LBdr Jake Bouttell C Battery 3 RHA
"I grew up in Middleton, Manchester where I went to Boarshaw Primary school and then Middleton Technology High school.  After leaving school I joined the Army, completed training and I joined C Battery, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery based in Hohne, Germany.

My role within the Battery is working as part of the Tac Group as a level 2 Op ACK and I am also a Warrior driver.  This means I am part of a team that coordinates and controls artillery fire with other means of striking the enemy, such as rockets and even fast jets. I am trained to use the digital secure BOWMAN radio and maintain the communications. As the Warrior driver I have my H licence (tracked vehicle), and am responsible for daily maintenance and serviceability. This is a vehicle that weighs 24.5 tonnes and can do 75km/hr!


Warrior Since joining the Regiment in 2003 I have qualified in numerous military qualifications including LBdr Leadership course which is civilian accredited to the Institute of Leadership and management. I have my B licence and can now drive other off-road vehicles including Landrover.  While being with the 3rd Regiment Royal horse Artillery I have been around the world.  Tours that I have completed include Op TOSCA (Cyprus), Op TELIC 7 (Iraq) and Op HERRICK 7 (Afghanistan).  I have also been on exercise in England, Germany and Canada.  Canada was outstanding, and we were rewarded with R&R in the Canadian Rockies which was brilliant. 
The high points of my army career so far are being promoted to Lance Bombardier when I was on operations in Iraq, a proud moment for both parents and me! 

Secondly working with the Army Recruiting Team in Chester.  I was involved in instructing school children on the basics of being a soldier.  I also deployed on exercise with the recruiting team providing a week camp to give the school children a brief look at life.

Most recently, being on operations in Afghanistan where I worked as part of a FST (fire support team) with 4 Regt RA. I worked alongside the Danish Army which was a fantastic and new experience.

Army life is full of challenges both in barracks and on operations. Each day brings new and exciting obstacles to cross.  I wonder what my old friends are doing.  I know they are not having has much fun as me"!