I was born in Redhill in April 1980. As a child I travelled to many places as my father was in the Army, attending boarding school in St Augustine's College, Kent.  I joined the Army in November 1997 and completed my Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright. I then proceeded onto Phase 2 training at Larkhill and was posted from there to 7 PARA RHA in July 1998. Being in a gun battery, I was sent straight to Canada on exercise for eight weeks - it was not all hard work!  During my R&R I achieved an ambition of mine to sky dive.  Whilst serving with the regiment, I completed various courses to further my career including a L118 Light Gun course (in the Falkland Islands) and a Lance Bombardier leadership course (in Kenya).

 We deployed with the Guns to Iraq in February 2003 on the war fighting phase of OP TELIC. In August 2003 I transferred down to Thorney Island to join 47 CAD Regt RA. I was employed as a signaller in the Regimental Command Post (RCP). After completing a Bombardier leadership course in Germany in October 2006, my Battery undertook the process of dual-rolling to Miniature Unmanned Air Vehicle (MUAV) in sunny California!

I was deployed to Iraq on Op Telic 11 as a MUAV commander in November 2007. On returning to the UK, I was posted to 14 Regt RA to become a Phase 2 Intake Bdr/Instructor.

As part of a small training team it is my job (in 24 Bty RA) to help supply the field army with professionally trained artillery soldiers.  My role specifically involves being responsible for the day to day welfare and administration of up to 150 soldiers in training.  This can involve numerous taskings such as managing and running induction and leavers week, organising and instructing on low level infantry exercises (to enhance their basic infantry skills) and mentoring the soldiers throughout the duration of their training.  I also provide the interface between the soldier, chain of command and outside agencies.

Having just returned from a tour of Iraq, the experiences that I gained out there allow me to share my knowledge of operations with the soldiers and make training both challenging and realistic.  This is particularly important as some of these individuals will join their units and deploy immediately on demanding tours of duty to places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

I enjoy playing sport and keeping fit. I have been involved with Gunner Rugby since 1999 and toured with them to America in 2004. I have also played for the Army U21s and Combined Services U21s touring with them to Cyprus and South Africa to name a few. With the increased operational tempo of the British Army today I believe that every soldier needs to be fit and robust to meet the demands placed upon them.

I enjoy army life very much, it can be hard work at times but it can also be great fun. I have travelled to many parts of the world and have done things that I would not have had the chance to do if I had not been in the Army. Being in the Army, you are surrounded by close friends and form a tight family, which makes the job more enjoyable.