Gill Niblock
Rank – Lieutenant RNR
Unit – HMS Wildfire
Why did you join the reserves?
Honestly, to experience something completely different in life and because I regretted not having joined the RN as a career.
How long have you been a reservist?
18 years.
What is your favourite part of being a reservist?
I love working with other services, and often in a multinational environment. The camaraderie is exceptional and I have made friends and business contacts in my unit and in my branch specialisation. Being a reservist has given me access to top level sports events e.g. a sailing expedition to Croatia and frequent attendance at the RN Winter Sports Championships where I represented my unit and the RNR. Most of all, I am proud to have been part of the Naval service on Operations (in Dubai and Djibouti), knowing that they had confidence in my ability to carry out roles alongside my regular colleagues.
Why is being a reservist important to you?
It has added a dimension to my life that would have been otherwise missing. It has made use of my civilian skills and developed me as a person. I am particularly proud to have worked in Djibouti with other European Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR).
Why is it important for females to be in the reserves?
I think women in the military approach challenges in different ways – our soft skills can often work well when we need to build relationships and work collaboratively.
What is your civilian employment?
GL RFCA – Employer Engagement.
How do they support you being in the reserves?
Yes, 15 days’ additional paid leave (like most government agencies).
Carola McKenna
Rank – Captain
Unit – 256 City of London Field Hospital
Why did you join the reserves?
I had completed my pharmacy degree and pre-registration training and was looking for a new challenge. I had always been interested in the UOTC but somehow had never gotten round to joining. I had a friend that had loved UOTC and he encouraged me to look at the Reserves.
How long have you been a reservist?
I commissioned in Nov 2015.
What is your favourite part of being a reservist?
Challenging myself to learn new skills – they have ranged from treating blast wounds, decontaminating a casualty from a CBRN environment to learning to sail and mountain bike. I have been able to train with personnel across the Services and had a chance to spend time in California working alongside my American counterparts.
Why is being a reservist important to you?
It gives me something to focus on other than my 9-5 and weekends away are always amazingly varied. I have also taken on a command role and the experience I have gained in my training at Sandhurst and as a detachment 2IC has helped me in job interviews. The tax free bounty is also great – and is the basis of my summer holiday fund every year.
Why is it important for females to be in the reserves?
All teams work better if they are diverse, working with a mix of men and women will always bring up new ways of tackling problems. I think it is also important that there are role models for young women in what is often seen as a male dominated role.
What is your civilian employment?
Pharmacist at University College London Hospital.
How do they support you being in the reserves?
My line manager is very flexible with giving me time off to attend courses or other training and the Trusts Special Leave Policy is quite generous in the extra leave it grants me every year.
Sarah Houghton
Rank – Sub Lieutenant
Unit – HMS President
Why did you join the reserves?
I joined the Reserves because I love the challenge it offers. It gives you so many unique experiences and training whether that be leadership, fitness, navigation or adventurous sports that you would otherwise never get the chance to do!
How long have you been a reservist?
I was in Oxford URNU for 3 years prior, but became a Reservist in May 2017. So approaching 3 years in the RNR.
What is your favourite part of being a reservist?
I love the people I get to meet from all across the country. Everyone has great stories and they all want you to succeed, there is a good sense of community you get from it if you put the hours in to make effort to get to know people and try new things.
Why is being a reservist important to you?
It’s important to me because it’s become part of my identity. I love telling my friends and family about it, explaining what it is we do and what we contribute. The Reserves allows me to receive first class training which is transferable into both my work and personal life. And also I love to be able to serve my country in a small way, knowing that I’m a small piece of that puzzle.
Why is it important for females to be in the reserves?
It’s important for females to be in the Reserves I think to have a balance of experience, knowledge and understanding. In 2020 gender equality still has a long way to go, and having active females serving in our military is a part of that. Sometimes I can be the only female in the room, so the Reserves has helped me to ensure my voice is heard and is equally respected.