Working as an Army Reserve alongside my day-to-day job

Almost two years ago I made a decision that was one the best moves I’ve made in life so far. While working full at the University of Worcester as Sports Performance and Scholarship Manager, I was looking for the next challenge. Joining the Army Reserves seemed like something that was always in the back of my mind having been in Army Cadets when I was younger, so one day – I just went for it.  

Joining the Army Reserves seemed like something that would provide me with a challenge and a huge variety of opportunities but also fit in with my full time career at the University. I really just wanted to see if it was something I would enjoy and whether after all those years of being awe of military personnel, the military life was for me.  

The joining process seemed daunting; an online application, an interview, followed by a medical, followed by a selection weekend which included: a full medical, aptitude tests, fitness tests, command challenges and an interview. Even this weekend, as scary as it was, was a great experience.  

Having passed this, I went onto to complete my basic training, known as Alpha and Bravo training. Here I learnt the basics of soldiering, from fieldcraft, weapons training, battle casualty first aid drills, military disciple, CBRN, and map reading. Through my basic training, I met some amazing people from different backgrounds, and can safely say I have made some lifetime friends. Something strange about being woken up at 4am in the soaking wet, sleeping under a basher that brings you all together. After this, I completed my trade training to become a gunner. This was a comms course, followed by a guns course which was another 2 week course where I learnt to operate the L118 Light Gun followed by a week operating in the field.  

Alongside my basic training, I have had the opportunity to go skiing in Andorra and winter mountaineering in Scotland, all of which you get paid for doing! These experiences were amazing and I am so glad I went along, although sometimes challenging, I developed so many skills, all of which would benefit me in my role at the University.  

The benefits of being a reservist have been endless; I have met so many people, developed lots of skills while challenging myself in new environments. I have experiences which not every civilian can say they’ve had – going from firing a L118 Light Gun at the weekend and operating in the field to working with dual career athletes on a Monday. 

The University and Reserves work really well together – University have been very supportive and allowed me time off to complete the necessary training, and the Reserves are understanding when University work has to come first. This is why it is such a great role to undertake. 

The Reserves is a great opportunity to have some amazing experiences while earning money, I even got a bonus for passing selection. But my biggest single takeaway would be, if you want to do something – do it, even if it scares you, because it could be the best thing you ever do.  

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Hannah is a Guest Contributor to the blog, supporting our work for Careers Fayre.

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