The best of both worlds: life in the Royal Navy Reserves
Able Rate (AB) Aaron Boileau answers questions about what it is like to work for the Royal Navy Reserves and what his role is all about
AB Boileau has spent the last year in the Falkland Islands mobilised to serve in HMS Forth, the first of the Royal Navy’s new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), which he says has been an “incredible experience”. He looks forward to the next stages in both his military and civilian careers.
AB Boileau recently graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019 with a degree in Politics. Unsure of what he wanted to do post-university, he felt the time was right for him to deliver on his commitment to the Royal Navy Reserves and volunteer for a mobilisation.
AB Boileau is a real asset to his unit, HMS Eaglet, the Royal Naval Reserve training centre in Liverpool. Here, he answers questions on his job role, and what it means to him:👇
📸 AB Aaron Boileau
Why did you join the Reserves?
“I joined the Royal Navy Reserves because I was curious about a career in the Armed Forces whilst I was still in education. For me, the Reserves offered a real ‘best of both worlds’ opportunity, as I was able to experience the Navy on a part-time basis whilst going through University and still considering my future career choices.
“I always look forward to the variety of training opportunities on offer in the Royal Navy Reserves. Whether its honing seamanship and weapon skills in branch training, or working on Command, Leadership and Management skills.”
What do you enjoy most about the Reserves?
“The friends you make in the Reserves are what I enjoy the most. We may be reservists but the camaraderie and comradeship that you build is the same as the full-time Navy. I have even made friends from different Royal Navy Reserve units around the country, and we’re able to pick up right where we left off no matter how much time has passed.
“My general life as a Reservist is a ‘double life’. I can live my civilian life as normal, whilst also getting paid to wear a uniform and do incredible things none of my civilian peers get to do, all in my spare time.”
What benefits have the Reserves brought to your civilian life?
“Working in the Reserves has helped make me into the person I am today. The Royal Navy Reserves, much like the Regular Navy, places a real emphasis on personal development as you progress and pushes you outside your comfort zone. Through training tasks like presenting briefs and taking charge of teams in leadership exercises, I have become much more confident in my civilian life. I’m almost unrecognisable as the person I was when I joined.
“Beyond transferable skills, I’ve also been able to get transferable qualifications through the Reserves such as a First Aid Level 2 qualification. As I progress in my career, I’ll be able to get civilian accredited qualifications in leadership and management in the workplace. The Royal Navy Reserves has even allowed me to achieve a Royal Yacht Association Level 2 Powerboat Licence.
What would you say to someone who is interested in joining the Reserves?
“If you’re curious, I couldn’t recommend it enough. There’s a lot to learn and it can all seem a bit intimidating at first, but as soon as you get used it, you will have the time of your life. I don’t even think about the money, you will have that much fun.”
“It has its challenging moments, but they all build character and personal skills. If you want to serve your country, do something that sets you apart, make friends for life, learn transferable civilian skills and get paid for it, join the Royal Navy Reserves.”
AB Boileau welcomes the new challenges and stages of both his civilian and military career.
