Reserve Forces

Employers go behind the scenes at School of Technical Training

Businesses from Shropshire and Staffordshire were given a special ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into the roles and work of No. 1 School of Technical Training and No. 605 (County of Warwick) Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Cosford. Hosted by No. 1 School of Technical Training and No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron, with support from Shropshire Council and our Association, the…

Breakfast with the Army

Canley Army Reserve Centre opened its doors to invite Coventry-based businesses to join them for a morning of breakfast networking. In partnership with the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, we explored the benefits of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, with the help of insights from our own Employer Engagement team. Keely Hancox, Operations Manager at the Chamber,…

Life as an Army Reserve soldier

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. “But, why?” Is often the reaction I receive when explaining to people what I have…

Successful start to 2024 for No. 605 Squadron

Across our region the Reserve Forces have been busy completing training, taking part in exercises and activities at their units and in the community.  Reservists from our only West Midlands based Royal Auxiliary Air Force Reserves at No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron have been no different. As well as helping to support a number of community events, International Women’s Day, West Midland…

Marston’s affirm support to Armed Forces with a cook off

Marston’s celebrated its partnership with the Armed Forces as CEO Justin Platt, Officer, sealed the company’s support to veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and their families by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Marston’s has been awarded the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and are working towards achieving the Gold Award, through driving engagement with the Armed Forces and offering employment opportunities….

Army Reserves run event week for local community

Employers from across Shropshire gained a special ‘behind the wire’ insight into their local Army Reserve Centre in Dawley Bank. Home to D (Shropshire) Squadron The Royal Yeomanry, forces-friendly employers were invited to spend the day at the centre as part of the squadron’s wider engagement week. The week aimed to bring the community and the military together to learn more about the…

Royal Naval Reserve take part in Ski Champs

14th January 2024 saw the start of this year’s Royal Navy Snowsports Festival – the Royal Navy’s annual sporting event for alpine and telemark skiing, as well as snowboarding. Representing HMS FORWARD in Birmingham, a small group from the Royal Navy Reserves Medical Branch signed up and Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander Vincent tells us how they got on. “We were a mixed bunch, ranging from…

Royal Military Police Reserves take on PARAS’ 10 mile tab

Five members of 116 Provost Company, Royal Military Police Reserves tested their endurance by taking part in the PARAS’ 10 Challenge in the lead up to the Remembrance weekend. Their team, comprising of Captain Thompson, Sergeant Karim, Corporal Camp, Corporal Holyoak and Lance Corporal Bailey, each completed a cross country 10 mile booted tab whilst individually carrying 35lbs.  Based on the gruelling 10…