Knight rider: Trooper tackles new challenges in a Challenger 2 tank

In little more than a year, Toby Knight transformed himself from Bognor Regis Student to a crewman in the Army’s most formidable tank – the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.

Now ‘Trooper’ Knight of the The Queen’s Royal Hussars, Toby recalls being absolutely certain that joining the Army was the right career and lifestyle choice for him.

Never a dull moment
‘‘I wanted an exciting and rewarding career where I could learn new skills and meet new people.  I also wanted to keep myself busy and in the Army there is never a dull moment, you can take part in different activities such as skiing, parachuting and rock climbing.

Toby enlisted into the Army after chatting with some of the soldiers at his local Army Careers Information Office (ACIO) in Chichester. And it wasn’t long before he began to experience the excitement and challenges he’d set his sights on.

“I have completed 12 weeks at the Army Training Regiment in Winchester where I learnt how to shoot a rifle and took part in various military exercises.  Then I moved to Bovington in Dorset, where the training was mentally and physically demanding. I now specialise in driving and maintaining Armoured Fighting Vehicles and I am a qualified driver of a Challenger 2 tank.

All sorts of sports
“I am an avid fan of football and boxing and with the Army I can still keep up my favourite pastime, as I have been playing football since I was three. There are plenty of other sporting activities that the Army encourages you to take up, but I didn’t need any encouragement!”

Taking a break from his duties aboard the tank, Trooper Knight returned to the Chichester careers office to talk to potential recruits about his life and experiences in the Army so far.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking for a rewarding career and needs more information,’’ he enthused.  ‘‘The Army is a great chance to get physically fit, meet new friends and travel across the world what more could you ask for?”

Are you up for the challenge?
A lot of people wonder if they have what it takes to join the Army. Young soldiers like Trooper Knight are proof that you can achieve a lot in a short time, while having plenty of fun in the process.

So if you’re thinking about joining the Army – either full-time or part-time (TA) – why not drop by your nearest careers office? You’ll get a warm welcome and the chance to listen to some first-hand advice about what to expect in the Army.