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Trainee Chemistry Teacher embraces Army Reserve

Sapper Lizzy Ahmed, aged 31, who serves as a reservist with 350 Field Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and works at George Spencer Academy in Nottingham in her civilian career.

Coming from a military family, Lizzy has always had an interest in joining the Army so decided to join 350 Field Squadron as she was drawn in by the specialist trade opportunities and wanted to learn more about Search and EOD techniques.

Speaking about life in the reserves, Lizzy said: “I’d say the location of the unit you train with in the Army Reserve is important as well as the specialist trade as you are balancing your Army life with your civilian career.

“Whilst there is nothing like EOD and search in my civilian job, the general skills you learn are definitely transferable. You learn a lot about yourself during basic training and I think a lot of the confidence and adaptability I’ve developed in the Army comes across in my teaching.”

Spending her days in the classroom and a number of weekends ‘in the field’, Lizzy has a number of methods up her sleeves to engage with her students.

She continued: “As a science teacher I’ve used a couple of my Army examples to demonstrate chemical reactions such as using self-heating food rations to explain exothermic reactions. The students love it and are really interested when they realise it is something really used by soldiers.

“Prior to teaching, I had studied a PhD in Pharmacy and spent a few years after that working in labs. I found this to be repetitive and methodical, but as this requires a great deal of concentration I have been able to tap into these traits when completing my Army-based search training.”

Joining the Army Reserve in 2015, Lizzy has packed in as much training as she can manage since including completing her intermediate search and foundation combat engineer training last year, which led to her being crowned Best Sapper by her unit Officer Commanding.

As well as having a passion for learning, Lizzy is also a keen sportswoman and has also embraced the Army Reserves sporting culture too.

She explained: “I was competing in triathlons before I joined the Army so when I found out how much support is on offer for participating in sports with the reserves I really jumped at the chance to get involved. I took part in my first Army triathlon earlier this year so took away some useful tips from that.

“I train most days as it is a fairly demanding sport going straight from swimming, on to the bike then running but I often practice simulating race days which paid off when I became the first female to cross the finish line in a competition I took part in last year.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Lizzy is hoping to continue her triathlon training alongside further specialist trade training and developing her teaching career.

She concluded: “It’s a unique experience being part of the Army Reserve. I’ve met some amazing friends from all over the country and thanks to my training I am both physically and mentally stronger. I have learnt so much about soldiering, my trade and myself. I’d encourage anyone to get involved in the reserves, no matter what your interests are there are plenty of opportunities available to make the most of your spare time.”

To find out more about joining 350 Field Squadron call 0115 965217/4909 or email Garry.Wraith764@mod.gov.uk