“We did our initial training during our first term at university and now we’re geared up to complete the Combat Infantryman’s Course to become fully qualified soldiers.
“It’s an interesting way of spending your spare time,” said Ibrahim, right, aged 19, who is studying business management at Hallam University.
“There’s nowhere else I know where you get to do the sort of things I do in the reserves and I enjoy every bit of it.
“I’m learning new skills all the time and get to meet people from all walks of life. It’s also a way of giving back. The Covid-testing done by our local reservists just shows the sort of contribution you can make as a reserve.”
Ibrahim and his brother Umar – who are pictured at a weekend training camp at Warcop, Cumbria – are both reserves with Burma Company, Manor Top, Sheffield.
Before joining 4 YORKS, the former Feltham Army Cadets from West London were reserves with F Company (Rifles) The London Regiment based at Hammersmith Army Reserve Centre.
“One of my officers at my former unit in London recommended joining 4 YORKS so that’s why we put ourselves up for joining the battalion as soon as we arrived,” said Umar, who is studying economics at Hallam and is considering training to become an officer when he graduates.
Ibrahim added: “I like the reserves lifestyle and the way I can combine being in the military with doing my studies and later working in business.”