Every year, Armed Forces Week includes a day dedicated to Reserve Forces and the importance of their work in defence of our country. To mark Reserves Day 2025, three people serving in different Reserve Forces based around our region have taken time from their busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Our next reservist is Maj Matt Ottaway, the Officer Commanding the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk Company of 3 Royal Anglian.
Why did you decide to join the UK Armed Forces?
I was first commissioned into the Regular [full-time] British Army as I wanted a job that was both professionally rewarding and contributed more than just earning money. I liked working outdoors and had done physical jobs before I joined. I went down the officer route because I wanted the responsibility, challenges and rewards that come with command.
How did you become involved with 3 Royal Anglian?
When I left the Regular Army my last job was in East Anglia. I wanted to move on to new things that the Army couldn’t offer me, but I still wanted to be a part of something more significant and have the opportunity to contribute to the country. The 3rd Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment was able to offer me a role that allowed me to do that.
It seemed like a natural fit and a “win-win” for both me and the battalion.
Why do you think people sign up to serve in uniform as well as holding down civilian work?
Everyone will have their own reasons, but the Reserve Army offers opportunities you don’t get in civilian work. 3 Royal Anglian is a light-role infantry unit so the soldiers get to train and deploy in a job that is impossible to do as a civilian.
There are opportunities for sport and adventure training that you get paid to participate in. Plus, you get to meet new people with similar interests, often making friends for life.
How varied are the backgrounds and careers of your soldiers?
As varied as the general public! All types of people are in the Army Reserve, with a whole range of cultural, educational and professional backgrounds all drawn together working towards the same goals. All roles are open to everyone, so there are no barriers to what you can achieve if you are able to commit.
Do civilian skillsets bring benefits to the Reserve Forces?
Absolutely! You might have a private soldier with a PhD or a specialist skill that you wouldn’t expect. Obviously, civilian jobs like teachers or managers make for great military instructors and leaders too.
What skills learned with 3 Royal Anglian can reservists use in their civilian lives?
There are loads of skills that are highly transferable to civilian life. Soldiers in 3 Royal Anglian develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills, discipline, adaptability, and planning.
Specific technical skills and qualifications like those gained in trade roles, for example HGV driving licences, can also translate well into civilian professions. Away from the obvious professional skills, there’s more unusual opportunities like learning to ski or skydive!
What could a reservist in 3 Royal Anglian expect if they signed up?
Initially there is a pathway they will need to follow to become a trained soldier. There’s a team in the Battalion who will assist in that training to ensure new soldiers turn up ready for every step towards qualification. How long that takes is often down to the soldier and can happen very quickly if they have the time. Equally, there’s no rush if personal life prevent it.
Once qualified there’s training that happens weekly in the evenings and bigger training events on weekends. There are also opportunities for sport, education and social events that help bring the unit together.
What do you feel is the highlight of your time as a reservist?
There are two big highlights that stand out for me, for very different reasons.
The first was during the COVID-19 pandemic where I mobilised into a number of different roles both helping the people of East Anglia and doing big-picture work in Permanent Joint Head Quarters ensuring that UK Defence could continue to operate and train while staying safe. That was a hugely professionally rewarding in a time of national emergency.
The second was on a multinational exercise in North America last year. It was an amazing location, with great training and we had access to a lot of US military kit that the British don’t have. Basically, two weeks of rides in helicopters, plus I got to watch a Major Leage basegame in Detroit at the end!
Thank you to Maj Ottaway for representing, on Reserves Day 2025, 3 Royal Anglian reservists!
