Page 51 - LBV 2017

Why did you join the Regular Army following your time at CUOTC?
Joining the military was always on the cards for me. From a young age, I lay up in fields, dressed up in camouflage and pretended I was saving the world, by ambushing my parents. I committed to a career in the Army, at school, when I was 16 years old. I was lucky enough to obtain a sixth form scholarship, having attended AOSB and completing my GCSE’s. I was always going to join the Regular Army; CUOTC acted as a nice filler to get me to where I wanted to be.
What is the most exciting thing
you have done in your career
to date?
I am one of very few Officers in
my peer group to have had the
privilege to lead my Platoon on
operations. I deployed on Op
SHADER 3.5 with 4 RIFLES in
Oct 2016. We were based in Al Assad Air Base, Al Anbar Province, Iraq. It was a large Iraqi Air Force base, with a big Coalition Headquarters element that were tasked to train and advise
the Iraqi Security Forces in the their fight against Da’esh. It was a long and challenging 5-month tour and was far from what I was expecting. The experience presented me with many challenges and hurdles; but, most importantly, provided me with the opportunity to do what I signed up for.
Then, newly commissioned 2Lt Lane
What advice would you give
to CUOTC Officer Cadets considering either a Regular or Reserve Commission? Remember that everybody
makes mistakes and nobody is ever perfect. Allow the mistakes to happen and learn from
them. A measure of a person, is how they pick themselves up and crack on, after being knocked down. It’s not a journey for the faint-hearted; but, it is a journey full of struggles, memories and unforgettable experiences. Use the support of those around you and work hard for each other.
Remember that it is a privilege to command men and women in the British Army. No matter what happens, they always come first!
Lt Lane,
4 RIFLES
INTER-COMPANY TRAINING & VISITS
Interview with Regular Officer, Lt Tom Lane
Remember that everybody makes mistakes and nobody is ever perfect.
Lt Lane parade homecoming Lt Lane with family, returning from Formal mess function with 4 Rifles Operations
Lt Lane on Op SHADER
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 49