Chester soldier gives insight into life in the Army

Feb 5 2010 by Claire Devine, Chester Chronicle

A CHESTER soldier has been talking about life in the Army.

Private Lee Crook, 19, was at the Chester Army Careers Information Office (ACIO), on Watergate Street on Thursday as part of the Satisfied Soldier scheme.

The initiative was set up to allow young people to find out about the opportunities the Army can offer.

Lee was on hand to offer prospective cadets advice and insight.

He said: “If people come in interested in joining the Army I talk to them about Army life.

“Recruitment has been steady. The recessions has increased interest as people seek alternative careers.”

Former Christleton High School pupil Lee joined the Army in 2006 and in 2008 was posted with The Royal Logistic Corps to Germany.

Lee said: “I have just come back from Germany.

“I will be going to Afghanistan in the next year. I’m a bit nervous but I just want to get out there.

“We’ve got hard training between now and then in preparation.

“I have wanted to be in the Army since I was a kid, I’ve got an uncle who’s serving now.”

Lee, who enjoys playing football for Chester Nomads as well as for the Army, said: “The best bit about the Army is there is always something to do. It’s exciting and you get to travel the world.

“The worst bit is being away from home, family and friends.”

Chester Army careers adviser Csjt Ian Ockwell said: “The Satisfied Soldier scheme is an excellent way of illustrating how fulfilling life in the Army can be.

“Lee is a fantastic example of this and I would recommend any young people interested in the Army to come along for a friendly, informal chat with one of our soldiers.”

For more details, go to www.armyjobs.mod.uk/northwest.