Being on the front line boosts our intelligence.

 Current scientific research shows that danger stimulates brain power and inventiveness, and the benefits are lasting. Today’s buzz phrase is “transcranial magnetic stimulation” (TMS), the use of magnetic fields to improve soldiers’ powers of reasoning. I am much happier in my job than the equivalent civilian. My colleagues and I give it a 64 per cent satisfaction rating compared to barely 50 per cent in the general workforce. Among the things I like are the security of employment, the pension provision and the health care. Surprisingly, the “excitement of the job” is less appreciated, although 83 per cent of us agree that we are proud to be in the Service. Although much attention is paid to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the most common mental problems we face are alcoholism, loneliness and depression. Women, the lower ranks and those aged between 20-24 are most at risk. Research puts the PTSD rate for serving soldiers at four per cent, compared with three per cent in the general population. Almost 30 per cent of us smoke, well above the national average of 20 per cent, and the Army now has an annual No Smoking Day with a morale-raising song from the Army School of Physical Fitness.

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