Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Katherine’s troop of recruits aged over 18 have just finished their course. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Solent’s Julian Clegg went along to see their final preparations and their passing out parade after 12 weeks training in Winchester.

As she says goodbye to her recruits, Katherine told Julian she’s mindful of what their future holds, with a possible deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq ahead of them:

"It's always at the back of your mind, you realise that it's a very serious job.Μύ It's a very brave decision, a very informed decision. It's a privilege to work alongside these people."

Captain Sanderson at the Passing Out Parade

Julian spoke to Katherine about what it is like to be a woman in the Army in charge of a troop of men:

"I have a troop sergeant who can be very scary, so if it gets to the stage when I'm being scary then things perhaps have gone slightly wrong."

They also talked about her deployment to Afghanistan last year, and her love of horse riding and chick flicks!

Things are about to change for Katherine, because her next challenge is to take on younger recruits than ever.

Later this year she'll be in charge of a group of 16-17 year old Junior Entry recruits - boys and girls who'll been taking on a 42 week course for school leavers where they will learn leadership and initiative skills alongside vocational and military qualifications.

Captain Sanderson on a training march

It's a big challenge for Katherine as she becomes a role model to hundreds of young women joining the army.

Julian Clegg summed up his thoughts of spending time with Katherine: "It's thanks to Katherine that these new recruits start their journey in the armed forces and the army today.

"They could be heading off to Afghanistan or Iraq, quite a commitment isn't it? And from September Katherine will be training 16 and 17 year old boys and girls to do the same thing. I think that's quite a challenge."

On the breakfast show on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Solent from 0630 on Wednesday morning Julian Clegg will be talking to Katherine about her role and the new challenges ahead. And he wants to hear from you. Do you think 16 is too young to sign up? 0845 30 30 961, text 07786 200 961 or email julian.clegg@bbc.co.uk from 0630 on Wednesday morning.