Page 18 - QARANC Vol 14 No 13 2016

16 QARANC THE GAZETTE
My Military
Journey
(So Far)
My enlistment in the army was a combination of good luck and fortunate timing. I never actively sought out the army although it was a consideration in my twenties. So when I found myself in my early thirties it was an opportunity missed, or so I thought.
When I turned 30 I was in a decent place in life. I was single, had a great son, brilliant career in sales and life was going all right. Just all right though. I always felt that I could have, probably should have achieved more. I decided to make some changes. First to go were the highlights, in my hair. Next big change was I went from playing football to refereeing it. That was a decision I had made after talking to a ref after a match. Whilst debating one of his decisions over a pint he said that it’s not as easy as it looks and if I didn’t believe him try it. He was right, it’s bloody tough. The experience of controlling aggressive and at times dangerous situations though gave me great confidence. I wanted to try even more new things. I joined St Johns Ambulance shortly after and again enjoyed and excelled at the challenges it provided. It was volunteering for St Johns that made me realise that I wanted a career as a nurse. I went back into education and gained the qualifications to do a Nursing Degree in Queens University. It was on a duty for St Johns that I met our local army recruitment team. I was given some advice, a few leaflets and a number to call. I called a week later and the slow process of enlisting began. It has coincided with my Nursing Degree which has been hectic but good.
As I had commitments with my studies it was hard for me to make time to get through my basic training. Fortunately for me the Army Reserve was very accommodating. I was able to do my Alpha training over four weekends in January and February. Alpha training was a good introduction into the army. Yes it was cold and wet, yes you were pushed to learn new skills and pass tests and yes you were constantly tired. However, you get through it and come out the other end with an overwhelming sense of pride
and confidence. You learn about the standards and values expected of a British Soldier. Along with the new skills and knowledge you gain, you make friendships that stay with you. Oh, and you get to handle assault rifles!
After I completed my Alpha training it was hard for me to fit my Bravo training into my schedule. Indeed I had to wait until August to be able to commit to the two and a half weeks required. Again my local unit were brilliant in sorting this out and for showing understanding about my civilian life commitments. I went to Grantham to complete my Bravo training but I was more than happy about this as I wanted to experience a different army environment.
I knew it would be challenging but I was looking forward to two and a half weeks away in the summer. However, It was a lot tougher than I ever expected. The whole two weeks was one challenge after another and in our down time we prepared for the next day. The training was harder than Alpha, but with every day that passed and every test passed I felt myself developing into a soldier. Again the relationships and the camaraderie we developed were amazing and was
the reason we succeeded. When I passed out at the end of the two weeks I felt like a soldier because I now was a soldier in the best army in the world!
Since completing my basic training I have taken part in various activities and there have been many other opportunities that are available but until I finish my studies I have to hold back. In particular I am looking forward to the Adventure Training packages such as sailing, skiing and mountain biking.
My future is unknown, exciting and full of choices. The good thing is I can try lots of options until I get the right mix in both my civilian career and the Army reserves.
I am very happy I bumped into the recruitment team that day; in fact I wish I had done it 15 years earlier.
Pte William McCahon 204 Field Hospital Belfast