Pharmacy in the Army
When I first started pharmacy school I had a rather boxed in mind-set. I thought that my part-time job at the local pharmacy was a perfect depiction of all that I could do besides industry or hospital practice. However, when I was perusing the usual social media sites, I came across an army jobs advert. Usually I would have not looked twice as I wouldn’t define myself as a fit, athletic individual. But, what caught my attention was the fact that they had the position of a Pharmacist Officer available in the advert. After speaking with the recruitment staff and booking a meeting with my local Field Hospital unit based in Kings Heath, I came to the decision that I did want to consider a role in the Territorial Army (TA).
Entering selection begins with an assessment for the role of a Combat Medical Technician. This involves completing a 1.5 mile run in under 12 minutes, a jerry can walk, and having to lift 25kg or more. There’s also an interview at the end to find out why you opted to join the TA. After passing selection, you go on to complete alpha training at the British Army Selection Centre in Pirbright. Once all of this is completed you will be a qualified Combat Medical Technician. After graduation, you are promoted to the rank of Pharmacist Officer. Your commitment to the TA will include attending drill nights once a week and at least one overseas training event each year.
In preparation for my own selection day I attended a few ‘Insight Weekends’. These featured a mock selection day where I underwent physical and team communication based workshops. I thoroughly enjoyed the drill workshops where we learned how to march and complete the turn in response to the instructions commanded by the drill sergeant. If you love structure and discipline as much as I do then you will thoroughly enjoy the army life experience!
Pharmacy in the ArmyWhen I first started pharmacy school I had a rather boxed in mind-set. I thought that my part-time job at the local pharmacy was a perfect depiction of all that I could do besides industry or hospital practice. However, when I was perusing the usual social media sites, I came across an army jobs advert. Usually I would have not looked twice as I wouldn’t define myself as a fit, athletic individual. But, what caught my attention was the fact that they had the position of a Pharmacist Officer available in the advert. After speaking with the recruitment staff and booking a meeting with my local Field Hospital unit based in Kings Heath, I came to the decision that I did want to consider a role in the Territorial Army (TA).Entering selection begins with an assessment for the role of a Combat Medical Technician. This involves completing a 1.5 mile run in under 12 minutes, a jerry can walk, and having to lift 25kg or more. There’s also an interview at the end to find out why you opted to join the TA. After passing selection, you go on to complete alpha training at the British Army Selection Centre in Pirbright. Once all of this is completed you will be a qualified Combat Medical Technician. After graduation, you are promoted to the rank of Pharmacist Officer. Your commitment to the TA will include attending drill nights once a week and at least one overseas training event each year.
In preparation for my own selection day I attended a few ‘Insight Weekends’. These featured a mock selection day where I underwent physical and team communication based workshops. I thoroughly enjoyed the drill workshops where we learned how to march and complete the turn in response to the instructions commanded by the drill sergeant. If you love structure and discipline as much as I do then you will thoroughly enjoy the army life experience!Not many pharmacy students would consider looking into the Army Pharmacy career route when they qualify, but those that do end up performing their TA job alongside their civil job, whether that be as a community, hospital or industrial pharmacist. Being a part of the Territorial Army does not mean you will be forced to go to war, but you may be called upon if needed. The likelihood of that happening is rather small but you should still consider it when making a decision.In short, if you want to do something different and quite unique, consider taking this interesting route! More information can be found on the army website. There’s more to pharmacy than drugs and dispensing.
