Why did you join the TA?
"I was in the OTC at University and wanted to carry on the army side of things once working for a living. It is a great way to keep fit and earn some extra pennies when you start out in London!"

What made you choose the HAC over any other Regiment?
"A friend and I looked at several different regiments before my mother suggested the HAC as my uncles had played rugby for them in the 60's. Of course it was not until we turned up to one of the Recruitment evenings in October 1998 that we realised they did not take girls! I am pleased to say that things are very different now."

What new skills have you learned during your time with the HAC?
"I can now push myself further physically than I could ever have dreamed possible. I have learned to Nordic ski and competed in the Biathlon team. Of course, along with the physical side there is also the mental. Being in the signals squadron, I've become very good at multi-tasking and learning about new bits of kit, often with very little time to spare."

How do you think you have developed as a person?
"I think that my interpersonal skills are far better now. When it comes to dealing with the 'tough guys' at work I am far more able to stand up for myself and the HAC has played a very important part in that."

Have you found it difficult to combine your TA career with your working life?
"Not really. The commitment is reasonably easy to juggle as the dates for the various weekends, ceremonials and exercises are given a long way in advance. I am very lucky as my company is very "army friendly" and they are always interested to hear about what I've been up to on the latest weekend."

What do you most enjoy about the HAC?
"I enjoy so many things but I would say the top two are the incentive to keep fit and the fantastic social life. It really has motivated me to get in shape and stay that way. The weekends away in the countryside are such a great change from London life that it's almost like you've been on a mini-break. After all, as the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest. That said, when I think back to some of the weekends I have attended, 'mini-break' is not the first word I would use to describe them! The other is the social side. Not only does the HAC have the best ball in London but I've met some fantastic like-minded people that have become life long buddies."

What will be your most enduring memory of the HAC when you leave?
"Incredulous words from work ringing in my ears as I left London on a cold, rainy evening for a weekend in sunny(!) Sennybridge. It turned out to be to coldest and wettest weekend ever but the one thing I remember above all, (well, other than the exhaustion on Sunday), was the giggles and the camaraderie - even when we were sitting in a muddy hole waiting to spring an ambush. Coming back and telling my work colleagues what I had been up to made it all worth it. I got the feeling that they were all envious and secretly wished they had done something as fun and exciting with their weekend AND been paid to do it!"

What advice would you have for a potential new recruit to the HAC?
"Be prepared to learn new things and to get stuck into whatever is thrown at you. There are so many opportunities within the HAC to follow new routes whether they be extra curricular teams like riding, sailing, skydiving, skiing, climbing etc or different parts of the regiment. Not everyone has to become an elite, battlefield soldier. If that is not what you are looking for then there are many other roles that are just as important. Med wing, intelligence cell, MT, Corp. of drums and, of course, signals to name a few. Oh and enjoy yourself!"

Would you do it all over again?
"Yes, without a doubt!"
Accept no compromise - Be the VERY best

Why did you join the TA?
"I wanted to join the army, but wanted to earn City money. This way I could combine both."

What made you choose the HAC over any other Regiment?
"The role. I thought that those who passed PSC (the Patrol Selection Course) were special people and I wanted to be one of them."

What new skills have you learned during your time with the HAC?
"Time management, man management and a "can-do" approach to everything."

How do you think you have developed as a person?
"It has given me responsibility and authority, which have helped develop me into an effective manager."

Have you found it difficult to combine your TA career with your working life?
"Yes, at times. But if you want it enough, you will make the necessary sacrifices."

What do you most enjoy about the HAC?
"Being part of something unique. Not everyone can do it, but I can, and that makes me different. That makes me special."

What will be your most enduring memory of the HAC when you leave?
"Standing on the grass, looking at the HAC flag over Armoury House and the Union Flag over Finsbury Barracks. What a sight!"

What advice would you have for a potential new recruit to the HAC?
"Join, work hard and become a member of something very special. Do all you are asked to do and eventually, you will get to do all you want to do."

Would you do it all over again?
"Without a moment's hesitation. It has defined my life and for that I will always be grateful."

Accept no compromise - Be the VERY best