The Making of a Soldier

Why I Joined, How I Was Shaped, and What It Meant to Belong

Every journey begins with a single step. For many veterans, that first step was walking into a military recruitment office, filled with hope, fear, and ambition. My story is no different. At just 16 years old, I made the life-altering decision to join the British Army. This decision not only shaped my future but ultimately led to the creation of MindfulStep, a charity dedicated to supporting veterans as they transition back into civilian life. In this two-part blog, I explore the deeply personal reasons behind my choice to serve, the challenges I faced, and the profound sense of belonging I found in the military. Understanding my journey is crucial to understanding why MindfulStep exists today.

A Military Legacy and a Crossroads

Some decisions in life are made out of necessity, some from tradition, and others as a way to escape. For me, joining the British Army at 16 was a blend of all three.

Growing up in a town where crime and drugs were prevalent, the military offered a way out - a structured path that promised discipline, stability, and a purpose beyond the streets. With a strong family legacy in the armed forces, I saw the Army not just as a career but as an opportunity to prove myself. My father and grandfather had both served before me and I wanted to carry forward their name with pride.

“There were a lot of people in the training establishment who knew my dad. My biggest challenge was not wanting to fail - not just for myself, but for my dad, too. I didn’t want to embarrass the family name.”

The pressure to succeed was immense. Unlike many 16-year-olds who were still finding their footing in life, I was already preparing to defend my country.

The Challenges of a Young Soldier

Military training is designed to break you down and rebuild you stronger—but going through that as a teenager is something else entirely. I was just 16, and suddenly I was being pushed harder than I ever thought possible. The discipline was relentless, the expectations sky-high, and there were moments I genuinely didn’t think I’d make it.

But failure wasn’t an option—not with my dad’s reputation in the Army, not with the weight of my family’s pride, and certainly not with the thought of returning home to the environment I was trying to escape. That fear of letting myself and my family down, drove me forward.

It wasn’t just the physical demands that were tough. The mental resilience it took to keep going, day after day, was enormous. But even in the toughest moments, something powerful began to take shape: camaraderie.

"You hear it all the time with soldiers - they talk about the comradeship, the band of brothers. You’re looking after one another all the time. That’s very genuine. I wouldn’t have got that at home. I wouldn’t have got that in a normal job."

That bond became the most valuable thing I had. The Army gave me a sense of belonging I’d never experienced before. It wasn’t just a job, it was a family. And in that world, trust wasn’t optional. It meant survival.

From Berlin to Bogside: Facing Conflict at 18

By the time I was 18, I wasn’t just a recruit anymore, I was in active conflict zones. First, I was deployed to Berlin during the Cold War, where I was tasked with guarding Rudolf Hess, one of Hitler’s last surviving right-hand men. Then came Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

"At 18, I was still just a kid, but I was carrying a weapon and making decisions that had life-or-death consequences. I don’t think some of these 18-year-olds today would be able to handle that kind of pressure."

Those experiences changed me. They taught me resilience, leadership, and how to keep calm under pressure. But they also left scars - some you could see, and others that buried themselves deep inside. I didn’t realise at the time just how much those early experiences would shape the rest of my life.

In my second blog, I’ll open up about the long-term impact of deployments - chemical warfare prep, Gulf War inoculations, and why we must speak up for the veterans who were left behind.

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Why MindfulStep? A Mission to Support Veterans

Years later, when I left the Army, I felt like a stranger in my own skin. The structure, the sense of purpose, the brotherhood - it was all gone. I had gone from being part of something bigger to feeling completely lost in civilian life.

That’s why I created MindfulStep. Because I know how hard it is to make that transition. I know what it’s like to feel like you’ve lost your identity. I know how it feels to struggle in silence, unsure of who to turn to.

MindfulStep exists to provide the support, the community, and the tools veterans need to find their next purpose—to walk their next steps with confidence.

Let’s Take That Step Together

Too many veterans are fighting silent battles long after their service ends. We’re here to change that.

✅ Donate – Your support helps fund vital mental health and transition services

.✅ Share – Help us raise awareness by sharing this blog

.✅ Volunteer – Join our mission to walk alongside those who’ve served.

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