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“My family are incredibly supportive of my reserve commitments”

Private Ruth Archer, aged 46, serves with 160 (Lincoln) Transport Squadron, 158 Regiment, and is currently self-employed in her civilian life.

Being part of the Reserve Forces means different things to different people, but Ruth explained that she wanted to make a difference in her spare time and was encouraged to join up after hearing an advert on the radio.

Ruth, who lives in Newark, explained: “I was driving home one day when I heard an advert for the Forces on the radio saying ‘this is belonging’. That was it for me, I got home and processed my application straight away. I didn’t tell my partner or my family what I had done initially as I wanted to make sure my application was successful! On breaking the news to them though, they were so pleased and continue to support me every step of the way.”

Private Ruth Archer

Ruth completed her first Army Reserve training course in April last year and has not looked back since. Prior to this, she had been working for more than 12 years on cruise ships travelling all over the world as a retail manager.

She continued: “I felt I needed a fresh start and a new challenge in my life. I wanted to do something that pushed me out of my comfort zone, enabled me to foster new relationships and learn a new trade or skill. Being a reservist has definitely allowed me to do this.

“I chose to specialise in being a Combat Medical Technician (CMT) as I wanted to study something that would provide me with a wealth of knowledge which I could put to good use both in and outside of my part-time military career.”

Ruth explained that to gain extra experience she has also started to volunteer as a First Responder for Newark and Fosseway.

Ruth concluded: “My family are incredibly supportive of my reserve commitments as they know how much being a reservist means to me. In the short period I have been in the reserves I have learnt so much, met some amazing people and passed my CMT – all things I wouldn’t have thought were possible a year ago.

“If I have one regret it is not joining earlier in my life, hence the reason I am going to embrace as many opportunities as possible from now on!”

To find out more about joining 160 (Lincoln) Transport Squadron call WO1 O’Leary on 01522 529082 or email 158RLC-160-RSUSO@mod.uk