How I Live... Combat Fatigue Karen's Call To Action

Karen Hulston (41), of Christchurch, is one of two women to be selected as a New Zealand army physical training instructor.

- Ciara Pratt

I was in the army for 17 years. I’m from Nelson, and it felt like unless you were really bright and going to go to university, there weren’t many opportunities. But what I did know was that I was a hard worker. One day, I saw an ad in the local paper that said, ’Do you want a challenge?’ I thought, ’Yes, that’s me!’

I’d never thought about joining the army and I didn’t know what it was, to be honest! My dad thought I’d never make it through training. He told me I would have problems being told what to do, but I’m stubborn! As soon as he said that, I knew there was no way I was quitting. And I did make it – I got through the 16 weeks! I ended up joining the army as a chef but got tired of it quickly.

While on the recruit course, I saw the physical training instructors who were so strong, fit and confident that I thought one day I wanted to be one of them. The PTIs are held in high regard because you have to be selected and it’s a vigorous selection process. Physically, they thrash you and work you to the bone, even through sleep deprivation.