CASE STUDY
“ THE RESERVES HAVE BENEFITED ME IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS ; THE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES I HAVE FACED HAVE DEVELOPED A NUMBER OF FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS THAT I CAN APPLY TO ALL ASPECTS OF MY LIFE .”
ON THE JOB
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT DAVID ROSS * STUDENT / RAF REGIMENT
* Names of personnel have been changed to preserve their online identities
In civilian life I am an undergraduate Real Estate ( BSc ) student at Northumbria University .
In the RAF I am a Flight Commander based at 609 ( West Riding ) Squadron RAF Regiment Reserves , having been promoted through the ranks . I lead a Flight of Reserve Regiment ‘ Gunners ’ in a number of different roles ; whether it be a field exercise or ceremonial duties , I am also responsible for maintaining standards and discipline .
Following an unsuccessful application to join as a pilot I was advised to join the Reserves for some life and military experience . I had never considered the Regiment as a career avenue but once I started I loved it . Ultimately the aim is to join the RAF on a Regular contract after university .
The Reserves allow you to meet people from different backgrounds and roles and offers the ability to take part in a job that is completely different from civilian life and presents challenges you would never get the chance to normally experience .
The Reserves has presented me with a number of opportunities . I have taken part in exercises around the world working with Reservists from other units , Regulars and foreign counterparts .
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