What I Learned as Sandhurst’s First Female Commander
Colonel Lucy Giles reveals what she’s learnt as the first woman to be promoted to top Army roles traditionally held by men.
Colonel Lucy Giles RLC has smashed through a few lass ceilings during her near three-decade career.
She was the first female officer to command 47 Air Dispatch Squadron, facilitating operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2015, she became the first woman in British history to be made New College Commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). Then she broke the mould again when she became the first female President of the Army Officer Selection Board.
Although Lucy now has a carpet of shards beneath her boots, she’s certainly not tiptoeing around the responsibilities that come with success, and shares some lessons she’s learnt along with way.
Don’t be Complacent
On becoming Commander of New College at RMAS, Lucy received an entry into Debrett’s People of Today and won the 2016 inaugural Woman in Defence ‘Inspirational’ and ‘Woman of the Year’ awards. She says: ‘It’s all very well smashing glass ceilings but you have to watch you don’t get cut. You need to maintain your momentum when you get into your next job; you can never become complacent.’
Pay it Forward
Lucy believes it’s important people help those climbing the ladder behind them, which is why she became an ambassador for First Women UK, a Girl Guide Ambassador and joined the Girls’ School Association teachers’ mentoring programme.
‘I have two children and like to be involved in youth organisations,’ meddai hi. ‘I see the value of investing in young people, and I want to do everything I can to help – as a leader in the Army and as a role model. It’s important to pull up people behind you.’
Don’t be Afraid to Challenge Barriers
By the age of 25, Lucy was commanding 72 men on operations in Bosnia. She’s served in over 20 countries including Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, excelling in a field that’s 90 per cent male. Her advice to young women is to challenge barriers – both internal and external.
‘Young females are brought up in a world where the frame of reference tends to be masculine,' meddai hi.’If I could go back in time, I’d tell my younger self not to be put off by
what you can’t do, but to look at what you can do. Also not to be afraid to challenge barriers – especially those you’ve put up for yourself.’
Be a Good Follower
During Lucy’s career she’s come to value ‘followership’ (a term coined by USA retired four-star general Colin Powell) as much as leadership.
‘We’re all followers within a military organisation. Even the Chief of the General Staff works for the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Secretary of State for Defence, who in turn works for the Prime Minister, who is ultimately responsible to the Queen.
‘We all have to behave in a way which respects the role we play within our organisation. It’s as important to be as a good follower as you are a good leader.’
Allow People to Make Mistakes
As Commander of New College at RMAS, and previously as instructor of junior majors at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Lucy learnt the importance of creating an environment where people can learn from their mistakes.
‘If you apply discipline straightaway you create a culture where people are afraid to admit to their mistakes, which leads to shortcuts and being economical with the truth.’
Pressure Hones Leadership
Lucy has learnt that leadership is developed when the pressure is on.
‘That pressure could be lack of sleep, being rationed, the pressure of time or even austere conditions. We deliberately create those at Sandhurst with the aim of constructing an environment where people have to make decisions under difficult circumstances. Leadership is only really practised when pressure is applied, otherwise it’s just managing.’
Build your Team
Lucy believes building a solid team is crucial to a successful endeavour.
‘Having your team around you keeps your
moral compass pointing in the right direction and towards the values installed during training: courage, discipline, integrity, respect for others, selfless commitment and loyalty.’
Avoid the Word ‘Fail’
During her time as President of the Army Officer Selection Board she’s come to dislike the word ‘fail’ when referring to candidates who don’t get selected for officer training.
‘I think it’s misleading and unhelpful. Everybody has potential for something, and it might not be in the Army. I’m a fan of unlocking that potential and helping steer people in a different direction. Everybody has something to offer society and there are other ways to serve your country that don’t involve being
in the armed forces or on a sports pitch.'’
Her advice to young people who are keen to pursue an Army officer career is to explore The Army Officer Scholarship scheme.
‘'‘There will be some young people, still at school, who have their heart set on becoming an officer. They should be aware that the Army has a scheme to help support them through school and university. The Army Officer Scholarship Scheme (AOSS) is offered to high-quality students who have the potential to make excellent Army officers, particularly those who will be good ambassadors for the Army during their time at university or college.‘'‘
Lucy’s Message to Cadets
‘Putting on the uniform and experiencing some aspects of what we do in the Army is great, but what I hope you’ll learn is the experience of working within a group, how to be selfless, and the sense of discipline we need to have when serving our country.’