# BWSMAGAZINE
A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP ?
We sat down with Stephanie Jackman , Deputy Commander ( Reserves ) of HQ 51 Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland to discuss her life , career and the importance of a good night ’ s sleep .
The British Army has always been a part of Stephanie ’ s life . Her father was a Major in the Army and growing up she moved around with the family . Born in Northumberland , she attended an all girls school in Suffolk , then studied at Cambridge College of Arts and Technology and is now settled in a small village near Biggar in South Lanarkshire .
With her father pushing for her to join the army she rebelled against it as a young woman , wanting to try other things . Previous jobs included working for a Seed Merchant , in recruitment consulting , in the mobile phone industry ( before the boom ), before settling on the Electricity Industry – none of which really challenging her quite sufficiently .
That all changed when an unexpected run in with a Territorial Army ( TA ) presentation whilst out on a hen night and the promise of a free beer , meant that the next day she was on a minibus to an assessment centre for selection to be an officer . This was at aged 25 , slightly older than the usual new recruit !
A passion for travel coupled with a love of people meant that the very career she had rallied against , turned out to be the perfect one for her . In the 28 years she has been a part of the Army , she has excelled during her career and recently received an MBE in 2017 for her work on reviewing career management policy for Army Reserves .
My entire life is made up of things I never expected I would do
While talking to Stephanie , her enthusiasm comes through in everything she does especially the changes that she can make to help inspire others and build their confidence . She sings the praises of the Army Cadets , the British Army ’ s Youth Organisation , demonstrating her firm belief that incorporating a bit of discipline , routine and fun into a child ’ s life is what makes a positive difference to them and she sees this regularly at first hand . Some Cadets have even saved lives in the Community due to the First Aid training they have received .
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