Maritime Reservists around the country are celebrating Reserves Day with special events to mark their achievements and celebrate the support of their families, friends, and employers.
Two hundred reservists descended on the Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, for the annual Crowborough Challenge, a military skills exercise which tests reservists’ professional skills, whatever their role in the Royal Naval or Royal Marines Reserves.
Artelia UK, a construction and engineering consultancy and reservist employer, joined one of their employees, Lieutenant Commander Richmal Hardinge from HMS President, to sign the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and cement their support for the Armed Forces community.
Robert Marr, Artelia UK’s Director of Infrastructure and Project Finance, said: “We are delighted to be here signing the AFC here at Crowborough to mark Reserves Day. By employing reservists we get the added value of the extra skills that reservists bring such as training, management, leadership and command. We plan to use the AFC to attract graduates to the company who bring additional beneficial military skills that they have gained in the Reserves.”
“We are a holder of a Bronze Employer Recognition Award Holder and will be putting in policies to continue our support and work towards silver and gold.”
Commodore Martin Quinn, Commander Maritime Reserves, said: “Reserves Day is a great way to mark the success of our reservists and there are no better examples of those that are participating in Crowborough. We give them professional mentoring around their leadership abilities, which in civilian life would cost hundreds if not thousands of pounds.
“We have been able to thank employers for their support to the Reserve Forces and show them how we train reservists in the additional skills that they can bring back to the work place.”
Reservists working at the Royal Navy’s headquarters in Portsmouth gathered together to mark the day.
Rear Admiral Simon Williams CB CVO, Flag Officer Reserves, said: “I would like to thank all reservists who serve in the Royal Navy for their continued and valued commitment to UK Defence. I would particularly like to thank those who have mobilised and deployed in support of UK Defence operations, to those who give continuous service to their home units, and those who look after the next generation of reservists through recruiting and training.
“Reserves are an integral and valued part of the whole force that makes up the Royal Navy, and these Reserves Day and Armed Forces Day events are a chance to celebrate and thank all our Reserves, families, friends, employers for their continued and valued support."
