Days to go: 61 days as of 10 Jan 05

IN the TA I hold the rank of Lance Corporal, but a few weeks after arriving in theatre I, with two other TA soldiers, gained promotion to Staff Sergeant. Most will appreciate this isn't usually done in a single step.

I am employed in the TA for my qualifications and experience within the construction industry, although my rank has never quite caught up with the services I provide to the MOD. Up until being mobilised it had never been an issue. In Iraq I have been doing the work of a Clerk of Works; however, being recognised as such and getting the financial and rank recognition for this was never a certainty.

Unbeknown to myself and the other TA soldiers the 2i/c had been arranging for us to be promoted, and subsequently, a parade was called in the bar for 8.00pm. However we (the soldiers to be promoted) decided to have a beer in the Naafi before turning up and arrived five minutes late.

Promotion

Our promotion had been a well-kept secret. The Team Warrant Officer wasn't happy and showed it in a manner he's honed over the years.

My excuse of believing that "turning up around 8.00pm was ok" didn't seem to wash!

All military bars are fitted with a bell, rung to announce that the ringer (either deliberately or accidentally) is buying a round for all. The bell is usually rung when arriving or leaving the unit, births, marriages, getting caught doing something you shouldn't have... and promotion.

After the verbal ear bashing we were duly called up individually to be promoted, first to Corporal. We all rang the bell to cheers from all gathered. Then we were promoted to Sergeant, and the bell got rung again to mild roars.

As we were gathering our thoughts, in comes a fax from the Ops (Operations) room announcing our promotion to Staff Sergeant and you guessed it... the "mob" could hardly contain themselves. Some $136 lighter, it started the evening off well...

Regards,

Nick