We’re celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science—this year taking place on Wednesday 11 February—by spotlighting inspiring female role models who are part of our region’s Defence community. Each of the reservists and cadets we meet has a strong interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Introducing Sgt Jones, a Reservist with 6 Army Air Corps (6AAC) and an NHS dietician.
Tell us about your role in 6AAC: I am currently Flight Commander for C Flt in 677 Squadron. I am an Arming Loading Point Commander (ALPC) who is responsible for commanding the team to upload ammunition and refuel the Apache Helicopter. I have been out to Arizona with my regular [Army] counterparts to rearm and refuel the Apache helicopter during pilot’s annual training. This and being awarded Reservist of the Year have been the highlights of my military career.
I’m also a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) instructor, training colleagues to recognise the risks, survive and continue operating in contaminated environments.
What first drew you to becoming a 6AAC Reservist? I was interested in becoming a Reservist as I wanted a new challenge and 6AAC gave me the opportunity to be part of an aviation team and work with an incredible aircraft.
Is your day job related to STEM? My civilian job is a haematology dietitian looking after patients with blood cancers, particularly those undergoing stem cell transplantation. My role allows me to use the science behind nutrition and disease to support people through a challenging time.
What kind of STEM skills are most important to your reserve role? My scientific knowledge of nutrition and the impact this has on individuals allows me to deliver nutrition focused sessions at unit level. I am part of the Defence Nutrition Advisory Service which allows me to contribute to the development of guidelines and training courses in Defence.
How has being in 6AAC developed your STEM skills? It has allowed me to develop my STEM skills at Defence level and broaden my adaptability to deliver training sessions.
What would you say to inspire other women to get into STEM roles in the military? Being able to use STEM in my military role is as rewarding as in my civilian role and leads to further opportunities to develop skills and knowledge.
What is your favourite thing about being in the AAC? Being able to work with the Apache helicopter and be part of the team to support Pilots in their missions.
For more information about becoming a Reservist, visit the British Army website.
Catch up on our other interviews with inspirational women and girls in STEM:
- A talented Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet who is excelling in Science and STEM, thanks to the support of her detachment
- A Female Reservist whose STEM skills has taken her to new heights in both her military and civilian career
