Capt Paul Button RA

"I spent most of my youth growing up in a military environment in Germany. Both my parents were in the Royal Air Force and that had a huge influence on my decision to join the Army.

I went to the careers office after leaving Wolverhampton University in 2004 and looked at all three services initially, but I selected the Army for the scope of jobs and opportunities it offered. I did however explore for a time what civilian employers could offer, however quickly joining the TA for the best of both worlds.

I joined my local TA Regiment in November 2004 in Newport, South Wales. I joined 217 (City of Newport) Bty, 104 Regt RA (V) Royal Artillery and spent a busy three and a half years as a Gunner. I conducted a huge array of exercises from basic soldiering up to Cambrian Patrol, gaining a bronze medal, as well as taking part in exercises in Cyprus and Wales. This culminated in ceremonial duties in the farewell to Woolwich. All this interaction with the regular Army made me want more, fuelling my decision to go to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

Leaving the TA in May 2007, I went to Sandhurst in September 2007 and had a thoroughly enjoyable year. I spent much of that time developing personnel and professional skills. I commissioned in the Royal Artillery and by August 2008 I left to join the YO's course in Larkhill. After completing the four-month course, I was posted to 12 Regiment Royal Artillery based on Thorney Island. Things began to ramp up quickly and after seven months of Pre-Deployment training (PDT), went on OP HERRICK 11 between October 2009 and May 2010.

I deployed with 58 (Eyre's) Bty in the Desert Hawk 3 role, we re-rolled for tour as we are a Close Air Defence Regiment using the High Velocity Missile (HVM) system. I spent 7 months in a Detachment (Det) of five, including myself. The tour saw my Detachment deploy to Kandahar, supporting mobile operations all over Helmand, PB SHAHZAD and ending in Sangin. Working for several different battle groups was a challenge, remaining flexible while quickly establishing a rapport with the unit that we were supporting. It was essential role, providing them with vital ISTAR capability to help with their situation awareness of the battle space.

Returning in August 2009, I helped in the organisation of an adventurous training expedition to Kenya for some of the soldiers. Canoeing the River Tana over three weeks offered an excellent way to wind down and experience the wildlife of Africa, while giving the soldiers a chance to see Africa, something most have never had the opportunity to do before. I am coming to the end of my troop commander tour and while not on operations it has seen me away from the Regiment on exercises in Otterburn, Kenya, Cyprus to name a few, with the occasional sporting event thrown in for good measure. The highlight was the running of a Potential Non Commissioned Officer Course (PNCO). Three weeks of my own exercise to assess Gunners potential to become commanders proved to be a worthwhile endeavour and hugely satisfying.

I now look forward to the opportunity of become a Fire Support Team (FST) commander and future deployment in that capacity. It will be difficult to say farewell to 12 Regiment Royal Artillery and especially 58 (Eyre's) Bty but it is time for another Young Officer to now experience the best Regiment in the Gunners".