you shouldn’t mess with me
Image: Nine IJf
Ivy Pupping (24) works at the Staff Supply and Transport Command of the Army and is single mother of Liam (almost 3).
“During one of my first exercises in Poland, five years ago, a pump truck creaked. A corporal asked me to get some ‘pet grease’ to lubricate the place. I soon learned from colleagues that this does not exist and that I was being tricked. When they literally threw me a cap full of greasy liquid, I threw it over the corporal’s head without a doubt: you mustn’t mess with me.
men’s world
I was not surprised by that kind of cockerel behaviour. Fortunately, more and more women are joining the Ministry of Defense, but it is and remains a man’s world. That also has its advantages. Men don’t beat around the bush but say it like it is. I’m allowed to, because I’m pretty direct myself. After the joke with the fat I was immediately one of the guys and that’s how I feel.
“Fortunately, more and more women are joining the Ministry of Defense, but it is and remains a man’s world”
On the weekends I think it’s important to look feminine and well-groomed, but in the barracks I never wear make-up – put on a uniform and go. Focusing on the work is all that matters. Because of that difference, it often surprises people that I am in the Ministry of Defense.
Also read – ‘My children think I am catching crooks at the Marechaussee’ >
Distribution
Since my job description is quite complicated, I usually say that I work as a military in some sort of distribution center. I make sure that postal packages that arrive at the army go to the right people. That can be anything: clothing, bags, oxygen masks, basically everything a military needs in terms of equipment.
In addition, I organize the transport of goods for exercises at home and abroad. Think of combat vehicles and containers with ammunition, but also food and drink. Twice a year I go with such a transport myself to assist in receiving the goods. Then I help, for example, with the unloading of the trains and setting up the tent camp for the military.
Mom is in the Army
When I tell Liam I’m going on such an exercise, he knows: Mommy is going away for a while. Usually a week or three. Because I live with him with my parents, I’m lucky that my mother looks after him – even if I spend the rest of the year in the barracks.
“His day – what can I say, his week – couldn’t get any better”
Liam has been there several times. He thought it was very beautiful, all those forklifts and four-ton trucks. I myself have a truck driver’s license and once Liam was allowed to sit next to me to drive around the site, his day – what can I say, his week – could not be broken anymore.”
This portrait is in Kek Mama 06-2022.
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