The Reservist

Recommendations

Info

Development When I left my full-time Army career behind it seemed natural to join the Reserve Forces” The Reservist A former full-time soldier has praised his new employer for supporting his Reserve Forces commitments. Corporal Dave Temple, aged 37, who lives in Skegness, currently works for Tesco in his home town as well as serving as a reservist with 160 (Lincoln) Transport Squadron. Previously serving as a full-time soldier for more than 19 years, Dave decided to leave his full-time military career behind in December 2014 as he wanted to spend more time at home with his family and friends. Dave explained: “I made a conscious decision that when I left the regular Army I wanted to join the Reserve Forces. The opportunities in the Reserve Forces career-wise were something that appealed to me, as I would still like to climb the ranks alongside having a civilian job. “Since joining the squadron in Lincoln, I have already achieved a new driving qualification, this being my Class Two driving license.” On a day-to-day basis Dave is a Customer Service Assistant at Tesco on Drumond Road, meaning he is a first point of contact for customers on the shop floor and arranges promotional displays around the store. Dave described how he is enjoying experiencing a new career, which is completely different to working as a full-time soldier with 23 Pioneer Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, which saw him use both his infantry and combat engineering skills. He said: “I have really enjoyed meeting new colleagues at Tesco and helping the customers where needed, as it is a complete change. Becoming a reservist has meant I have been able to get the best of both worlds though, meaning I can have a civilian job and a part-time military career. Reservist gives insight into Army training Darryl Kaberry, Trade Manager, at Tesco in Skegness with reservist Dave Temple “Tesco have been very supportive of my Army Reserve commitments, and have been extremely flexible in allowing me to attend training sessions. As I have been completing driving qualifications on a fasttrack basis through my unit, this has meant I have needed more time out of work than would normally be expected, but this has not been a problem. I feel lucky to have an employer who understands how military training can have a positive impact on the business. “When I left my full-time Army career behind it seemed natural to join the Reserve Forces. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to experience a new challenge as it can be really rewarding in the skills and qualifications you can take away.” Shaun Braithwaite, Store Manager at Tesco in Skegness, said: “Dave is a fantastic member of our team here at Tesco and we are proud to support his work with the Reserve Forces. We’re happy to be able to offer him paid leave for annual training as well as shift flexibility to ensure that he can meet all his commitments. Tesco has set up its own Armed Forces Network and has a long history of supporting serving and former servicemen and women. “The skills and experiences Dave gets during his training with the Armed Forces are really valuable and make him an even better colleague. “Our colleagues’ interests and passions make them individuals, and bring fun and diversity to the store. We think it’s really important to do what we can to support our colleagues in their personal and professional development.” An Army Reservist Dog Handler who serves with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps has given a rare insight into the training of an Army Reservist. Private Ashleigh Colquitt, aged 28, trains with 101 Military Working Dog Squadron (101 MWD Sqn), 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, based at St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham, and recently undertook the second stage of her basic training at the Army Training Regiment in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Ashleigh told of how she was looking forward to meeting new people during the 16 day course called ‘Phase One Bravo’ and that the experience did not disappoint. Basic training for Army Reservists is split into ‘Phase One Alpha’ and ‘Phase Two Bravo’ which cover everything from weapon handling and fieldcraft to battlefield casualty training and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) drills. Ashleigh said: “The most memorable part of this training was the nights spent on exercise where we gained experience of being out on patrol and practicing our firing and manoeuvring skills. The process as a whole was extremely enjoyable and we were proud to ‘pass out’ from the training at a formal parade on the last day.” Private Ashleigh Colquitt during training Ashleigh, who works as a Speech and Language Therapist in her civilian career, added that training was also delivered through a number of classroom-based activities such as map reading. She explained: “At the end of the process I was given the honour of collecting the award for Best Section, and thoroughly believe that with the right can-do attitude and willingness to give 100%, Phase One Bravo is nothing to fear for new recruits. I have enjoyed my time with my fellow reservists and learning from staff with years of knowledge and experience.” Ashleigh will now complete her Phase Two Training, at the Defence Animal Centre before returning to 101 MWD Sqn as a fully-trained Protection Dog Handler. 8 www.eastmidlandsrfca.co.uk
The Reservist Profile Name: Josh Carlisle Age: 29 Military unit: 350 Field Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Royal Engineers Q - What is your role in the Army Reserve and why do you enjoy it? A - I’m a Lance Corporal which means I am Second in Command of an eight man team. We are a search and EOD squadron so my particular role is to be a scribe in support of a team commander. Q - Why did you join the Army Reserve? A - I joined back in 2008. I was previously an Air Cadet and really enjoyed it so decided to take my knowledge a bit further by becoming a reservist. I initially joined the Royal Signals and now I’m at 350 Field Squadron. Q - What was it about the Royal Engineers that attracted you particularly? A - Our EOD unit is a very interesting place to be. We learn a lot about munitions and threats in the world today. The work we do will always be relevant and will continue to evolve as the world we live in develops. Q - How do you balance your civilian job with being in the reserves? A - It is a fine balance, but if you want to make time to volunteer you can. In my civilian life I work as a Project Manager for a Defence Manufacturer. I’m lucky that my employer is very supportive of my reserve commitments along with my family, so this allows me to Lance Corporal Josh Carlisle get the most out of being in the Army Reserve. Q - Why would you encourage others to join the Army Reserve? A - I would encourage others to join the Army Reserve because you can gain a range of skills that are not just relevant in the military but in the civilian world as well. I’ve travelled throughout the world and been involved in sporting activities I wouldn’t normally be able to do or afford to do, if I wasn’t in the Reserve Forces. Q - Where have you travelled to? A - I’ve been to Cyprus, Denmark, France, Switzerland and Italy as well as many of the training areas in the UK. The Reservist AT EASE Get covered with The Military Mutual. When you work in the military it can be a struggle to get the right cover - but at The Military Mutual, our cover has been designed especially to suit you. Get home and contents cover, kit cover, and landlord cover, all without admin charges and with extras included as standard. To find out more call FREE on 0800 088 2925 or visit www.themilitarymutual.com Protecting what matters Home & Contents Kit Landlord www.eastmidlandsrfca.co.uk 9
Page 1 and 2: The Reservist East Midlands Reserve
Page 3 and 4: The Reservist Magazine Army Reserve
Page 5 and 6: Chairman’s Introduction The most
Page 7: “I never dreamt I could become an
Page 11 and 12: Rewarding training exercises Name:
Page 13 and 14: Exercising Abroad Training in Bermu
Page 15 and 16: Working as a clinician in the Falkl
Page 17 and 18: Achievements Celebrating 10 years R
Page 19 and 20: Silver Employers who demonstrate su
Page 21 and 22: Exercising in Norway The Reservist
Page 24: “Sharing the caring” Over 6 new

The Reservist

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?