“After university, I spent 10 years in the regular Army serving in various roles, including in Afghanistan. When I left to get a civilian job, it seemed natural to be part of the reserves.
“The amount of time you devote to the reserves is up to you. Training is flexible and you can fit it round your life. Because I’m with a national unit in Nottingham, I tend to do my training in weekend blocks to keep travel times to a minimum.
“Currently, I spend quite a bit of time in the Yorkshire area supporting 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in community engagement which I really enjoy.
The reserves brings opportunities
“My employer WYG has comprehensive policies in place and we get a standard 10 days paid leave a year for training as well as the possibility of sabbaticals if we choose to go on deployment. WYG actively encourages staff to consider the Reserves, and sees it as a real value to the capability and skills the organisation can offer its clients.
“Being a reserve gives you the opportunity to build a much wider skills base. I encourage colleagues to think about it because of the opportunities it provides. Also it’s a great way of making new friends.”