“Joining The Army To Reflect My Father” by Ezekiel Bertrand, Glyn School

Aspirations have many different roots. Joshua Cameron-Wallace, 15, was interviewed about his aspirations for joining the military. “My dad, who is South African, performed a year’s military service for the South African army,” he said when asked what motivated him to enlist. Joshua hopes to emulate his father’s military values in order to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, he claims that his motivation for enlisting is not to have served the late Her Glorious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II or the reigning Charles III, but rather for the protection of the country and his peers. The monarchy “has never really been a factor personally,” he admits, but he respected Her Majesty “as a person.” Joshua will complete his GCSEs in five months and plans to enrol in a two-year public service programme for his post-secondary education before enlisting in the military at the age of 18.

Joshua takes part in a variety of exercises to be ready to join the army. His participation in the Combined Cadet Force at Glyn School served as the impetus for his desire. Joshua placed the wreath at his neighbourhood church on Remembrance Sunday 2022 in remembrance of the troops who fought and lost their lives. A Remembrance Day service is also held at Glyn School to honour the lives of the students who lost their lives in the Second World War. The selfless deeds of these brave men are a major factor in Joshua’s choice.

Given the prospect of disaster, the issue of fear is one to be mindful of while enlisting in the military. Joshua stated, “Obviously, if there’s a war in my lifetime, I’ll be afraid but still fight for my country.  I’ll be scared but still fight for my country. There is also the slight possibility that I’ll be expected to kill when I’m in the army, but I’m hoping survival instincts kick in if the time comes.”

In conclusion, Joshua’s goal remains one he will go to hardworking levels to achieve. 

Ezekiel Bertrand, Glyn School.