Capt Tania Reay  Capt Tania Reay is currently serving as a Troop Commander, training Phase Two soldiers at 24 (Irish) Bty RA, following two previous tours of duty at 32 Regt RA and as an ADC to the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland.  She has also undertaken tours of both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Since joining the army I have been challenged, given numerous opportunities as well as participating in some truly unique experiences.

I joined 24 (Irish) Bty RA in July 08 as a Troop Commander having come from a 12-month tour in Northern Ireland where I was the ADC to GOC NI.

Alongside my training team it is my job (in 24 Bty RA) to supply the field army with professionally trained individuals by ensuring they conduct specific trade training in several areas (driver training, gunnery communication systems, basic infantry skills, etc), as well as being responsible for the welfare and well-being of up to 150 soldiers. Besides this it is my responsibility to organise generic training packages and extra-curricular activities.

Some soldiers will join their units and deploy on demanding tours of duty to places such as Afghanistan.  Therefore, to ensure the soldiers under training meet the standards set by those units, training needs to be dynamic, challenging and interesting so that he/she can integrate with ease.  It is my responsibility where necessary to ensure this is met by my training team.

There are many opportunities within 14 Regt RA for the permanent staff and in September 2008 I participated in a Battlefield Study trip to Russia with other Officers and Warrant Officers within the Regt.  Here we had the opportunity to study the Battle of Stalingrad and relate it to modern day warfare.

On the sporting pitch I have represented the army in orienteering and long distance running.  I have competed for the Royal Artillery in numerous other sports as well as completing several half iron-man triathlon events - I hope to compete at army level in due course.

Background Information/ Introduction

Capt Reay (29) was born in Forres, Scotland where she attended Wells Cathedral School, Somerset as a boarder for ten years.  She was an active member of the schools Combined Cadet Force where she undertook numerous military and adventure training weekends.

Capt Reay went to Nottingham University where she completed a Masters in Paediatric Nursing and gained her Registered Nurse status. Whilst at university she joined the East Midlands' University Officer Training Corps (EMUOTC) where she participated in numerous infantry exercises as well as gaining her TA commission.

Having come from a forces background and with her interest generated from her time spent at EMUOTC this influenced her decision to join the Army as a Royal Artillery officer.