From training ground to frontline exercise: New Northamptonshire recruit takes on major Army challenge
A 21-year-old soldier from Northamptonshire has been thrown into a demanding military exercise just weeks after arriving at her new Army unit.
Lance Corporal Caitlin Donohue, from Tiffield near Towcester, took part in Exercise SATON APPLY at Whinny Hill, Catterick Garrison, less than a fortnight after joining 521 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron.
The ammunition technician has progressed rapidly through her military career, moving from basic training to operational activity in just 18 months.
After completing Phase One training at Pirbright and Phase Two specialist training, she joined 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment Royal Logistic Corps before immediately being immersed in a high-tempo squadron-level exercise.
The exercise is designed to test a unit’s ability to deliver its core operational tasks and includes urban operations, blank-firing scenarios and building assault exercises intended to mirror real-world conditions.
LCpl Donohue said the experience had been both exciting and challenging.
She said: “I’m very new, I’ve been in the Army for a year and a half, but in unit for two weeks.
“The whole process has been amazing, from start to finish. Now I’m in the Unit it’s great that we’ve had an exercise so quickly.
“It’s very daunting too, but there’s been a lot of team building this week so I’ve gotten to know everyone really well.”
Before joining the Army, LCpl Donohue worked as a television technician, helping to build and move studios used for live sports broadcasts.
However, she said a military career had long been an ambition, inspired in part by her father’s service with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).
The exercise introduced her to urban training environments that she had not experienced during basic training.
She said: “Urban training is a completely new environment for me. It’s really interesting and fun to be a part of.
“Today we’re clearing buildings, learning different techniques and how to move around different buildings.”
Despite her limited time with the unit, she was also required to step into a section commander role during the exercise, helping to build her confidence and leadership skills.
Reflecting on the experience, she said the training had left her feeling far better prepared for operational deployments and had provided valuable lessons from more experienced colleagues.
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