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LANCE CORPORAL
NAME:
Lance Corporal Lee Parkinson
AGE:
20
OCCUPATION:
Support Company, Mortar Platoon
REGIMENT:
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards
I live in Leeds and joined
the Coldstream Guards in July 2006 straight from leaving
school.
I had always being very fit and enjoyed lots of sports. I
was interested in the Army and more specifically the
Infantry because of my family background, my dad and two of
my uncles all served in the Parachute Regiment and they had
a lot of influence on my decision, but I made the final
choice to join the Coldstream Guards because it was
different to what my family had done, however they all
supported me really well and are all immensely proud of my
achievements.
I started my army career at the age of 16 and 9 months. The
training was hard and at times I felt like quitting but kept
going because I really wanted to do this as a career. The
proudest moment in training was the passing out parade on
27th of January 2007 where all the hard work had paid off
and I started to realise that I had achieved my goal, I was
very proud that day.
".........the course was definitely a high point in my
career so far, it gave me confidence, LCpl chevrons and a
really good pay rise ....."
I was posted to the Coldstream guards. I joined Number 7
Company in London for a year learning the ceremonial side of
the Coldstream Guards. My first Queens Birthday Parade
(trooping the colour) was in 2007 when Number 7 Company was
escort to the colour which meant lots of exposure for us all
on television. Later on in the year the Battalion deployed
to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 2007-08. I volunteered to go
out with the Battalion and had the choice of going to a
Rifle Company or to join the Mortar Platoon. I chose the
Mortars and flew out to join them a week later. I was made
welcome by the Platoon and got on well. I think I had found
my true calling.
My job as a mortar man was to support friendly forces to
close with the enemy by neutralising his weapons and denying
him the use of ground. I was trained to do the job of a
Number 3 and 2 on the mortar and I gained a heavy weapon
qualification upon completing the course. When we got back
from Afghanistan in 2008 the Platoon trained new recruits
and polished up the older lad’s drills. In November that
year I was selected to do Pre-Junior Non Commissioned
Officers course. I did two weeks of tests and assessments
and earned a spot on the course in Pirbright, Surrey. Whilst
on the course I learnt how to develop my leadership ability
and enhance my military skills. The course was 6 weeks long
and was a really physically and mentally demanding. The
course was definitely a high point in my career so far, it
gave me confidence, LCpl chevrons and a really good pay
rise.
After a short while back with the Platoon I was told I was
going on a mortar standards course to learn how to be a
mortar fire controller (MFC). This is great news and is a
real development in my career; it will allow me to do a real
interesting job and also qualifies me for my next promotion.
I’m currently doing my pre cadre and although it is really
hard work, it is going well so far. I love this job; it’s
the best choice I’ve ever made.
I am having the time of my life, getting paid well and I
have gained brothers not friends.
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