News
March 28th 2019
Lincolnshire Mum in Royal Naval Reserve is Enjoying Best of Both Worlds
Victoria with her husband Kev and their children - Ben 15, Oscar 12 and Felix 8
A mum-of-three from Lincolnshire has described how joining the Royal Naval Reserve has allowed her to pursue a life in the military whilst being a hands-on mum.
Lieutenant Victoria Rogers, aged 43, joined the Royal Naval Reserve HMS Sherwood five years ago and is now an Amphibious Warfare Officer providing support to the regular navy.
Victoria had originally wanted to join the Regulars but after careful consideration decided against it.
Victoria said: “I decided it would be too difficult to join full-time and care for my children. It would have also meant a lot of moving around and I didn’t think that would be fair on them.
“I had met so many lovely people on my journey to join the Regulars that I didn’t want to let it go, which was how the Reserves came about. It has allowed me to balance family life with a career in the military.”
Lieutenant Victoria Rogers and Able Rate Michelle Rowlands
Victoria said that being at sea is something that she has really enjoyed.
“I have been to sea a number of times in my role, once for two months aboard HMS Ocean on Op Ruman and two weeks aboard Lyme Bay working with the French Navy,” she said.
“My ambitions are to go to sea more and to continue to climb the ranks to hopefully become Lieutenant Commander.”
Victoria said that she believes she is providing a positive female role model for her three sons.
She said: “My children are really proud of me, and I think it is good for them to see their mum taking part in typically male associated activities, whilst their Dad stays at home and cares for them. It challenges the familiar gender stereotypes and it has made them well-rounded and respectful of everyone they meet.”
Encouraging others to follow in her footsteps, Victoria explains why she would encourage other mums to join the Royal Naval Reserves.
Victoria said: “When you go away with the Royal Navy it feels like a fun thing to do, it doesn’t feel like a job at all. It’s just like a hobby that you get paid for. I really enjoy coming to the Unit once a week and I have met many lovely like-minded people.”
She concludes: “I would absolutely recommend a career in the military, it’s one of the best things I have ever done.”
For further information about joining the Royal Naval Reserve in Nottingham call 0115 929 6373 or email navymr-sherwoodmailbox@mod.gov.uk
“I had met so many lovely people on my journey to join the Regulars that I didn’t want to let it go, which was how the Reserves came about. It has allowed me to balance family life with a career in the military.”
