Council worker mops up with award on TA course
Ally McGilvray • Published 29 Dec 2011 09:30
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A COUNCIL cleaner from the Borders is preparing to take on the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Twenty-three-year-old Kevin Paterson, from Hawick, has qualified as a solider with the Territorial Army in Galashiels.
He completed his phase two basic training at Catterick in North Yorkshire earlier this month.
It followed an intensive five week training course at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh during the summer.
The Scottish Borders Council worker won an award for the recruit who showed "Best Endeavour" during the two week course, where he learnt a range of new skills - including shooting, map reading and bayonet fighting.
During his final exercise, Kevin had to learn how to live out in the field for four days in sub-zero temperatures, as well as avoid ambushes, and braved blizzards to complete an eight mile march through the snow in two hours carrying all his kit - all 25kg of it.
A number of local TA soldiers have already served in Afghanistan. And now the local amateur footballer, who once had trials with Leeds United, revealed he plans to follow in their footsteps.
Speaking to the Border Telegraph on his return, Kevin, also known as Private Paterson, said: "I decided to join the TA earlier this year for a new challenge and to learn new skills and I have made a lot of new friends. It's been really rewarding.
"I've never done anything like this before - I would never get the chance anywhere else."
But he added: "I'd urge any one else thinking about joining the TA to come along and find out what it's like for themselves."
The Territorial Army in Galashiels is open to males and females, aged between 17 and 43. For more information contact the 6SCOTS Recruiting Team on 0141 224 5453 or 07919 303240. Alternatively, drop in the TA centre opposite Tesco in Paton Street, Galashiels, on Tuesday nights at 7.30pm.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 29 Dec 11
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