Foyle girls experience warrior's life

Catherine Taylor and Victoria Spence - both aged 16 - from Foyle and Londonderry College were enlisted by the Army Recruiting Team, which runs regular work experience programmes for teenagers interested in an alternative to office based work experience.

Sergeant David Pulford from the Army Recruiting Team said: "The week of work experience, or WEX as we call it, is a practical and fun way to give young people an insight into the Army way of life.

"Essentially we give them a slice of basic Army training, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, self-discipline and leadership. These are skills that can be transferred to any career they may eventually decide to follow.

"Our aim is to explain the reality of a soldier's life, show the attendees what we do and dispel any myths. In return, they get a one of a kind experience."

The pupils undertook a jam-packed schedule, which included a 6am wake-up call every day, after which they were put through their paces with activities such as the obstacle course, clay pigeon shooting, patrolling exercises, command tasks and paintballing to name a few.

Sergeant Pulford continued: "It always impresses me how these young people pull together when it matters. In the Army, good teamwork and pulling your weight can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

"One of the main things that they come away with after the week is a sense of pride in having achieved so much in such a short space of time, both for themselves and for their team-mates.

"The feedback from the kids has been great, proving once again that this formula is a great success."

For more information on the Army can help your school or youth group, contact the Army Recruiting Team on 02890420152.