The annual Kent Reserves and Cadets Day sees representatives from reserve units and cadet detachments across Kent and Medway come together to highlight the multitude of benefits to the armed forces, employers and the individuals themselves who serve.
They were received by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent The Lady Colgrain and Chairman of Kent County Council Bryan Sweetland, who both thanked them for their commitment and dedication.
There are currently 720 army, navy, air force and special forces reserves in Kent and Medway working alongside the regular personnel whose day jobs can range from dustmen to barristers. There are more than 45 reservists in Kent County Council (KCC) and Kent’s emergency services.
Julie Austin-Williamson, Regimental Mentoring Support Officer from 579 Fd Sqn Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment, from Tunbridge Wells showcases the kit
Many reservists join directly from the civilian community with no previous military experience and more often than not combine a military role with another career.
They give up their spare time to train to work alongside the regular forces on exercise and operations (reserves assigned to the 3 Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, with the Battalion HQ in Canterbury,are currently part of the United Nations taskforce in Cyprus policing the line between the Greek and Turkish sides of the island), as well as being supported by their employers with leave to do that.
Reservists also have the opportunity to take part in adventure training, including abroad. Being a reservist provides the opportunity to gain new skills which can be beneficial in civilian careers, from fitness and first aid to communications and leadership development.
British Army reservist Major Tim Cook from the Kent Resilience Team and PC Shane Pile, a reservist from Kent Police
Echoing that at the event which doubled as a recruitment drive was Major Tim Cook. He helps keep the county safe as a risk manager for the Kent Resilience Team. He also serves as a reservist in the British Army and has taken his skills to Nepal to plan and prepare for an earthquake response.
Major Cook, who joined the army from school and retired from Kent Police as a superintendent, said: “My current role is part of the UK Ops Assurance Team. We go around the UK and also abroad to make sure that the military headquarters around the country and elsewhere can support civil partners in an emergency. I write and deliver exercises. It’s really interesting and has been of real benefit to my role in KCC. We have looked at wild fires in Wales, flooding in Northern Ireland, the COP26 climate conference in Scotland and I have been to Nepal four times to assure the British Army capability following a devastating disaster like earthquake.
“As a reservist, you still need to learn the basic soldiering skills as part of your training, but you don’t live your life in a trench; there are so many different roles available and there is the opportunity to work flexibly as well as apply to deploy on operational tours in places like Iraq and Cyprus.
“My two careers very much complement one another, but I know people who have got a very different job to their army one. I have a colleague who’s a plastic surgeon with the NHS and a tank commander in the Army Reserve!
“I get two weeks additional leave from KCC to complete my training commitments with the army and both sides are flexible which ensures I can fit in my family and other life commitments around work and service without having to use all my annual leave for it. The Armed Forces Covenant means we know if need be we can support our country and your job is still there when you come back so you don't have to worry about all that.”
Veteran and businessman Steve Waterman, KCC Armed Forces Covenant Lead Canon Peter Bruinvels, Leader of Medway Council and Deputy Chairman of the Kent and Medway Civilian-Military Partnership Board Vince Maple and KCC Member Mike Hill OBE
The audience also heard from Steve Waterman, a veteran from the Royal Engineers who is now the managing director of training company EC Safety Solutions in Strood. He has received support from the Kent and Medway Civilian-Military Partnership Board, Kent Armed Forces Champion and Lead and South East Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA)to help his firm gain the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employers’ Recognition Gold Award, something he encouraged all businesses to aim for.
The MoD assesses the award on how the Armed Forces Covenant is embedded in the culture of an organisation. The covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly, enjoy successful and fulfilled lives and are not disadvantaged because of their service.
KCC has held the gold award for nearly seven years.
“Our support for the armed services at KCC is unwavering and I would implore employers and organisations across Kent and Medway to see how their businesses and activities can be enhanced by supporting veterans, reservists and cadets.”
The speaker receiving the greatest round of applause was Sgt Jayden Poullard.
His foster mum encouraged him as a 12-year-old to give the cadets in Whitstable a try. Six weeks later there was no looking back and he went on to gain the highest accolade, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. He is now an inspirational Army Cadet Force instructor and is encouraging others to volunteer to support the next generation.
He said: “After that six weeks, I said I was going to stay for a little bit longer and to see what I could do. Quite quickly I progressed through the star system, gained more qualifications, went up the ranks and got more badges.
“I have learnt some really valuable life skills, especially first aid which has enabled me to help people where I work in a shop in Canterbury. I would really be lost without the cadets. It has taught me discipline, leadership, decision-making, teamwork, respect and resilience. Every army cadet with these skills will be valuable in the workplace, and to know generally.”
Drum Major Lee Gumbrill, from A Company, Kent Army Cadet Force, is one of the country's top military drummers and is in demand. He heralded the beginning of the event
Mr Sweetland said: “This is a really important day to acknowledge our remarkable reserves, who play an integral part in protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas.
“It is also heartening to hear the contribution our armed forces make to our communities. Our support for the armed services at KCC is unwavering and I would implore employers and organisations across Kent and Medway to see how their businesses and activities can be enhanced by supporting veterans, reservists and cadets. To say their skills and attributes are an asset is an understatement.
“It was wonderful to see Jayden again today. He is the embodiment of an exemplary cadet and a fine young man. I encourage as many people as possible to join him as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and help other young people to fulfill their potential.”
Further information
To find out more about becoming a reservist, getting involved in the cadet force, the MoD recognition awards and the Armed Forces Covenant and visit the following links:
- Supporting armed forces - Kent County Council
- South East RFCA – South East RFCA
- Armed forces reserves: a quick guide - GOV.UK
- Armed Forces Covenant: guidance and support - GOV.UK
Why not sign up to a free Army team building event in Kent in May? There are still spaces for adults and young people to join in. The Leadership Challenge Day Event is for all abilities where participants will work as part of a team to solve a range of fun mental and physical challenges. You will learn more about the Army, its people and yourselves in the process. More here:
