Insiders

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.

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I think its really important in life to put yourself forward for opportunities for personal development and to help you identify what you enjoy doing. It doesn't matter if you try something and it doesn't work out, the most important thing is that you have tried it. My favourite quote is 'Never try, never know'.

Been in the Army can sometimes be arduous, fight through it and reap the benefits. Whether it be mental or physical robustness. You will surpass it and shine through the other side!

I loved being a Tank Commander, i worked alongside some of the best people in the Army. That community is why i joined the Royal Tank Regiment. I was surrounded by people who i liked and allowed me to be myself. Although i have changed path in the Army i always have my Regimental family to return to. They form the foundation of my new skillset and taught me lessons that make me successful today.

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.

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.

I mean this in two different ways, the first is your mindset and the way you talk to yourself. If you wake up everyday with belief you can do anything, you absolutely can. The way you think is the strongest motivation you can give yourself. If a task is hard and you are struggling tell yourself you can and you will. Secondly is your physical strength, the British Army does have a fitness standard we expect candidates to achieve however they are not impossible for anyone. Again, put your mind to it and you can achieve it!