When Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Fiona Hookway chose to undertake a career in the British Army a little over 30 years ago, the 19-year-old Fiona could not have known that she was starting the direction of travel for what she now calls the ‘family firm’.
Three sisters serving in the British Army have followed in the footsteps of their father, grandfather and uncle who all served in the Armed Forces.
From left to right: Warrant Officer Class One Fiona Hookway, Warrant Officer Class Two Anita Weston, Captain Charmian Quartly.
Fiona was not only following in the footsteps of her father, grandfather and uncle who all served, but mapping out the future for her two younger sisters, Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Anita Weston and Captain Charmian Quartly, who also chose to pursue a career in the Army.
Fiona, a member of the Royal Artillery, is a qualified ski instructor, and has deployed to over 16 countries including Iraq on Operation Telic. She is currently working on the Army’s Research and Experimentation Programme at Army Headquarters in Andover. She said:
“I love the diversity of the jobs I’ve had in my career and the myriad of opportunities it brings to myself, my family and to the individuals who proactively seek them out. It offers a spectrum of possibilities for personal and professional growth, development, and enrichment of life skills.”
Reflecting on her service so far, she added:
“It has been about embracing the challenge, finding inspiration in every mission, and revelling in the camaraderie of diverse encounters and making some lifelong friends along the way.
“A career in the Army offers the chance to traverse the globe, explore new horizons, and seize each opportunity to live life to the fullest – all whilst getting paid!”
A career in the Army offers the chance to traverse the globe, explore new horizons, and seize each opportunity to live life to the fullest – all whilst getting paid!
Anita, currently a WO2 within the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) joined as she was always an “energetic child” and sought a career that required her to be physically fit, but could also challenge on an intellectual level:
“I’ve managed to incorporate skiing, netball, badminton, basketball, swimming, cross-country and freefall skydiving into my work life. And I’m in my third year on the Army Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme, completing a Professional and Business Management Degree,” she said.
She, like her older sister, has seen active duty but in Afghanistan:
“It was an amazing experience that taught me a lot, drawing on and developing skills learnt in the Army such as mental resilience, confidence, professionalism, management, leadership and followship.”
However, a new chapter will begin for Anita later in the year as she has been successful on gaining a Late Entry Commission, a process where soldiers between the rank of Sergeant and Warrant Officer can be selected as officers, and she has committed to another 10 years of full service.
“I work with some incredible people, and I’m forever inspired by so many,” explained Anita. “This has helped and still helps aid and influence my own military journey.”
“The Army has given me a sense of purpose; I am as proud today when wearing my uniform as I was when I walked through the gates of Army Training Regiment Pirbright, 19 years ago!”
The Army has given me a sense of purpose; I am as proud today when wearing my uniform as I was when I walked through the gates of Army Training Regiment Pirbright, 19 years ago!
The youngest of the family is Captain Charmian Quartly who studied Media Production at the University of Winchester and then returned home to Devon to work as an Education Advocate with Devon and Somerset Fire Service.
“My now husband and I went to secondary school together (prom dates no less!) and lived together before we both decided to pursue military careers” she said.
“Initially we both started the process to join the RAF, but my application was paused, and I was encouraged to reapply a year later. Not happy with that option, I then looked to the Army where I discovered the Educational and Training Services (ETS) - a much better fit for me.
“I had seen the example set by two of my four older sisters,” she explained “And decided the progression, stability and lifestyle was one I wanted to be part of. Commissioning from the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst still remains one of my most proudest achievements to date.”
Charmian who currently works in the Education Branch also at Army Headquarters said:
“It was exciting to me that I could develop my love of education and inspiration in a military setting, not to mention the qualifications I would get as part of my career progression, and fully funded by the Army.
“Many of my most memorable moments and what makes it worthwhile is the recognition of those I have positively influenced throughout my career.”
... what makes it worthwhile is the recognition of those I have positively influenced throughout my career
This inspirational three have almost 60 years collective service between them, they all have children and are married to either current or ex-servicemen. They joined for different reasons, but all agree there is “an honour and privilege inherent in serving your country” and say it’s “the best thing they ever did!”
If ever there was a family business, this is it. A family firm filled with service, dedication, and a strong commitment to duty. A family force to be reckoned with!
