Sam Hulme has been sharing his experiences of army life overseas since leaving Loughborough College.
The 20 year old told Public Services students said that time he recently spent on tour in Estonia was challenging but has made him a better soldier.
Sam is based at Marne Barracks in Catterick, Yorkshire and admits that when his regiment was told there was a high chance they would be going overseas he was nervous.
“But I was also excited. In the end we spent more than four months in Estonia and despite it being challenging at times I really enjoyed it.
“I’d done my course on Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar and it was great to use what I had learnt in real life scenarios.
“I really gained in confidence working with new people and teaching them about the kit I was using.
“It’s been great to go back to Loughborough College. I enjoyed my Public Services course and had so many good experiences.
“The opportunities I was given to go on expeditions– sleeping outside and learning field craft, mastering navigation and communication, not getting a lot of sleep – all of that gave me a really useful insight.
“Everything I learned, even the discipline of wearing a smart uniform – that was really helpful. And when it came to going through the army application process the College were so supportive. The result was that when I went into phase one of my training, although I didn’t know what to expect, I felt prepared and confident.”
“It was a real pleasure to welcome Sam back to talk to our students,” added Tim Turner, who heads Public Services at Loughborough College.
“We have students who apply to the army – and are successful – every year so the insight Sam was able to offer was really valuable and certainly inspired everyone, whatever they’re planning to do next.
“It’s gratifying to hear how the course – including the routines and standards we embed - made such a difference to him and great to see him doing so well.”
Pictured: Sam Hulme (left) with Loughborough College Public Services degree student Sam Finlow