News

November 28th 2013

Some 34 Army Reservists (formerly known as TA soldiers) marched onto the parade square in front of family and friends having completed their basic training.

The Reservists join as the MOD revitalises the Army Reserve and makes significant changes to dramatically improve what is on offer for those who choose to join. This includes better training and

access to equipment used by their regular counterparts and annual paid leave when training as well as on operations. They will also be eligible for Armed Forces Pension entitlements from 2015.

Brigadier Nickerson inspected the parade and presented a series of awards including the Best Shot, Best Section and Champion Recruit.

The Army Reservists completed a two-week residential course that forms the foundations of the Reservist’s military career. It teaches them everything they need to know to fulfil their role within the Army Reserve including military terminology, drill, shooting,  physical fitness, weapon handling, first aid, field craft and map reading.

The soldiers will now return to their Reserve units to complete their trade training. Brigadier Harry Nickerson said: “Everyone on parade has made the grade; it takes determination to complete the course and all the soldiers should be extremely proud of themselves.

“They have my best wishes for the future. They are joining a career that is demanding and fun and I urge them to exploit all the opportunities they are offered.”

Brigadier Nickerson who has completed tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan concluded: “I look at these young men and women who are just starting out on their careers and I see clearly the pride that radiates from each and every one of them and rightly so; they are a credit to themselves, their instructors and their families. If I could give them one piece of advice it would be to make the most of the skills and training that service in the Reserves will give them to progress in all areas of their lives. I wish them well.”

He went on to praise the soldiers on parade for their standard of turn out, drill and teamwork and told them how their training at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks was vital preparation for their Army career.

He concluded by thanking the soldiers families for their support.

The course is delivered by 5 Training Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) whose instructors have been specially selected and trained for their role. Their main task is to lead recruits through their training and assist them with passing all aspects of the course.

The course is one of 42 different types of courses 5 Training Regiment RLC runs every year. Other courses include trade training, including driver training and communications operator. The Regiment also supports an average of 125 training weekends every year for their neighbouring reserve logistic regiments.