Today is Reserves Day, a day to highlight and recognise the valuable contribution Reservists make to our Armed Forces.
Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military.
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one-sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber.
In celebration of Reserves Day, we caught up with Andrew from Roke to learn all about his military career and how Chemring supports his role as a reservist.
Tell us about your military career
I joined the Royal Corps of Signals as an Apprentice in 1977, graduating as a High-Speed Morse Code and Signals Intelligence Practitioner. I then went on to further education at the Defence School of Languages studying Russian (East) German and Serb-Croatian.
Following that, I was deployed to Berlin, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Turkey, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Canada, Australia and the USA and then transferred to The Intelligence Corps.
My Reserve contract is guaranteed until age 65 in 2026 (49 years Colour Service).
How did you end up at Chemring?
I attended a Roke/Resolve presentation, where I presented my CV and took a contractor role for a year before being offered a permanent contract.
What's your role at Chemring?
CEMA Pre-Sales Manager and Senior Project BESTLA EWSME.
Were you aware of Chemring when you were in the military?
Yes. I was on the Resolve acceptance board.
What do you miss the most about military life?
The camaraderie and healthy banter from being with the team daily.
What do you enjoy about your current role?
I enjoy engaging with all levels of the MoD.
Do you think Chemring is a good fit for veterans?
Yes. Legacy military skills are extremely useful in The Defence Industry.
What is your role as a reservist?
I am a Joint Service Signals Unit Electronic Warfare & Signals Intelligence Instructor and SME
How do you fit your reservist responsibilities into your working/home life?
I attend a National Unit weekend once a month in Lincolnshire and deploy on a 17 day concentration once a year.
How does Chemring support your reservist work?
Chemring offers me the time, trust and freedom to travel to and from my duty station and supports my annual concentration.
What do you get out of being a reservist?
A fit and healthy monitored lifestyle and the chance to regularly meet up with old friends.
What has been the most exciting thing that’s happened to you as a reservist?
Training the United States Army Electronic Warfare Low-Level Voice Intercept Cadre in Utah on two occasions.
Does being a reservist give you new skills to use in your work/home life?
It maintains my military currency and credibility when engaging with Land Warfare Centre and Project BESTLA customers.