Regular To Reserves – A JNCO’s View

Scribe: LCpl Blackburn

My name is Ben Blackburn, and I live in a beautiful little town called Burnley with my two beautiful children; they motivate and inspire me more than any words could explain. Like many others who decided to leave Regular service, I wanted more stability for my family and fewer days away from home. Leaving the security and familiarity of the Army was scary yet important.

So it was, that after ten years of exemplary Regular Army service with the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, I then found civilian employment as a Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer for Filtrox Carlson’s; who are a process filtration manufacturer.

It was after three years into my new career and I was close to completing my new apprenticeship and NVQ that I considered joining the Army Reserve (AR). I needed this initial time and space to mentally engage with my new job and enjoy some well-deserved time with my family. But finally, I felt it was a good time to throw my hat back into the ring and join back up.

I knew that joining the REME would give me new and specialist skills that would complement my civilian job. I could add these to my professional engineering skill-set portfolio; which would ultimately assist my overall progression within my civilian career. The Reserves would also allow me to keep improving and fine-tuning my managerial and leadership skills learned throughout my military service. I am known for having a more relaxed mindset in the civilian world, yet the military values and standards I carry with me are highly valued by my employer and colleagues.

I eventually joined 127 (Theatre Support) Company in Clifton, Manchester as a Metalsmith. The unit is close to where I live and allows me to balance my career and family priorities. I also re-trained as a Metalsmith, as the trade offered me a very different challenge compared to my previous role in the RA and the skill-set would also

GEC Class 4 Course - Top student. (Gained skills to implement into my Army Reserve and civilian role and responsibilities)

AR Basic PTI Course. (Passionate desire for fitness, helping others with any relations to health and fitness and also understanding how the body works)

help me in my civilian career.

I wasn’t confident that returning to Army service was the right move, yet having taken the leap with both feet, I am one hundred per cent happy that my decision was correct. However, I still know the importance of setting goals and remaining focused. I have completed two trade courses within one year and passed the AR PTI course. Alongside this, I have done my DTTT, from which my civilian employer has benefited directly. I am on track for promotion and pursuing a commission in the Reserves.

One thing that surprised me was how the other Reserve soldiers highly valued my knowledge and skills. A mix of ex-Regular and civilian Reservists provides a broad spectrum of experience and perspective. The REME Reserves are not what I expected, it is so much more, and I’m happy I took the leap.