Ronelia training to keep army on track.

Byline: DAVE HIMELFIELD

TEENAGER Ronelia Joubert isn't afraid of hard work and danger.

For 19-year-old Ronelia, of Marsh, has embarked on her second phase of training as an army mechanic.

And when fully qualified, Ronelia will be repairing heavy armed vehicles, such as tanks, in war zones.

Ronelia passed her first phase of training at Purbright Barracks in Surrey after joining the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers at the age of 17.

Phase one training includes orienteering, survival techniques and marksmanship.

Soon she will return to Bordon Barracks, Hampshire, for phase two of training where she will learn how to drive and repair heavy armed vehicles.

She is one of 40 women training in mechanical skills at Bordon - compared to 1,000 men.

Ronelia is a former pupil of Royds Hall High School, where she captained the tennis team. She was born in South Africa and came to Huddersfield with her mother four years ago.

Ronelia's interest in motors developed when she helped her stepfather, Tony, rebuild a Yamaha Thundercat motorbike.

She said: "My grandparents used to own scrapyards so that's wheremy interest comes from.

"I wanted to do something different. I didn't want to be stuck in the office. I wanted something more exciting.

"Firing live rounds was really exciting and I liked going on exercises with the team.

"I think some of the discipline is good and you can wear a uniform with pride."

Of her upcoming phase two training Ronelia said: "I'm looking forward to all the driving and getting my hands dirty."

And how does she feel about being in a minority as a girl? Ronelia said: "You get along really well with the lads. There's no sexism. They're really strict about that.

"I just want to work my way up the ranks and get some experience overseas."

Warrant Officer Class Two, Nick McConnell, senior recruiter at the Huddersfield Army Careers Office, where Ronelia enlisted, said: "Ronelia has demonstrated that the army has a lot to offer young people who are looking for a career that provides a high standard of living and where spare time activities are actively encouraged."

CAPTION(S):

CALL OF DUTY: The British Challenger 2 tank TANK GIRL: Army mechanic Ronelia Joubert who is in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (JH031109Fronelia-04)