So, I became an Army Reservist...

Many thanks to everybody for the kind wishes and comments regarding my first three years as a reservist with the British Army.

As a child it was my dream to join the Army and when at college, I attended interviews for selection to join as a regular officer. However, university drew me towards another path and after completing my engineering degree I somehow fell into a full-time career as a recruiter.

I enjoy recruiting and managed to build a successful career from it. Of course, there have been ups and downs but always in the back of my mind there has been a deep regret for not having pursued my childhood passion.

In May 2021, by chance, I was talking to an engineering job seeker, and I noticed that he was an Army officer. He urged me to apply stating that the Army could accept applicants up to the age of c49 years old. ?Without hesitation I decided to complete the application online and then explain to my wife later what I had done.

In 2022, at 47, I was the oldest person on my course to complete soldier training, and then in 2023 one of the oldest that year to commission from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The short course was one of the toughest things I have ever done. It tested me both mentally and physically and taught me a lot about my own resilience, team working capabilities, leadership and planning skills. I can certainly say that I am the better for it and have met some incredible people along the way.

All the instructors I have met have been exceptional people which such a vast depth of knowledge, experience, skill and humility. In addition, the fellow recruits I have been privileged to work alongside during my training have all been incredible people, some of whom are now full time (regular) soldiers and officers, some that have remained as reservists.

Now as a reserve officer within the Royal Artillery I am surrounded by people from all corners of our community and am reminded daily of the level of commitment they show to enable our regiment to function and be an effective part of the British Army. They display the utmost levels of professionalism and whether they are ex-regular soldiers joining as a reservist, or those in civilian jobs, they give their all when it matters.

It really is an honour to be part of such a fantastic team and although the balance of managing my own business alongside being an Army officer can be challenging; it is extremely rewarding.

So, thanks again for the well wishes on my 3rd anniversary, but I think the thanks go to those incredible people across all our armed forces, current and past, for their service and their sacrifices.

#armyreserves #britisharmy #recruitment