Sergeant Paige Eagle is proudly carrying on her family’s military tradition.
Sergeant Eagle on deployment in Cyprus.
Sergeant Eagle photographed with her Grandparents.
Sergeant Eagle on Adventure Training with the Army.
Sergeant Eagle photographed on Exercise making sure all her kit is accounted for.
Sergeant Eagle on deployment in Cyprus.
After working as a civilian veterinary nurse, the 34-year-old made the big decision to join the Royal Army Veterinary Corps – and she hasn’t looked back since.
Growing up in an Army family, Paige moved around the world, following her dad’s deployments.
With her grandad and great grandad, also serving, it was no surprise when she decided to follow suit.
“My family and friends are or have been in the Army,” Paige explained.
“I’ve always been raised in a military environment – living on barracks, going to parades, being part of a mess, and seeing family and friends deploy.
“In the short time I was away from that, it never really felt like home.
“My dad has had an amazing career in The Adjutant General's Corps. He is my inspiration, and I want to follow in his footsteps.”
Life as a dual-serving Army family
Now based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Paige is raising her baby boy, Charlie, with her husband, who serves in the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Life as a dual-serving Army family has its challenges, but Paige says the support they’ve received has made all the difference.
“Being a couple in the Army has its ups and downs,” she said.
“We’re apart right now, and it’s hard when we’re both in deployable regiments. But we make it work, and both our regiments are really supportive. They understand our childcare needs and always help if they can.”
“Balancing my career as a hospital manager and being a mum has been challenging. Being away from my son so early in his life is tough, but I’ve been able to manage it with help and flexibility from the Army.”
The benefits of Army life
Paige says the Army has given her family financial security and benefits she couldn’t have imagined in her civilian role.
“I was on near minimum wage as a veterinary nurse and had to move back in with my parents because I couldn’t afford to live on my own,” she said.
“The pay and work-life balance in the Army were a big draw for me. I’d never get the benefits I do now if I’d stayed in a civilian role.”
One of those benefits was the Army’s maternity package, which Paige describes as “incredible.”
“I had six months full pay, three months statutory pay, and the option for another three months unpaid, plus my full annual leave allowance for the year,” she explained.
“My line managers stayed in touch and checked in with me before I returned to work. I didn’t feel forgotten, and I couldn’t fault the process.
“My husband was also given six weeks off because of my c-section. That was amazing and really helped us during the first month after Charlie was born.”
Looking to the future
Looking ahead, Paige is excited about her future in the Army.
“I want to climb the ranks as far as possible,” she said. “I’m taking my career day by day and will see what opportunities come my way.”