From Baker to highly skilled Reserve Infantry Soldier
I started my career in the Territorial Army in 1996. I got the opportunity to deploy to Iraq on Op Telic 2 in 2003 with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. In 2004, after gaining operational experience, I worked my way up the Chain of Command allowing me to take charge of soldiers. Successfully completed my Junior Non Commissioned Officer Course(2003) and Section Commanders Battle Course(2006). Deployed to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 12 in 2010. I was tasked to mentor the Afghan National Army, successfully training Afghan soldiers over a 7 month period. On my return to the Royal Regiment of Scotland, I successfully completed my Platoon Sergeants Battle Course in 2011 and was promoted to Sgt soon after. Serving 4 years as a Sgt I gained promotion to CSgt in 2015. Joining the Royal Artillery in 2016 as the RSUSO / ReMSO before returning to The Scots in 2023. I have completed many courses including;
Combat Infantry Course,
Range Management Qualification,
Skill at Arms Instructor,
Live Fire Tactical Trainer,
Battle Casualty Drill Trainer,
Endurance Training Leader.
Lvl 2 Light Gun Operator
Lvl 3 Light Gun Operator
I have served in many countries on Operations and Exercises/Battlefield Tours. Countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Gibraltar, Ukraine, Slovakia, Italy, Cyprus, Holland, Canada, America, France, Belgium and around the UK
Recruit Mentor Support Officer, I help candidate from Civie to Soldier
As the Recruiting and Mentoring Support Officer I engage with applicants directly, it is my responsibility to assist them in the candidate process and on through completion of their Army basic training. I am the initial point of contact for you if you would like more information and advise on joining the Army Reserve. Advising you of what you should expect from the Army Reserve and what the Army Reserve would expect of you. I mentor candidates through assessment centre standards and start standards for the Army. I can offer you advice of all job roles within the Army Reserve , helping you find where you fit in, and what is available to you.
Being able help others achieve their goals
My role has changed over the years from being an Infanteer to assisting with recruiting and recruit training, this has allowed me to gain extra skills. I engage with as many different people from different backgrounds and try to make it as easy as possible for them to join the Army Reserve. It is my job to show what the Army Reserve can offer and the benefits that you can gain/earn from being a member of the team. The Army Reserve turned me into a confident person willing to take on challenges that I didn't think was possible before. The Army Reserve challenged me in different ways demanding high standards.
Try it, you have nothing to lose.
Research the benefits of being in the Army Reserve, there will be a job with in the Army Reserve that interests you, speak to as many people as possible. Visit the units and get a feeling for the roles and the people that are there. Go with a can do attitude and give all you can as you will get it back in life experience, civilian qualifications and sense of achievement. You will gain life long friends and have some of the most exciting weekends possible. Even if you only do it for a short time, you will have gained something and you can always say you tried it. Remember it's easier to get out of, than to get into. And something not tried, is an opportunity missed.
Being able to have civilian employment and a military career
I worked hard to maintain my civilian employment, while also building a career in the Army Reserve. At times it was difficult to do both but the Reserves are designed to work around your day job, you could pull back at any time from Reserve commitments for a short period. My civilian employment benefited from me being in the Reserves in the long run with me improving my education and gaining further driving licenses. My family and friends were also very supportive of me joining, this also helped ease the pressure between job, family and Army Reserve commitment.