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.

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.

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.