Rain pounding the windows, whilst driving down the same stretch where he’d earned his official army ‘Wings’ in February this year, it was a fitting time to catch fully qualified pilot, Brijinder. The everyday yet evocative setting seemed to emphasise his message: the great relevance of commonplace careers in the armed forces, which ultimately even refresh the way society defines its basic vocational values: “being in the army has been such an intense and fulfilling journey,” the passionate pilot shared. “From my experience with the Army Cadet Force, to attending the world renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and now completing the Army Pilots Course as an Army Air Corps Officer, the core qualities of self-respect, courage and discipline were deeply ingrained. The army really equips you with all you need to become a capable and autonomous individual. It really tests your concentration and works you to the edge of your mental abilities. I, for example, joined with no prior experience in specialised techniques and by the end of the flying course was well-versed in fixed wing (aeroplanes) and rotary wing (helicopters) aircraft, being able to fly adeptly at night. Commanding a helicopter through the dark blanket of the sky is obviously a very different experience to the day, and even more so with the night-vision goggles.”
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Also due to start Apache attack helicopter training in July - a highly honourable duty for which Brijinder was chosen – the model military man then clearly demonstrated how the army hones both the physical and intellectual senses, putting focus on character building and instructing its respective force in a uniquely holistic way. “Low-level flying is another specialist manoeuvre that’s taught to us,” Brijinder added, “again demanding all one’s available attention.” Unlike traditional schooling, as well as activating all the parts of the brain - building emotional resilience and the capacity to adapt to new environments alongside the analytical smarts - the military also fosters interpersonal relationships and a natural awareness of the wider community. “I have a tremendous sense of pride in knowing I’m providing a beneficial service for society,” Brijinder stated. “That is the main 'sentimental' appeal of the army. You can feel part of a team, humble and respected all at the same time. No two days are ever the same either. From my army pilot training in the summer, to the current office work raising awareness for the purposes of BAME engagement as part of a civil engagement project, my time has been broad and varied. In that sense the army is a professional certificate in and of itself: all actions can be transferred and accredited to a civilian organisation. You are not only prepped for the military, but a life outside of the army.” Thus as if expertly gripping the flying controls, Brijinder masterfully navigated us through any mystification around his worthy calling, revealing it, in fact, to be entirely exemplary.
Are you looking forward to the Apache attack helicopter training, considering it is very revered and specialist?
It will be a long and difficult course, but also a testament to how much I’ve evolved since the initial pilot training. It is the most sophisticated attack helicopter in the world, and its capability is a militaristic game-changer. It’ll be exciting to be behind the controls of such superior equipment.
What is your future hope with the army – where do you see yourself ending up?
I will continue to be an Army Air Corps Officer mixing flying with various other duties. My current role working in youth engagement for the BAME community and the recruitment aspect of the Army has really interested me. I’m not sure where my career will take me in the long-term but no doubt there are some exciting and unique opportunities out there on offer.
What’s been a highlight of your career?
During the army pilot course, you’re given the opportunity to mountain fly. A whole fleet of helicopters are sent out to Snowdonia, where you spend a week flying in the mountains in thoroughly adverse conditions. You are training in high winds and with reduced visibility with awesome Mt. Snowdon as one of the tallest peaks in the UK serving as the visceral backdrop. It’s some of the most interesting yet challenging flying you’ll do.
How would all your training translate to a real time conflict?
Everything you do in training gives you more tools and techniques to employ for a future scenario. For example, the night flying and being able to land in confined places could be very useful in any future operational environment. We do have to have a nuanced arsenal in our back pockets.
Tell us more about your BAME civil engagement programme at Aldershot?
We are raising awareness amongst the black and Asian minority communities because the British army is constituted of roughly 10% from BAME backgrounds at the moment. We have such a huge multicultural community in the UK and yet only a sliver is represented. We talk at local schools and youth clubs to reach that untapped armed forces potential.
Why do you think families of BAME communities may be less supportive of children joining the armed forces?
They tend to only know the classic historical careers of medicine, law etc. but the army is a legitimate professional career. During the First and Second World Wars people knew others in the army and so it had more visibility – current generations are detached, not seeing anyone they know immediately in the profession. My parents for example were born and raised in the 1980s and had no recollection, but upon seeing myself and younger brother Harmeet in the army are now able to correct common perceptions. Prejudices can be attacked when the army is represented accurately.
What do you think of videogames by way of engaging youth with the army?
It is quite funny because when I meet with school kids there’s always someone who’ll reference a computer game. It’s fine for sparking interest, but the sure way to develop it is to talk with someone who has the background. The games are usually mixed with fantasy and Hollywood and never quite represent reality. The way to explore that is to talk to someone who’s in touch with the profession, and interacts with them face to face. I find that young people are generally very intrigued and have a lot of questions, but more often than not they don’t have someone to answer.
Finally, do you have a motto?
The worst someone can tell you is ‘no’. So always ask and explore opportunities – I wouldn’t be in the position I am today had I not been proactive in managing my own career and making sure I was always in the right place at the right time.