Asking people why they joined the Reserve Forces always brings up different answers and motivations.  Annabel Pushman, a Reservist with 214 (Worcestershire) Battery 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, shares her perspective about what it’s like to be an Army Reserve soldier and the unique opportunities it has given her.

Annabel is sitting on a concrete floor outside in one of the Army's Training Areas. She is dressed in her uniform and wearing a green woolly hat to protect against the cold weather. She is smiling at the camera giving a thumbs up, whilst dismantled parts of her rifle are surrounding her. In the background are other Reservists dismantling and reassembling their rifles.

“But, why?” Is often the reaction I receive when explaining to people what I have done with my weekend. Usually because it has consisted of hiding out in a wood in the middle of South Wales, trekking across hills carrying a bag near to my bodyweight, or sitting in a classroom learning about radio communications.

I am an Army Reserve soldier in Worcester, as part of 214 Battery, 104 Regiment Royal Artillery. This is a statement I am very proud of, and whilst joining the Army Reserves can seem to some like a strange way to spend your free time, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I began my basic training following a visit to the Battery Headquarters at Dancox House in Worcester City Centre. This was completed in Grantham in 2020 during an unusually snowy January, but the whole experience only heightened my enthusiasm for the role. Despite some fairly brutal training in sub-zero temperatures, I honed my basic soldiering skills alongside people that I will remain friends with for life.

Since completing basic training, I’ve had countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. From advanced courses within the regiment to live firing exercises and shooting drills on the range, the training is comprehensive and rewarding. But it’s not all work—being in the Reserves has also opened doors to adventure sports that would normally cost civilians a small fortune. I’ve been skiing, winter mountaineering, and sailing, all of which have added to my personal development and provided some great memories.

A group of Reservists are trekking up a mountainous snowy incline on an adventure training weekend. The slope is steep and the group of Reservists are climbing in single file to reach the summit.

One highlight of my career so far was having the chance to represent the Royal Artillery in cross country. As a passionate runner, the Army has encouraged me to nurture my fitness and enjoyment of the sport. They’re brilliant at recognising individuals’ strengths, and there are plenty of opportunities to take these into competitive realms. Within our Worcester battery alone, we have soldiers representing the Army in sports ranging from show jumping to canoeing.

As a regiment, we are responsible for the gun salutes that take place in Cardiff. These are used to mark significant occasions such as a Royal birthday, Remembrance Day or more recently, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the subsequent coronation of King Charles III. These are monumental and moving occasions to be a part of and to wear the uniform for these events is very special.

Balancing my civilian career with my Army commitments is manageable for most Reservists. Training is typically one evening a week in Worcester and one weekend a month at different locations. Additionally, there’s a two-week annual camp, which can be anything from training courses in the UK to international exercises alongside foreign forces.

A large group of Army Reservists are posed together outside on a training area for a group photo, all wearing their uniforms and holding their rifles during their training. In the background there are two sets of smoke set off for atmospheric effect.

I have a full-time job running a sales company, but the Army Reserves offers a sense of achievement outside of my professional life. What’s more, the skills I’ve gained from the military—especially in management and leadership—have greatly benefited my civilian career. The Reserves is made up of individuals from all walks of life, and this diversity brings valuable perspectives to our military roles, benefiting not only the Reserves but also the regular Army.

As I write this, I’m posted in Cyprus with fellow Reservists, attached to a regular artillery unit for a 12-month mobilisation. After this deployment, we’ll return to our civilian careers, as employers are obliged to cooperate with Reservists in such situations. It’s an incredible opportunity to work closely with our regular counterparts and experience life in a new environment.

To anyone who is looking for a challenge or a push out of the comfort zone, to travel and to make lifelong friends, then I highly recommend considering the Reserves. I will not pretend that there are not moments where I think to myself “what am I doing!?”, when I am packing my kit to go and train following a week at work. But every time I return feeling a sense of purpose, with some great memories and usually a few extra blisters.

If you are inspired to start your own journey and become a Reservist, or would like to find out more about their roles, visit our Reserve Forces webpage.

 

Published 25/11/24