previously. I continued to gain qualifications, get promoted, earn more money and progress through my career as well as playing sport. It is a balance most soldiers have due to the large amount of extra activity that is on offer above your normal core role. Growing up on a council estate in the North of England with no family members in the Army or knowing anyone who was in the forces, I was amazed at what was on offer if you put yourself forward. I've been to Egypt, Canada, Kenya, Norway and Kuwait to name a few, I would probably never have visited those places if I remained in the town I grew up in. I would advise anyone interested in seeing the world, progressing in a fantastic career or has an interest in sport and fitness to look at what the Army can offer.

I currently work in the Army careers office in Preston.

I have the great privilege of talking to people who are interested in joining the Army and passing on my knowledge and experience to them. This is in the careers office, or out at schools, colleges and local careers fairs. Many people have a perception of the Army that may not be accurate so I explain how it has been for me and I would love people to have the same opportunities I've had over the past 28 years. There are so many benefits which include a job with a purpose, serving your country, career progression and qualifications as well as the travel and unbreakable friendships and connection.

Helping people to join the Army so they can see all the opportunities.

I've spent a lot of time overseas and a large percentage of that time has been helping the local population. The fact my job role is a tank crewman then you may not think that would be the case. There are many countries around the world that for a number of reasons are not as fortunate as the UK and the local population suffer as a result. The job satisfaction you get from knowing the work you do is helping less fortunate people is hard to find in many other jobs roles. I would say the emergency services and NHS would have a similar experience but not many every day jobs. So take that interest forward and the opportunities available rather than settling for a job of dissatisfaction and same day repetitiveness that many people endure. This certainly does not apply to my job and experience of being in the Army over a long career.

Go for it and have no regrets then you can always say you gave it a go

I talk to many older people who know I'm in the Army who then say "I wish I joined" or "I was going to join but never". This is conversation as they are sat in the pub on a Sunday afternoon which is about as far from home as they ever go and as exciting as their life ever gets. While you can and are able to give it a go and if it works out fantastic, if not you know you gave it a try and move onto something else. No one will ever say anything negative to you for giving it your best and having the drive to better yourself and join the Army. I've seen parents of soldiers crying bursting with pride watching their son or daughter at the pass off parade all soldiers take part in at the end of their initial training. Some of these parents were against them joining only a few months prior.

Working hard to forge a fantastic career doing what I love over a long period of time, when post education after college my options were limited. Also looking back at all the sporting achievements I've made in the Army, such a wide range of sports including boxing, football, cross country, rugby and triathlon.