Colonel Lucy Giles

Colonel Lucy Giles has recently taken up the prestigious role of President of the Army Officer Selection Board at Westbury, Wiltshire, where she is responsible for Regular, Reservist & Cadet Forces officer selection into the British Army.  In her previous role she was the first female College Commander in The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst’s 200 year history. As New College Commander, Lucy oversaw the leadership development of officer cadets on the Regular Commissioning Course through a programme of academic study, military exercises and physical training.

Lucy was brought up in Bayford and joined Sexey’s School having completed her GCSEs at King Arthurs School, Wincanton. On completing her A levels she studied Biology at Exeter where she joined the University Officer Training Corps. Lucy joined the Army in 1992 and saw regimental duty in Germany, followed by tours of Bosnia and in South Africa. On being promoted to Major, she was posted to 5 Airborne Brigade with tours to East Timor, Sierra Leone, and Bosnia again. Lucy commanded 47 Air Despatch Squadron Royal Logistic Corps enabling operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before joining Headquarters Directorate Royal Logistic Corps. This was followed by a tour at a training regiment and a teaching appointment at the Joint Services Command and Staff College. She gained her Masters in Military Studies with Cranfield University and her PGCE with the University of Southampton.

At the inaugural Women in Defence event, Lucy was given the Inspirational Award and the Woman of the Year 2016 Award. She is an ambassador for First Women UK and was in the Times 500 People of Influence 2016.

She is married to Colonel Nick Pond RA. They have a daughter, Jessica and a son, Alexander. Lucy enjoys drama and is a leader with Girl Guides. She also coaches orienteering and competes at UK Armed Forces level.

Lucy was guest speaker at Speech Day 2002 and provided a days training and experience for members of the school Army Cadet Force whilst OC of 47 AD Sqn. The day included an exercise in freight handling and a 30 minute flight in a C130 Hercules over the local area. She also arranged for three of her soldiers who came to school and delivered a survival training night for the cadets.

In 2017 she was awarded an Honorary degree from Exeter University.

In February 2018 she welcomed a former pupil and 3 friends into her home for the night as they took on a 240 mile charity cycle ride to his own wedding.

In May 2020 she will be taking part in the Marathon des Sables, or MdS,  a six-day, 251 km ultramarathon, which is approximately the distance of six regular marathons. The longest single stage is 91 km long. This multiday race is held every year in southern Morocco, in the Sahara Desert. It has been regarded as the toughest foot race on Earth.

To support her and the charity Walking with the Wounded please click here