FROM the classroom to the army barracks, this Blaenavon woman is proof that a full-time job can be done alongside military service.

Victoria Reed, 25, is currently training to be a PE teacher at Cardiff Metropolitan University but is also a sapper in the Territorial Army.

She is now encouraging others to join the TA as part of a major drive to recruit around 500 soldiers and officers across Wales this year.

Miss Reed joined the TA more than two years ago as part of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) 100 Field Squadron.

This was due to her always having an interest in the army but wanting to combine it with her passion for teaching.

Miss Reed, who studied sports science at the University of Wales, Newport, said: “I discovered that I could join the TA and fulfil my dream of becoming a teacher at the same time.

“Since joining the TA I have gone through basic Army training as well as learning some specialist skills.

Miss Reed has also recently returned from a six month operational tour in Cyprus working for the UN where she helped out with the management of the welfare packages for soldiers and their families based there.

On top of this, she has also recently done some work experience with West Monmouth School, Pontypool, working as a PE teacher.

Training with the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) 100 Field Squadron takes place on Wednesday evenings at Chapman VC House, Cwmbran.

For more information visit www.army.mod.uk