Tom Usher joined the battalion in 2004.  After completing the demanding Infantry Platoon Commanders' Battle Course, he took command of a platoon, which he led on training exercises in Malawi, Gibraltar and Kenya. 

He then deployed to Bosnia where his platoon was involved in police support and specialist operations such as targeted arrest operations.

He then spent three months in Nepal, completing his language training and a month long trek to assess projects for the Gurkha Welfare Scheme. When the battalion moved to Brunei, Tom moved to Support Company and took command of the mortar platoon. 

He spent the next 18 months living and working in Brunei, including many exercises in the deep jungle, becoming a helicopter abseiling instructor, and training for operations in Afghanistan.  He also took advantage of the excellent travel opportunities in south-east Asia.

In Afghanistan, he has been responsible for coordinating and delivering mortar fire support to the battalion in high intensity battles with the Taliban. This has involved landing behind enemy lines by helicopter, long range desert vehicle patrols and specialist covert reconnaissance tasks.