Military dog handler Private Jennifer Frost had always imagined herself in uniform, serving her country. From an early age, she had dreamed of becoming a soldier, but life took her down different paths.
An environmental portrait of Private Frost from 1 Military Working Dog Regiment with Poppy, a 2 Year old Labrador Cocker Spaniel cross.
Private Frost throws a ball for Poppy, her Military Working Dog.
Private Frost and her Military Working Dog Poppy deployed to Latvia earlier this year.
Three years ago, at 27, she decided it was now or never and fulfilled her childhood dream by enlisting in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
The former body and drugs detection dog handler for the UK Border Force explained: "I'd always wanted to join the army when I was younger but fell into other avenues of work so ended up joining up later than I'd liked.
"Another reason was I struggled with my weight – at one point I weighed 20 stones – and the physical demands of army life seemed out of reach. Through determination and hard work, I lost the excess stones, and knew I had to give it a go, and turn fantasy into reality."
Learning on the job
Jennifer serves with 1st Military Working Dog Regiment at St George's Barracks, North Luffenham, Rutland, and is currently enrolled on an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Course.
Part of the Army Apprenticeship Scheme, the programme allows soldiers to learn whilst they work, combining military service with professional qualifications. Her hard work hasn't gone unnoticed – earlier this year, she won the Intermediate Award for her NVQ Level 2, equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
"I can't believe I won," she says modestly. "I really enjoyed gaining the relevant skills and knowledge, and it wasn't too difficult or time-consuming. Just by doing my day-to-day job, I'm ticking off learning objectives.
We've not been a team for long but she's very loyal, head strong, extroverted and cheeky. She's fully trained but everything is still new. I'm not sure what she made of the F-15 jet fighters as they roared overhead during low-level tactical flying.
Teamwork with Poppy
Recently deployed on Exercise Austere Shield to Latvia, Jennifer was the only arms and explosive dog handler at the location. She and her two-year-old black labrador cross cocker spaniel, provided vital search functions during exercise scenarios, working alongside the Royal Engineers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Danish Army.
"This is Poppy's first exercise," beams Jen. "We've not been a team for long but she's very loyal, head strong, extrovert and cheeky. She's fully trained but everything is still new. I'm not sure what she made of the F-15 jet fighters as they roared overhead during low-level tactical flying.
"She's a great dog, the friendliest dog you will ever meet. I've nicknamed her Poppy seed – I just love her!"
A world of opportunity
Jennifer has no military ties but was an Army Cadet and “had the time of my life,” something she says, “every kid should do.”
I realised very quickly that the opportunities in the army are vast, as long as you're keen to pursue them. Being a soldier has changed my perspective on life massively."
Her previous Border Force experience gave her valuable skills, but nothing prepared her for the "whole new world" she entered.
"I realised very quickly that the opportunities in the army are vast, as long as you're keen to pursue them," said Jen. "Being a soldier has changed my perspective on life massively."
Her career has taken her places she never imagined. Growing up in Suffolk and attending Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge, the furthest she had travelled was Italy. During her first year, she spent six months in Brunei's jungles with her tracker dog.
Jennifer said: "It was incredible. I'd seen images on Instagram but never thought I'd end up there in a million years. The jungle training was demanding – scorching heat, heavy equipment, and days spent deep in the wilderness testing every soldier's limits. No matter how much food and fluid you take on, it's just not enough.
“It was tough to keep going when there is nothing left in the 'tank.' And of course, I had the huge responsibility of looking after my four-legged best friend."
For those considering joining, Jen advises: "If you're debating it, do it. I joined at 27 and wish I'd have done it sooner. Not all days are good days, but every day is better than wondering 'what if' for the rest of your life."
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