How can you maintain connected to your culture while you live and work abroad and wear a uniform? St Vincent-born Sergeant Cyntica Herbert-Fraser, who joined the British Army in 2009, faced this obstacle.
“I am deeply influenced by funfair culture. Everyone thinks of Brazil when they think of Carnival, but black folks celebrated their culture in ancient costumes during enslavement. We modernised it”, she said.
She owns and runs Ahdrenalin XO, a St Vincent Carnival band, with her husband in addition to her Army profession. They work with designers to create a new concept and eye-catching costumes each year and give paying participants the full Carnival experience. The band marches largely in St Vincent and the Caribbean, however Ahdrenalin XO also attended Notting Hill Carnival in London.
She provides Carnival culture at annual regimental cultural days. “I showcase costumes, music, food, everything. I joined the Army’s Multicultural Network in 2017 and have promoted inclusion and diversity on the Committee since. Black History Month conferences and training for the military and others occur. “I attended one for Royal Military Academy Sandhurst officers in training and one for Home Office staff in central London. I recounted my time as a female Foreign and Commonwealth soldier.
After Basic Training, she was transferred to Germany as a Combat Medical Technician before returning to the UK in 2014 to work as a medic for logisticians and the Household Cavalry. As Medical Sergeant at the Army Training Centre Pirbright Medical Centre, she oversees nine medics and hundreds of new recruits.
She ensures new Foreign and Commonwealth (F&C) Army soldiers receive support.
“I’m on the Non-UK National Committee, which gives new recruits ‘nurturing sessions’ to help them understand the Army and its expectations. Coming from another country is a culture shock since you have to adjust to the food, weather, and prices, plus the language barrier. The challenge begins before you enter the camp gate, she said. These workshops teach them what’s available, how to support one other, how to grow their jobs, and how to handle visa difficulties for partners and children”.
At Basic Training, Sgt Herbert-Fraser had a four-year-old and a two-year-old, which worried her. I had to leave them with family when I initially arrived. She said she joined without someone to provide her information or chat to. I cried every night when my kids came home. Definitely struggled. However, this motivated me to excel and pass the training. It inspired me to help them.”
Sgt Herbert-Fraser wants to help new recruits like she did in Basic Training. I attend their graduation parades to support and celebrate them. She also invited the High Commissioners of the graduating nationalities to attend the parade because it’s a proud moment for them and their country and sometimes the soldiers don’t have family or friends from home to come, so it gives a link. “The High Commissioners keep in touch and can help with issues.”
Sgt Herbert-Fraser wants to stay in the Army and become a Warrant Officer Class 1, the highest non-officer level, 14 years after her initial inspiration. “I really want to become a medical practise manager, but I also like talking to people through my work with new recruits, so I’m also considering engagement.”
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