Teenager is officer potential

A WARRINGTON teenager has been chosen for a select band of “potential army officers” from across the North West.
Tom Creek, 18, from Great Sankey, will receive special training at a North West base that could see him take up a role as an officer in the Territorial Army.
He is currently studying for a HND in Public Services at Warrington Collegiate and would combine the officer role on a part-time basis with a “day job.”
Tom comes from a military background as his dad, George, served in the Royal Artillery for 23 years all over the world.
“I grew up with the Army and this is something I really want to do,” said Tom. “The Commanding Officer of the Warrington-based 75 Engineer Regiment came into our college to offer us the chance to join an Army ‘look at life’ weekend. We went to Ripon and had a look at things. It went from there.”
Being an officer in the TA, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is the ideal option for people who want to serve in the British Army, but who cannot commit full-time.
More than 1,300 TA soldiers from the North West region alone have served operational tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Balkans since 2003.
Tom added: “It’s good – running about and getting dirty! But I can tell that I am gaining confidence and skills by the day. I like a challenge in life and I see this as a great challenge. It will make me a better person. I want to make my parents proud.”
The Officer Training Wing is keen to hear from people interested in joining the next course. Anyone interested should call 0151 929 3254.