Reserves Day is a chance to recognise and appreciate the integral part that Reservists play in the UK’s Defence capability. Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military. Reservists are currently supporting operations worldwide.
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and as such are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber.
Joshua Bassett-Franklin helps us to understand more about his life as a reservist
I’m three months into my role as a programme manager. I’m focussed on establishing the SFA FTTP programme of works. My role is broad in nature and priorities change regularly based on what the programme needs most, but it can typically be Delivery, HSEQ, Commercials, Legal. It’s a very rewarding role because I know the difference this project makes to service personnel. It really adds that extra ‘feel-good factor’ to a job well done!
I started my reservist career just under six years ago, within the Royal Signals. My Squadron mainly focusses on supporting our regular counterparts on deployments and taskings around the world.
Our key role is structured cabling and telecoms infrastructure upgrades within the tri-service estate. We’ve also been deployed within the operational theatres (Afghanistan, etc.) where we’re employed to ensure vital communications links are fully maintained and remain operational in challenging environments.
Being sent abroad is a normal part of the role we are employed to do, which is where our skills come into their own in supporting the MOD. Places we typically travel to are Brunei, Kenya, Belize, Falklands, Cyprus, and Ascension. We are usually tasked for two weeks in a calendar year, but you can choose to do more to suit your personal circumstances. There is also a big list of sports and activities to get involved in.
At times, being a reservist could be perceived as inconvenient or frustrating to an employer, especially when it means more time off than normal or you’re at critical moments of a project. Since I have been at Wifinity, I have taken two weeks off to fulfil my Reservist duties. My need to attend events has been met with nothing short of positive reinforcement and support at every turn. So, a personal thanks to Wifinity for not just saying you support reservists but actually doing it!