Excellence in REME
Major Charlotte Hayes Currently posted to DE&S at MOD Abbeywood as Operations Manager, Light Wheels and Protected Mobility, Maj Charlotte Hayes achieved her CEng in 2020 and is in the middle of her MSc. However, she still finds time to dedicate herself to REME Sport, in particular cross country, for which she was awarded Full Sporting Colours. This month, Major Hayes talks about running, REME women in sport, and being a team. What made you join the Army? At school I loved Design and Technology, in particular electronics. On leaving school I did a Technician Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical and Electronic Engineering; I went on to do my degree at Loughborough, again in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I have wanted to be an Engineer for as long as I can remember but in an active role, not sat in an office. I started looking into ‘other’ types of engineering jobs. On looking into the Army it was an absolute no brainer; if I was going to join it had to be REME. All through RMAS, I never wavered. I was determined to join REME. I did not want to waste my engineering qualifications; they were not easy to achieve! 16 years later and still REME!
Why was this the right decision for you? Joining REME was absolutely the right decision for me; I wanted to use my qualifications and gain more. I became an EngO in 2007 and this year received my CEng. The professional progression is second to no other Corps. Also, I absolutely love working with other technically-minded Officers and Soldiers. REME was and still is a natural fit for me. I love that we are a team - we have a rank structure but when it comes to engineering knowledge and skill it can often be the advice of a junior tradesperson that we rely on, making us all valued members of the team.
What have been the highlights of your career so far? I have had many highlights in my career. I think my warmest memories are of being a Forward Platoon Commander. I had a mixed platoon of Vehicle and Recovery Mechanics; the dynamics and characters made even the hardest days end with laughter. We spent a lot of time together due to completing pre-tour training, a unit move to Northern Ireland and deploying on Operation Herrick 10. The members of that Platoon will forever be my friends and I always smile when I think of them.
How does Maj Hayes differ from the Miss Hayes who first came to the Army and the Corps? Miss Moat joined the Army in 2004. I feel that Miss Moat, although now married and a Major, is still there in my core. She is much more confident and capable. That confidence has come from facing new challenges, making mistakes and learning from them. I think REME is one of very few Corps that offer formal education to its Officers as they progress through their careers, setting you up for success before you start your next job. As a 2Lt I completed my Junior Officers’ Course, as a Lt I completed the Junior Officers Equipment Course and attachment to MDBA, prior to passing my viva and achieving EngO. Before LAD Command I did the REME Captains’ Course and prior to Company Command I did the Company Commanders’ Course. At every level I have been formally trained and supported. Never have I felt unprepared.
You have become involved in Corps Cross Country representation over the last 16 years, including managing the female teams in 2009/2012 and 2018present. What is it that has driven you as a cross country runner? A lot of people don’t like running. At school I ran cross country and was a member of the local running club. On joining the Army I found that my love of running was an asset. Fitness is crucial. Being reasonable at running certainly made even the hardest PT sessions manageable! I love going out for a run, I love the smell of the air, wind or rain in my face, the views and the feeling of being free. I use
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