I began my military career in earlier March when I started basic training at Pirbright.

From here I moved to Bovington to complete my Phase 2 trade training which consisted of Signals, cat C driving license, Jack driving and maintenance and further military skills. After completion I began my job as one of the first female Troopers in QDG from the beginning of November.

The job role of a Trooper is predominantly a driver. We operate using the Jackal 2 and Coyote vehicles. The whole crew depends hugely on the upkeep and maintenance the drivers do on the vehicles as we can be working hundreds of miles away in all kinds of weather conditions.

Since starting there, as a Squadron we began pre-deployment training for Mali. During this time we took part in many courses to expand our knowledge of the country, the troubles and the people that live there.

Whilst there we would patrol into different villages which would allow us to see the way in which people lived and I would be able to sit with the females and ask questions and find out what life is like for them; gather information about the terrorist groups and how they impacted the lives of the villagers.