Reserve Forces

Midlands Reserve unit trains with Canadian Army

In March 2023 nine British Army personnel from 37 Signal Regiment were deployed on a two week training exercise to Labrador in Canada as part of a Canadian 5 Division annual Arctic Company Response Group (ARCG) validation activity. Giving them the opportunity to operate in cold weather conditions and practice battle task standards such as offensive patrolling and urban operations. The initial journey…

A climb for charity!

University Royal Naval Unit Birmingham (BURNU) have demonstrated their commitment to supporting local causes by selecting Fisher House UK as its beneficiary for the year. Fisher House provides military patients and their families with a “home away from home” whilst their loved ones receive hospital care. This invaluable service provides accommodation to both serving personnel and veterans and offers financial and logistical support…

Reservists successfully reach Everest Base Camp

Fourteen members of 37th Signal Regiment set off on an expedition of a lifetime to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. After pre-deployment training to focus on mountain fitness, first aid and navigation in Wales at Capel Curig, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia) and Moel Siabod, the group flew into Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Packing three weeks of expedition kit into 15kg duffel bags and…

‘Going For Gold’ event launches in the West Midlands

On 2nd March 2023, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association held its first-ever ‘Going for Gold’ event at DRPG’s studios in Worcestershire. Emphasising the importance of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, the event aimed to encourage and recognise over 90 corporate organisations, from across their region, that support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Creative…

Amateur Army photographer wins the peoples vote in national competition

A photo taken by a Telford soldier whilst deployed in Mali has been revealed as the People’s Choice in a national photographic competition. Titled ‘Light them up’ the photo was taken by Lance Corporal Jamie Nolan (30) who serves in B Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry.  It triumphed over 20 photos to take the title in the documentary category of the British Photography Awards….

Army Reserves complete Skiing Expedition

159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps conducted its annual Skiing expedition during January 2023. On Saturday 21st a total of 29 personnel embarked from Luton Airport heading to Flaine, France for what would prove to be a cold, at times challenging but all-round fantastic week of alpine skiing. This year’s expedition broke down into four groups – covering SF1 (Ski Foundation 1) comprised of…

Exercise KRONOS HUNTER

In November Reservists from 37th Signal Regiment completed part of their Annual Continuous Training (also known as ACT) in both Cyprus and the UK, with key focuses on military training and range skills, with the bonus of some adventure training too. Their platoon of Reservists included a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds, including medical school students, prison officers, fire fighters and…

Poznan to Berlin – retracing the advance

Outside of military skills training, historical studies are important to the military, they can help understand tactics and provide opportunities for reflection. In the summer, Reservists from 37th Signal Regiment travelled across the Channel for a Battlefield Study to learn in-depth knowledge about the Soviet advance from Poznan to Berlin in 1945. Their five-day visit took them to key former military structures and…

Transferrable skills of an Army Reservist

As an Army Reservists you join and train with a unit, but in some cases the Reservists have specialist transferrable skills which mean they maybe given the opportunity to go on tour with another unit. This was the case for Sergeant Shotton from 4 MERCIAN, you can read more below: MINUSMA is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation mission in Mali. Established in…