News
February 14th 2018
Building lifetime bonds in the Army Reserve
The Buckells during a trip to London.
Being part of the Army Reserve is so much more than a part time career, for a lot of reservists they meet new people and forge friendships that will last for life.
East Midlands RFCA had the chance to learn more about a bond formed in the Army Reserve that is stronger than friendship.
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Nathan Buckell and Staff Sergeant Becky Buckell are a couple who not only met in the reserves they continue to serve together in 281 Movement Control Squadron.
The Buckells during a black tie event.
Both Becky and Nathan are Movement Operators in the Army Reserve, in their civilian lives Becky works as a Police Officer and Nathan is a Senior Project Building Surveyor for the National Trust.
Speaking about the challenges they have faced as a couple in the reserves, Becky explained: “The most difficult thing is probably making sure we take our own kit away on training as I am 4ft 11 inches tall and Nathan is not! Nathan has in the past had to try and squeeze in to my trousers and the image of a Spanish matador comes to mind.
“For many years when we serving as the same rank in any sort of roll call we would be referred to as Buckell male and Buckell female which used to make me smile and cause some confusion to people who did not know us.”
Nathan added: “I now always double check the size of the uniform I have whenever I go away with the unit.”
Becky said: “Nathan does like to try and beat me on the Personal Fitness Assessment run and never thinks it’s fair that I have more time to complete it in than him. He is enjoying me calling him sir at the moment since he got promoted to WO2. Apart from that I don’t think we really compete.”
The Buckells with a group of Japanese soldiers.
When asked about his career in the reserves and his personal highlights, Nathan explained: “I joined just over 22 years ago whilst I was at University, I had previously spent three years as a Special Constable on the Isle of Wight. I have also been on two tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearing the end of the Operations in Afghanistan I was dealing with the redeployment of the kit and material.”
Speaking about her experiences, Becky said: “Nathan joined just before me. I have just received my 20 year bar which is a milestone I reached in October 2017. Over the years I have completed two operational tours; both to Iraq and Afghanistan. The first tour we did together although not always being posted to the same area. Afghanistan we did separately.”
When asked about what they aim to achieve in 2018 Becky explained: “In April this year I am hoping to deploy to the Falklands for a six month tour as a Mover which will see me out of the country from May-Dec 18.
“Although slightly daunting I am looking forward to a new challenge and putting myself outside my comfort zone. I know that I will return to policing with a fresh head, which is beneficial all round. Nathan is looking forward to a possible trip to the Ascension islands as well.”
“For many years when we serving as the same rank in any sort of roll call we would be referred to as Buckell male and Buckell female which used to make me smile and cause some confusion to people who did not know us.”
