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Lincoln Dad encourages others to consider the Army Reserve

Private Andy Markham Jenkins, aged 38, who works as an Explosives Production Operative for the quarry industry, joined the Army Reserve in 2011 and now serves as a Storeman Reserve with 4 Company, 3^rd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment.

Andy said: “From a young age I wanted to join the Army but life has a way of getting in the way of your dreams. I reached an age where I felt like I had to fulfil my dreams before it was too late and so I decided to become a Reservist.

“I have a young family so being a Reserve has allowed me to have the best of both worlds. I have been able to follow my dreams and play an active role in my children’s lives.”

Private Andy Markham Jenkins and his family

During his time as a Reservist Andy has gained many life skills, including first aid training, which he recently put into practice.

Andy explains: “The skills you are equipped with as a Reservist means that you are ready to assist anyone at any time. I recently came across a man who had fallen in a wooden area and I was able to calmly assist the family in relaying the information to the emergency operator and eventually performing CPR.

“After the event the one thing that stood out for me was how I didn’t have to stop and think about what to do next as it all came naturally, I can only put that down to the training and confidence I have gained during my time in the Reserves.”

Andy is also pleased with how his civilian employer has supported him to do both roles. He said: “I find it easy to combine my civilian employment with life as an Army Reserve because the skills and training I have received as a Reserve are easily transferable to my civilian role.”

Encouraging others to join the Army Reserve, Andy explains what he enjoys the most about being a Reservist.

Andy said: “My fondest moment has to be the first time my wife and children came to a Remembrance parade in Grimsby and the looks on their faces when they saw me marching past, I felt incredibly proud to be serving as a member of the British Army.”

He continues: “The best thing about being a Reserve is the friendships you make, it feels like a second family and the camaraderie between everyone is unparalleled to anything I’ve experienced in the civilian world.

“I would absolutely recommend becoming a Reserve to anyone as it has helped to build my confidence, equipped me with important life skills and introduced me to some of my best friends.”

For further information about joining 4 Company, 3^rd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment as a Reserve call 01472 877 581, text 07970 333 932 or email 3ang-4coy-rsuso@mod.gov.uk