So you like to keep fit?

You like the outdoors?

Our next impressive lady in our “Making Ends Meet” series took it one step further and decided to join the army.

 

Meet Tara Keveney Madden …

 

My official title is …

I am a 3 star Private Soldier in the Irish Defence Forces.

 

That means that I …

… have passed my first stage of recruit training and second stage of 2-3 star training which brings me on to being a 3 star private soldier.

The three best things about my job that make me jump out of bed in the morning are …

• I get to do such a variety of different things in a day … like we go down to the shooting range for the day shooting our own personal rifle and different kinds of weapons.

 

• Getting to spend a lot of time in the MAP (Medical Aid Post) as this is the area of work I would love to get into.

 

• Also, there is time allocated each day for PT (Personal Training) so I can keep up my fitness.

 

The three not-so-great things about my job that make me roll over and bury my head in my pillow are …

• I have a annual fitness test in which I have to carry a lot of weight in a certain amount of time. This has to be passed every year.

 

• There are also plenty of interesting courses the army has to offer. It can be difficult to get courses I’m really interested in, but I know I need to be patient.

 

• Then there is Portlaoise Prison duty – when you go in they take your phone for three days which can be a little difficult as there is no contact with family or friends.

 

I bagged this job by …

… being determined to get in. I didn’t get in first time but I tried again. Training was very difficult but I really wanted it so I gave it everything I had.

 

Tara likes to keep everyone in Ireland safe … but especially this guy …

 

Wow! Thanks Tara xxx