Reserves Day 2020: stepping up to protect the UK
Reservists make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and are vital to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. As we mark Reserves Day, hear from three of our Reservists on their experiences of combining a military career with their civilian role.
Louise Tunnicliff, Army Reservist
I am a Civil Servant, completing my final year of the Fast Stream in the Department for International Trade. In my spare time I am also an officer in the Army Reserves serving with 68 (Inns of Court and City Yeomanry) Signal Squadron, 71 (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment based in Central London.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Army decided to mobilise certain Reserve elements and my Regiment quickly released a call for individuals who were not considered key workers and who would like to volunteer.
At the same time, the Civil Service were also asking for volunteers to support COVID efforts across Government departments, and I had a choice between the two. Some of my close friends are doctors tackling the virus every day, and I wanted to take a hands-on approach and use my military training to support the NHS.
Following a quick turnaround, I was mobilised at the start of April to command a troop of 27 Reserve soldiers from across my Regiment to support 1 Signal Regiments efforts in the West Midlands area. This experience required me to adapt my leadership approach to the challenge of bringing together individuals from different squadrons, to get to know each other and organise ourselves all via virtual platforms.
The speed and efficiency of our COVID support shows the patience, situational awareness and additional skills the troops brought from their civilian roles. As a result, we have been able to deploy various individuals to tasks, training colleagues from across the Army how to administer COVID-19 testing at Mobile Testing Units across the country.
It has been phenomenal to see the determination and spirit of people coming together from across society and all walks of life to help the most vulnerable, those affected by the virus and their families.
Ross Ewing, Royal Navy Reservist
I joined the Royal Naval Reserve in my first year at the University of St Andrews, having previously been a member of the RAF Air Cadets. The RNR was a fantastic way to do something different while studying at university. It gave me the opportunity to travel, train, stay fit, acquire valuable skills and earn money all in one go. I am extremely proud to serve in the Royal Navy part-time.
I am currently mobilised as a submarine advisory team (SAT) watchkeeper aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. My main role is to facilitate the safe and effective operation of a submarine in support of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG).
For me the best thing about the Reserves is the range of diverse opportunities on offer. In my short career I have supported national exercises involving submarines, delivered training to new recruits, travelled to France, Gibraltar and Belgium and been mobilised in support of the UK Carrier Strike Group. I have also developed my leadership and management skills and am now responsible for the delivery of initial naval training at HMS Scotia.
Being a Reservist has been vital in developing my verbal and written communication skills — both of which are essential in my civilian role as a communications professional. My experience of delivering command briefs to senior officers has really increased my capacity to speak publicly. Similarly, my written communication has become much more concise and effective as a result of my training.
I became an officer at the age of 18, and I think one of the biggest challenges for me was proving that — despite my age — I could be an effective leader and team player. I have learned a huge amount about people management since becoming a Navy officer, and I now find it far easier to work constructively and effectively.
I would encourage anyone interested in joining the Reserves to kick-start their application and get involved. The more you put in, the more you get out.
Polly Moore, RAF Reservist
Prior to joining the Reserves, I wouldn’t even give eye contact to anyone. I am now, however, far more confident and eager to learn. The Reserves pushes you in various elements such as leadership, confidence and organisational skill, and this in turn can help enhance you in your everyday life.
There is also the ‘cool’ factor! Coming from a somewhat ‘nerdy’ childhood, the ability to say I have shot a rifle, flown a glider, camped out in the woods, socialised with Canadian Soldiers in France, Nordic-skied up a mountain larger than Ben Nevis, certainly piques the interest of those I talk to!
Aside from the world of air, and how this relates to our counterparts in the land and sea domains, I have learnt many skills that I have been able to bring back to my employers.
Being a Reservist has certainly improved and enhanced me as a person, which has in turn had such a positive effect on my civilian career. I am more confident and disciplined, and I have been granted the opportunity to be an effective leader in my civilian workplace. Financially this has had benefits also — since joining the Reserves, my civilian salary has almost doubled. It really proves that you get out what you put in.
I am very proud to be part of an organisation that I believe is truly a force for good in the world. I also enjoy the camaraderie within our Squadron — Reserves are a mix of many individuals from different backgrounds.
Being a Reservist is a badge of pride and honour for me. To be able to provide aid and bolster our world class Armed Forces, to be granted the opportunity to be granted experiences not open to the general public, to better myself and the people around me — is truly something to be proud of.
This Reserves Day, the MOD has launched SERVE, a Service for Experienced, Rejoiner and Volunteer Engagements, offering Reservists a way to discover Reserve, Rejoiner and wider opportunities across the Armed Forces: www.findforcesjobs.mod.gov.uk
