51st INFANTRY BRIGADE
Army Reservists – Bringing skills to the employer’s table
7 Scots Infanteers carrying the General Purpose Machine Gun return from checking targets at Richmond Ranges in Warcop
Lance Corporal Ruairidh Carry (24) from Mauchline, Ayrshire, during Exercise Strike Op which took place at Garelochead
There has been a noticeable shift in the perception that employing an Army Reservist was a disadvantage to a business. Due to the Army’s nationwide close liaison with employers, the commercial world is now becoming more conscious of the huge benefits to be gained from having part-time soldiers in their workforce. “To date there is absolute recognition by RBS of the qualities that ex-service personnel can bring to the business world, especially that of behavioural and leadership skills” said Julian McElhinney from RBS. “However the challenge has always been that the service leaver has limited understanding of hard business skills. The ideal is an individual with a mix of these skill sets, who can deliver high standards in both worlds. The modern day Reservist is in this unique position”.
Young 7 Scots Reservists train on Javelin Anti Tank missile systems in the classrooms of Warcop. The soldiers run through computer simulated scenarios to mimic real situations in the battlefield
Business Scotland
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Recognizing that employers have been unfamiliar with the many and varied opportunities and experiences gained by their employees whilst on military duty, the Army set up nationwide Employer Engagement teams to enlighten organisations of their hidden resources. Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie, Head of Employer Engagement for the Army in Scotland explains: “The increased part the Reserves will play in defence of the UK provides significant opportunities for reservist and employer. It is a symbiotic relationship, because both parties gain from the world-class training delivered by the Army”. The Army in Scotland, 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, based at Stirling, commanded by Brigadier Paul Harkness, has been relentless in enlightening businesses, large and small, of the attraction of such a dual-hatted individual. Exercise Executive Stretch, Leadership in Practice (LiP) courses and employment schemes such as 4 Weeks 2 Work have all embraced the employer/ military focus. “The relationship between employer and the
reservist has never been more important”, says Brigadier Paul Harkness. “We need the support of employers to build a sustainable Armed Forces Reserve, and we seek to develop a close and honest relationship”. “The service a Reservist delivers, their skills, qualifications and active challenges which support their health and well-being are second to none”.
Army Reservist Sergeant Steven Brown (48) from Tranent’s Royal Mail Depot proudly wears his uniform during “Reserves Uniform to Work Day”. Steven serves as a Troop Sergeant with the Livingston based 278 Battery, 105th Regiment Royal Artillery