The Royal Wessex Yeomanry is the only armoured reserve regiment. This means that for the soldiers coming out of Initial Training it presents an opportunity to be part of something unique within the army reserve and crew the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.
However, the combat role - armoured crewman, is not the only route that can be taken. Their is also the need for Combat Service Support personnel - Medics, Vehicle Mechanics, Armourers, Clerks and Chefs. All are crucial for the armoured regiment to work. In each there are a lot of oppotunities to progress in rank - officer and non-commissioned officer, qualifications and experience.
Soldiers of the regiment have been all over the world using and developing their skills, and many of the qualifications are transferable to civilian employment. All roles require dedication and time investment to progress to the highest levels.
Armoured crewmen have four crew positions to progress through on the Challenger 2, these being Driver, Gunner, Loader/Operator and Commander. They will normally begin with either the Driving & Maintenance Course or the Gunnery Course. If a recruit doesn't have their civilian drivers license, this can be gained through the Army Reserve. Qualifying on this course is the first step in working to gain all crew qualifications and potentially become a Challenger 2 commander.
Likewise in the Combat Service and Support roles, each trade can progress through different qualifications to become a commander of their respective teams. With every progression in a soldiers career , pay is increased incrementally to reflect their acheivements and ability. The choice is down to the individual as to how much time and effort they want to put in. WO2 Hurst, the regiment's Training Warrant Officer states, 'The future role of the Regiment is of vital importance to the Contingency Force and the Royal Armoured Corps as a whole. Rather than just training individuals, the Regiment will train and provide CR2 crews. The future is bright for the Royal Wessex Yeomanry and our Attached Arms, the next few years will be challenging but rewarding, training our crews so they can integrate with our paired Regular Regiments.'
Satisfaction in what you do is its own reward.
Yeoman Pursuit
Forging a career in the Armoured Reserve
'unique within the Army Reserve'