Max Finch, Class of 2019

What are you doing now, and how did you get there after leaving Trinity?

While still in Sixth form I successfully passed the Army Officer Selection Board but decided to go away and get my degree before entering the forces. After leaving Trinity I got a degree in OffHighway Automotive Engineering from Harper Adams University and committed to both a year in civilian industry as well as joining the Army Reserves. It was during this time at University that I realised service life was for me and I knew that’s where I belonged. I attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst completing the 44-week Commissioning Course earning the King’s Commission. I was selected to join the Royal Engineers and I now serve as a Troop Commander in 8 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 26 Engineer Regiment. This means day-to-day I lead 40+ combat engineers preparing them for operations overseas, as well as look after their welfare. I’ve completed my specialist training in close support engineering where we look to employ heavy equipment, explosives and armoured vehicles to provide mobility and survivability support to our allies and create complex dilemmas for our enemy. In my Trinity yearbook leaving quote I said I “wanted to be somewhere dangerous, doing something stupidonly this time as a job, not for a bet.” With a deployment to Eastern Europe next year, its safe to say I’ve achieved that aim.

How would you sum up your experience of the CCF at Trinity – and has anything from it stayed with you since?

The key thing I always remember about CCF is how much it brought me out of my shell. Those that know me now wouldn’t recognised the shy kid I was at 12/13, but the opportunities and community that the CCF unlocked for me has been pivotal to my development. Even as I look back now, there is so much travel and different experiences available to you if you take it upon yourself to chase it and grasp it. The CCF gave me that push to grow, and it just so happened I stayed in the forces as a result.

Army, Navy or RAF section?

Army.

Favourite CCF memory in three words?

Lost up Brecon.

Parade ground or field exercises?

Always the field.

Best skill you learned in CCF?

Learning to lead/interact with those older than myself.