Page 11 - Chiron Autumn 2017

Where are you from and where did you go to school?
I was born in South Korea, where I lived for 9 years. I rst came to the UK at the age of 5, when my father immigrated to the UK in search of new opportunities. In 2008 my family settled in the UK permanently. After living in the UK for three years I applied for British citizenship, in order to join the British military. I had wanted to join the UK armed forces since I rst went to secondary school. I attended Stanborough School in Watford where I did my GCSEs before going to Bushey Meads Sixth Form for my A-levels. Upon graduation I immediately applied to join.
Why did you join the Army and the RAVC?
I joined the Army because my family all have a record of military service and I wanted to continue that tradition. I wanted to experience life in the Army in order to deploy overseas. I joined the RAVC because I wanted to work with military working dogs and knew the bene t that they provide to the wider military. Given the huge threat posed by IEDs and other threats I felt I could make the biggest impact by becoming a handler and protecting my fellow soldiers out on the ground.
Where did you undertake basic training?
I did basic training in Army Training Centre Pirbright before completing my Phase 2 in Melton Mowbray at the DATR.
Brie y, what have you done since?
Having completed my basic training I have been able to experience a wide
variety of challenges and opportunities with the RAVC. I was immediately posted to Germany which has been a fantastic opportunity and enabled me to see so much of Europe in a very short time. I have worked with the Royal Marine Commandos, participating in training and exercises with some of the best performing soldiers in the world. This has included large Brigade level deployments, as well as training for what to do in the event of a helicopter crash at sea using the dreaded “Dunker”. As well as these exciting opportunities, I have also travelled Europe representing the RAVC at Rugby in Cyprus. The army has encouraged me to expand my knowledge base by sending me on a language course and supporting me while I study for my Diploma.
What is your current position?
My current position is a protection dog handler with 105 Sqn based in Germany. I am currently held at readiness with the Lead Commando Group on 5 days’ notice to move, potentially to go anywhere in the world.
What advantages are there and what do you like about your job? There are many bene ts of being a Dog Handler within the Army. First is the wide variety of experience it offers and the responsibility you get given as a junior soldier. Throughout the wider Army we are respected for our ability and the bene ts we bring to any attached arm. The safety we provide, as well as the morale boosting effect of having a dog to keep you company means that wearesoughtafterforoperationsand exercises. I am honoured to be part of this tradition of excellence. As Pte soldiers we can frequently be deployed
with companies alone and as a result we will be the SME in our eld. Here we are expected to deliver capability briefs to senior of cers. This can be demanding at times but helps to create a con dence in oneself, which does not typically happen for most other soldiers until they reach the rank of Cpl. It also allows us to experience such a wide variety of the Army and wider military. We serve with multiple Cap Badges, in multiple roles across the globe. The greatest advantage of my job role however is the pride that I feel being one of the rst men in the patrol.
Do you have any dislikes?
Just like people dogs can have dif cult days as well. No one likes to be soaking wet, especially when it is cold and this is equally true for your MWD. We inevitably develop bonds with our animals and when they are suffering we do to. In fact it can sometimes be a bit like having a wife, “If she’s not happy you do not get to be happy either!”
What is your main passion out of work?
Being native to South Korea I am uent in the language. I also speak Japanese and French along with English. I am always looking to expand my ability and uency with these languages. I nd it fascinating how other cultures interact and speaking the native language allows you to do so easily and with much greater depth.
Interview with Pte Hwangbo
Look Forward – Chiron Calling Spring 2018 Edition
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF CHIRON CALLING IS 1 MARCH 2018
Contributors are reminded that all materiel for future editions of Chiron Calling are to be sent to the following email address: regtsecravc@hotmail.co.uk. All images are to be sent as a separate PDF complete with captions and are not to be included within the articles. Please also use the rst name of the authors and individuals in the images.
As the next edition will be during the centenary year we will include:
• Information about some of the special events taking place in the celebration of the Centenary
• The Dickin Medal presented to the Military Working Dog 'Mali' in November 2017
• The 2017 Remembrance week
• Renaming of the DAC to DATR with its new emblem
CHIRON CALLING 9