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).
In the first part of our series, meet Major Lee-Smith, Reservist Officer Commanding 677 Squadron, 6 Regiment, Army Air Corps (AAC). Major Lee-Smith’s STEM credentials have been key to her impressive military career including piloting Apache Attack Helicopters in the regular army and now supporting aviation operations as a reservist.
Tell us about your role in the AAC: My role is focused on supporting aviation operations and enabling the wider AAC mission. As part of the leadership team, I work closely with both Regular and Reserve personnel to ensure our soldiers are trained, equipped, and ready for the demands of Army aviation. My role is a balance of people leadership, planning, and ensuring that our capabilities integrate effectively across the organisation.
What first drew you to becoming a 6AAC Reservist? I was drawn to the Regiment due to my previous service as a Regular Army Pilot in the AAC, and it was a local unit to where I lived. The opportunity to contribute to aviation operations—while still balancing a civilian career—was hugely appealing. I also wanted to be part of a unit with a strong identity and a reputation for professionalism, something 6AAC embodies.
Is your day job STEM-related? Yes—I studied for a Master’s degree in chemistry at university and then worked as an analytical scientist in industry for a number of years before joining the Regular Army. The problem‑solving, analysis, and working with technical systems and processes really helped me complete my initial training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and then into the AAC, to train to be a pilot.
What STEM skills are most important to your reserve role? In the AAC, STEM thinking underpins almost everything we do. The most Important skills include:
- Technical understanding of complex aviation systems and how things work
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking when planning or responding to changing situations
- Data interpretation, whether in training, logistics, or operational planning
- Systems awareness, understanding how different components of an operation fit together or the technical understanding of complex software.
How does the AAC develop your skills? Being in the AAC continually pushes me to think more systematically and make decisions based on evidence and risk. The aviation environment demands attention to detail, structured planning, and confidence in using technical information. Through training, leadership roles, and exposure to aviation operations, I’ve strengthened my analytical mindset and improved my ability to operate in complex, high‑pressure environments.
What would you say to inspire other women to get into STEM roles in the military? The opportunities are there; you just need to take them. I was one of very few females to fly the Apache Attack helicopter on operations and my training and working in STEM gave me a mindset to be able to achieve things that I maybe would have thought were out of my scope.
What is your favourite thing about being in the AAC? It’s the people—being part of a team that’s committed, skilled, and proud of what we do. The AAC, and especially the Reserves, has a strong sense of identity, and working alongside individuals who share the same drive and values is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the variety: no two training events or tasks are the same, and the blend of technical challenge and leadership makes every day interesting.
Find out more about the vital role the Army Reserve plays in our national security on the British Army website.
