Richard Hughes

Richard Hughes was brought up in Bristol and attended Fairfield Grammar school in the early 70s. On leaving school at 16 Richard joined the British Army and served with distinction for 24 years. With postings throughout the UK, BAOR, BFG and tours of duty in Northern Ireland and Bosnia. Quickly gaining experience in logistics and the training, development and leadership of recruits, junior and senior non-commissioned officers.

On leaving the British Army, Richard worked in the Facility Management industry that led him to become the UK's Regional Training Centre Manager for a global IT training company. Responsible for its state-of-the-art IT training centres and trainers in Berkshire, London, Coventry and Wakefield. Although a job he enjoyed, he missed working outside. So, he left and became an Estates Manager for a private 44-acre estate in the heart of Surrey. Complete with Grade 2 listed buildings and a modern sports complex. He also lived and worked for just under two years in Majorca working in the marine leisure craft industry.

From a JUNIOR to the SENIOR Soldier is his story of his rise through the ranks to the highest non-commissioned rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) “The Senior Soldier”.

The ups, downs, rough, smooth, humorous and sometimes unbelievable journey. Starting out shakily involving a Court Martial at 18 years old but promoted one month later! A covert tour of duty in Northern Ireland at 20 years old, that on one occasion involved driving a heavily armed car with a high ranking member of parliament through Belfast, riding a tandem bike from Berkshire – Land Ends – John O Groats – Berkshire, arranging a snooker match with Dracula, secret mission to Venice, to dining with the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher and her husband Dennis... and a Prince, now King of England, wanting to hear my joke!

A book that will certainly be of interest to those wanting to know how and what it takes to become the Senior Soldier and will resonate with military veterans that nearly all will have their own story to tell about their RSMs, whether it was an RSM they dreaded and chastised them or one who led and inspired them.