Started as a Tank driver and became the Regiments Anti-Tank expert.
Joining the Army as a Main Battle Tank Crewman on Challenger 2 in 2009. I was inspired by the size and power that a tank portrays and the menacing sound in the distance heard in films as they rumble closer.
In 2014 the regiment re-rolled form heavy armour to Light Cavalry. I was one of the 1st soldiers to take up the new Anti-Tank roll using the Javelin and NLAW weapon systems. After my firers course, I was 1 of 2 soldier to qualify as Javelin Detachment Commander. My knowledge of armoured tactics from my previous roll gave me a unique advantage.
In 2016 I passed my Light Cavalry Crew Commander Course. It was a hard course, covering a wide range of tactical situations over a 9 week period. But, I did it. This meant I could now command my own vehicle and lead my crew on exercises and operations.
I am the 2nd in Command of an Outreach Team in Scotland. I help manage a team that is responsible for engaging with young adult across the country.
As the Senior Non Commission Officer (SNCO) of the team I am responsible for equipment and training.
I conduct checks on all the equipment we hold, ensuring it is serviceable and ready when needed. If there are items that are damaged or that we need, I drive the process to acquire new one.
I maintain the standards of the teams appearance, preparation and organisation. Ensuring that the product we deliver is the best it can be.
I develop team members directly by giving feed back on individual performance, delivering lessons or booking external courses.
It changes.
My motivation changes.
I joint the Army because it was something I always wanted to do. That and a Binman. I wanted to scratch that itch. I wanted to travel. I wanted to fight.
As a young solider it was promotion. The desire be top student on courses. The strongest on PT. The guy trusted with responsibility.
As a commander is was respect. Gaining the confidence of your team. Showing others what your capable of.
Now, 16 years later. Its stability. I'm married now, I have two small children. I need to provide for them.
Away be willing to learn.
I have served 16 years in the Army now. I have lots of experience gained though courses, exercises, operations and life. But, there is always something new. Something I've never done before. A new system, weapon, theory or problem.
You can always learn something new, or improve something old. Don't be afraid to ask for help and always seek feed back. But remember feedback will not always be positive.
Top Third Finish on the Platoon Sergeants Battle Course 2023.
This course is known throughout the Army as being one of the hardest courses soldiers can attend. It is a 9 week course delivered in Beacon, Wales to train senior infantry soldiers in the role of a platoon sergeant on operations. I was the only non-infantry soldier on the course, with little to no experience in some of the subjects we would be covering.
As the clear odd one out and representative of the Royal Armoured Corps, a positive attitude, the willingness to learn and humility allowed me to bond with my course-mates quickly.
With their support and my determination, I achieved a top third placement and an above the standard grade (B+). My report highlighted the fact that as a non-infanteer I had out performed senior infantry soldiers.
