How being a Reservist improves me as an employee, and vice versa
At the weekend, I - along with members of 101 Engineer Regiment (EOD&S) , 11 (EOD and Search) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps and 1 Military Working Dogs Regiment - exercised alongside members of Transport for London , London Fire Brigade and the Maritime Policing Unit on the Woolwich Ferry. We worked collaboratively to understand and practice the cooperation that would be required to deal with an emergency situation on board, giving crew and managers in all agencies the opportunity to build relationships without the stresses and strains of it being 'live'. The training team at 217 Field Squadron (EOD & Search) had worked hard for over 4 months to bring together all the agencies and put the logistics in place to support a realistic but testing scenario.
I have found my Reservist and Civilian experiences intersect significantly and often. As a JESIP Incident Commander through the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) , I was able to contribute links and multi-agency knowledge to enhance the training, while my Reservist experiences afford me broader appreciation for the capabilities of other Services. The Soldiers, NCOs and Officers on exercise this weekend are drawn from the full spectrum of civilian employment, from Builders to Vets to Personal Trainers, to Data analysts. They all contribute in their own way, broadening each other's experiences and knowledge, as well as gaining new skills and qualifications.
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So what does employing/knowing/being a Reservist bring?
1. #skillsforlife. Not only do Reservists access training bringing recognised qualifications, they apply their skills in a variety of testing situations. Our First Aiders exercise dealing with everything from trips and falls through to explosions, chemical burns and exposure.
2. #teamspirit. Reservists are recruited from all walks of life. In addition, we work with other agencies, supporting the task at hand, the wider community, and each other. Their loyalty, and a strong empathy for others, help shape and support their civilian teams, bringing a different perspective to all.
3. #resilience. Being a Reservist brings opportunities to test themselves. There is no such thing as an 'average' training weekend - we may be on a parade in the community, on a Live Firing range, operating in austere environments, or working alongside other agencies as we did this weekend. Reservists embrace the unknown, confident that their knowledge, skills and experience give them the ability to overcome whatever they will encounter - and if they don't, that they will learn from it for when it counts.
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I'm a firm advocate for the #armyreserve , and part of the Civil Services' and MoJ Armed Forces Network. The Civil Service supports its Reservists through paid and unpaid time off, and generally being understanding of the demands of service, but also of the rewards.
For employers wanting to understand the Army Reserve offer more, have a look at the guide at https://www.army.mod.uk/media/22845/reserve_employers_guide_2023.pdf
For those looking to join the Army Reserve, information on 217 Field Squadron is based in Ilford and Southend on Sea, or you can find a unit near you online:
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The exercise was supported by the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (PRVC) , Rapid Relief Team (RRT) United Kingdom and London Fire Brigade Cadets.
Theatrical costume designer. Sailor at Maritime Volunteer Service Portsmouth
1 年Bravo Andrew! ??