Life in the Army just the job says Andrew

IF you think a military life might be exactly what you need, you’re going to be spoilt for choice in terms of the trades and skills on offer.

However, there’s something special about what they call the “teeth arms”, the actual front-line combat troops and, when it comes to infantry, you’re not going to find finer than the Scots Guards.

“I grew up in Dundee and went to school at St John’s High,” explained Lance Sergeant Andrew Woodcock, who hails from Hilltown.

“After school I worked as a waiter for a bit but decided I wanted to join the Scots Guards — so that’s what I did.

“I completed my basic training at Catterick in 2011 after which I was posted to F Company, the Scots Guards ceremonial company based in Wellington Barracks, right in the heart of London.

“I was 18, part of F Company and I took part in a lot of ceremonial duties including guarding Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace — and I also took part in Trooping the Colour. My experience working in London was really enjoyable. It was my first time in that city and I had a lot of fun living there for a year.”

One year later, it was time to hang up the scarlet tunic and get into combats as Andrew’s battalion was earmarked for Afghanistan.

“As the battalion was preparing, I was selected to become a marksman, which meant going on a specialist course before joining my unit for the tour of Afghanistan.

“My particular role offered me a lot of freedom and I became a valuable asset for the platoon.

“When we returned from Afghanistan, I joined the reconnaissance platoon where I continued in my core skill as a marksman but also became a qualified quad bike operator too.”

“Since moving to the reconnaissance platoon I have competed in brigade, divisional and international level competitions.

“There have also been exercises which have taken me to Denmark, Canada, Germany, Spain and France to name a few.

“In January 2017 I went on a section commanders’ battle course and I have since been promoted to Lance Sergeant.

“I have enjoyed my career and I am looking forward to progressing further in the regiment”.

Andrew is only 26, he’s been promoted a number of times already and seen a lot.

Could this be for you?

Andrew (left) is pictured with comrades on operations (right) ceremonial work.