From growing up in Grenada to supporting troops in Norway’s extreme cold, Corporal Caleb Jones has built an Army career around teamwork and service. Now working with the recruiting outreach team at Woolwich, he speaks about mentoring soldiers, challenging stereotypes and helping young people see new possibilities.
What inspired you to join the British Army?
Throughout my formative years in Grenada, my leadership qualities and ability to function as part of a team were recognised by mentors and elders in my community. My uncle took note and advised me to join the Army—something no member of my family had done at that time.
In many ways, it was a chance to live up to those expectations. On a personal level, it was a way to see the world and fill a void within myself. Looking back, I don’t regret a second of it.
Can you tell us about your military career so far?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate as a chef in the Royal Logistic Corps. I served with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in Plymouth from 2018 to 2021. After promotion to Lance Corporal, I moved to 4th Regiment Royal Artillery at Alanbrooke Barracks in Thirsk, where I served from 2021 to 2025.
During my eight years as a chef and production supervisor, I’ve deployed on numerous exercises and an operational tour. These included a jungle exercise in Belize in 2019, a cold-weather winter survival package in Norway in 2020, and Operation Elgin in Kosovo in 2023. I was then promoted to Corporal and moved into Recruiting Group.
What does your current role at Woolwich involve?
I’m the Operations NCO for the outreach team at Woolwich. My responsibilities include liaising with civilian colleagues, Army Careers Centres and other outreach teams, managing our programme of activities and assigning personnel to the jobs best suited to them.
Our team brings together people from across the Army, including engineers, infantry soldiers, medics, military police, signallers, tank crew and aircrew.
I frequently visit schools, particularly those serving disadvantaged communities. I relish the opportunity to inspire young people from my own and other backgrounds who might never have thought an Army career could be a natural fit for them.
I take great pride in challenging stereotypes and changing how the public sees the Army.
How has working outside your chef trade changed your experience?
Army life can be very regimented, and finding room for innovation or unfamiliar methods can be challenging. Working outside my trade, it’s refreshing to see things done differently and have greater opportunities to bring about change.
Which overseas assignment has had the greatest impact on you?
I deployed to Romania and Bulgaria at the beginning of 2025, just before joining Recruiting Group. Although I was thousands of miles from home, I found we shared common values: putting family first, respecting our elders, and a sense of discipline and respect.
I arrived not knowing what to expect and departed feeling as though I’d lived there for years. I now have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for the people of both countries.
What has been your most demanding working environment?
Norway in 2020 was a real eye-opener. Supporting troops in temperatures of minus 28 degrees Celsius gave me a new understanding of what the human body can do with proper training and the right equipment.
The relationship between physical fitness and mental strength in those conditions should never be taken for granted.
What qualifications have you gained?
I’ve completed NVQs in professional cookery and personally enrolled on and completed a qualification as a production chef supervisor, preparing me for a head chef role in a civilian establishment.
Outside my trade, I’ve used my learning credits to complete first aid at work and door supervisor courses. I plan to use further learning credits towards a degree in either business management or social work.
How do you support and mentor other soldiers?
As a Corporal and one of the older members of the team, soldiers naturally look to me for professional and personal guidance. I never shy away from those responsibilities. I relish the opportunity to share my knowledge.
When I need support, I have an excellent chain of command and a trusted group of peers around me. We’re consistently looking for ways to develop and advance as a team.
Are you involved in community or charitable work?
Outside the Army, I’ve worked with The Little Things Charity, providing hot meals for homeless and disadvantaged people at Old Street. We also distribute clothing, groceries and other items provided by volunteers and through charitable donations.
What achievement makes you most proud?
In 2024, I received a Brigade Commander’s Commendation for Commitment and Dedication as part of 7th Light Mechanised Brigade.
It recognised my efforts during the busiest year of my career. It was a timely reminder that hard work does pay off.
What has helped you through difficult times?
The Army doesn’t always provide motivation or a clear sense of direction. Many soldiers admit to feeling stuck or unseen from time to time. I’m no different.
My faith has been my saving grace during those times, alongside a “glass half full, never half empty” mentality. I firmly believe happiness comes from within. Motivation comes and goes, but a disciplined individual will always find their way back to the path.
What would you say to a young person who doesn’t see people like themselves represented in the Armed Forces?
You’ll never know until you try. I relish the opportunity to prove wrong those who say we can’t or don’t belong.
Never limit yourself, your imagination or what you believe you can achieve. A passage I return to is 2 Peter 1:5–6, which speaks about building on faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control and perseverance. Those qualities mean a great deal to me.