Amber Guymer-hosking
- Actress
- Producer
In 2005, Amber joined the Army straight out of school at just 16. Joining wasn't something Amber had always planned Amber wanted to be a plumber - but problems at home meant the army became the escapism Amber needed.
Life in the forces at such a young age gave Amber a unique chance to travel the world, and become part of the most amazing military family. As part of the Royal Army Medical Corps Amber went through medical school, learning about life, loyalty, and what it means to serve your country. While challenging, my time was enriching and unforgettable. Amber served in countries including Afghanistan, Kenya, Canada, Malaysia, and Brunei, and assisted in the treatment of casualties in emergency environments as a combat medical technician. In short, Amber loved it.
Then, after 11 years of service, my career came to an end. Amber has been medically discharged thanks to two debilitating knee injuries from army rugby and football, but also post-traumatic stress disorder following my time in Afghanistan. As a medic, Amber felt guilty for the people Amber couldn't save, as if it was Ambers's fault. Amber saw some horrific injuries, and not just to Amber colleagues; the injuries suffered by some innocent local women and children too were really hard to deal with. With some injuries, you can just accept there's nothing that can be done, but with others, you feel a sense of responsibility that someone lost a leg, or even died. But at the time Amber just couldn't accept that Amber's discharge was heartbreaking. Amber dedicated her whole adult life to the Army and to the military family Amber loved, and knew Amber had no idea how to live a 'normal' life out of uniform. In the Army, you're kind of institutionalized and have everything done for you. Going from having that to no support at all on civvy street was going to be really hard.
Life in the forces at such a young age gave Amber a unique chance to travel the world, and become part of the most amazing military family. As part of the Royal Army Medical Corps Amber went through medical school, learning about life, loyalty, and what it means to serve your country. While challenging, my time was enriching and unforgettable. Amber served in countries including Afghanistan, Kenya, Canada, Malaysia, and Brunei, and assisted in the treatment of casualties in emergency environments as a combat medical technician. In short, Amber loved it.
Then, after 11 years of service, my career came to an end. Amber has been medically discharged thanks to two debilitating knee injuries from army rugby and football, but also post-traumatic stress disorder following my time in Afghanistan. As a medic, Amber felt guilty for the people Amber couldn't save, as if it was Ambers's fault. Amber saw some horrific injuries, and not just to Amber colleagues; the injuries suffered by some innocent local women and children too were really hard to deal with. With some injuries, you can just accept there's nothing that can be done, but with others, you feel a sense of responsibility that someone lost a leg, or even died. But at the time Amber just couldn't accept that Amber's discharge was heartbreaking. Amber dedicated her whole adult life to the Army and to the military family Amber loved, and knew Amber had no idea how to live a 'normal' life out of uniform. In the Army, you're kind of institutionalized and have everything done for you. Going from having that to no support at all on civvy street was going to be really hard.