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Reservist Testimonial
Army Reserves
Reservist Testimonial
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Scribe LCpl Chris Stead (103 FS Bn REME)
Iam Lance Corporal Chris Stead and an Armourer at 128 Divisional Support Company, 103 Battalion REME. I recently bought a house in Waterlooville where I live with my fiancé and work with the South East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (SERFCA) as a Civilian Administrative Assistant.
I spent 5 years in the Regular Army as an Armourer with the 5th Battalion, the Rifles LAD based in Paderborn, Germany and deployed on exercises in Germany, Canada and operations in Afghanistan. I left the Regular Army in 2015, and after a considerable career gap, joined the Army Reserve in October 2021. I re-joined as I missed the camaraderie, the laughter, the feeling of belonging that comes with serving and felt that I would regret not still being part of it. Since re-joining, I have met some exceptionally professional tradesmen and women who bring their own
LCpl Stead at trade in support employment and of Ex DEFENDER EUROPE 22 wealth of experience into uniformed service. In the short time since re-joining I have deployed on exercises in the UK and to Germany in support of Ex DEFENDER EUROPE 22 and completed the sharpshooter course at MOD Lyneham. I recently had the honour of being selected to talk about the Army Reserve at the Defence Engagement Conference in London with 15 senior officers from international nations Presenting at the Defence Engagement in attendance, and I Conference, pictured with Maj Gen Simon have also been Graham (Director Reserves) reinstated as an Army Reserve Physical Training Instructor (ARPTI).
I am currently looking at deploying back to Germany in September 2022 and attending my Class 1 Armourers’ course in January 2023. Also, as part of my duties, I am passionate about ensuring the rounded development of both my subordinates and myself to ensure the future tradesman and women are reliable and credible in their trade but also deployable. All of which comes with being a JNCO and AAPTI in the REME Army Reserve.
SERVICE LEAVERS
The Army Reserve is ready to welcome you
There are 25 REME Reserve locations across the UK, with many vacancies for junior tradespeople and subaltern Officers now. The offer:
• Make use of your skills and excel as a competent ex-regular. • Meet and work with like-minded people. • Serve your country but on your own terms. • Enjoy pay and benefits, plus an annual tax-free bounty. • Take advantage of a reduced initial commitment for the first three years: 19 days, reduced MATTs, no deployment liability. • Seize opportunities for more work or increased commitment if you want it, including personal development and AT/sports.
Service Leavers: ask your RCMO about your entitlement to visit home/local Reserve units during the resettlement period. Transfer process: read Annex G to Soldier Terms of Service (SToS).
