Manchester born Signaller Joanne Gradwell is passionate about her civilian employment as a conference and group co-ordinator.

During the weekends she adorns a military uniform to become a Communication Systems Operator (V) with 33 Signal Squadron in Liverpool.

Joanne will be involved with the movement, installation and operation of a number of state of the art communication systems ranging from Bowman radio to satellite communications. Joanne's civilian employment brings added benefits to the unit with her organisational skills and her ability to work under extreme pressure and as part of a team.

As a Communication Systems Operator (V) Joanne will be given the opportunity to train and work with a number of technical communications systems, later in her career she will be given the opportunity to become an instructor across all systems in use as well as a number of adventurous training and sporting activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, mountain biking and skiing.

As a soldier Joanne has been taught to fire a number of weapon systems and how to survive and look after herself on the modern battlefield. As Joanne progresses within her military career she will be given the opportunity to learn skills that can be taken with her into civilian life such as First aid, computer skills and a plethora of driving qualifications.

In Joanne's own words "The TA provides me with the opportunity to enjoy everything the Army has to offer as well as having a full and varied civilian career. I am proud to be part of the British Army and am looking forward to representing my unit and Regiment at sporting and military activities in the future".