One of our Defence Relationship Managers, Darren Knight, reached a milestone of 40 years in the Army, on 5th March 2025.
Darren first joined the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Corps of Transport at the age of 16. Moving across to the Regular Army at the age of 18.
Aged 40 and rank of Warrant Officer Class One Darren had to retire from the Regular Army, but he didn’t want his Army career to end there and so he joined the Army Reserve on commission at the rank of Captain. He is currently serving with 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.
We spoke to Darren to find out more about his journey through the Army…
Why did you join the Army?
“I am from a coal mining family and as the Coal Mines in the Nottingham area were closing down, it had an impact on me choosing to join the Army, though being in the South Nottingham Hussars ACF, had the biggest influence on me joining the Junior Leaders Regiment at the age of 16.”
What have your top five highlights from the Army been so far?
“Being able to do sport and be paid for doing it! I have represented the Army in judo and at Regimental level football, athletics, cross country, squash, tug of war, rugby 7s, boxing and swimming.
“Commanding soldiers as a Section Commander (Corporal), Troop Commander (Staff Sergeant) and as an Officer Commanding (Major).
“Being appointed the Force Master Driver as Warrant Officer Class One in Iraq, on Operation TELIC. I was responsible for Transport Management and Road Safety for over 30,000 British Forces personnel.
“Being invited to 10 Downing Street as a Reservist to accept the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the then Prime Minister, David Cameron.
“Attending the King’s Garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the King’s coronation.”
What are you looking forward to?
“In the short term I am really looking forward to deploying on a Overseas training exercise in the USA later this year. Long term I am looking forward to remaining as an Officer Commanding and making the most of my, three years plus, time left in the Army Reserves. Taking every opportunity to deploy on overseas exercises, to lead soldiers, stay fit and healthy and contribute to the Army I love, until I have to retire.”
We wish Darren every success in his continuing career with the Army.
Find out more about the Reserve Forces.
Published 14/04/2025
