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. First up is Lt Jessie Tucker, a Royal Naval Reservist who serves with the land-based HMS Wildfire in Hertfordshire.
Tell us about your civilian job
I currently work in the pharmaceutical industry. I have a science background and started off my career by working in research labs, but nowadays I am a business consultant and I work with pharmaceutical companies to optimise the way they run their clinical trials.
How surprised are people to find out you’re a Royal Naval Reservist – and that you’re stationed away from the coast?
When people find out that I am a reservist they are often surprised and somewhat bewildered. Most people don’t know what it means, or what it entails, so they tend to have a lot of questions!
Why did you decide to join the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR)?
I decided to join the RNR after my experiences in the Combined Cadet Force and in the University Royal Naval Unit. Fundamentally, it came down to wanting more from life than working in an office. I wanted the adventure, the challenge, the opportunity for self-development, and to meet interesting and varied people from all walks of life.
After nearly 10 years in the reserves, I have had all of this whilst also feeling like I am part of something important. Being in the reserves has really shaped who I am and what I get out of life.
What is your role with HMS Wildfire?
In the reserves, we have a “unit” but also a “specialisation”. Units such as HMS Wildfire tend to be focused more on training, administration and people management. Specialisations are focused on your operational role and the military capability you deliver.
In my time in the reserves, I have held a number of unit roles including Junior Officer Training Officer, Adventurous Training Officer, and Recruitment Officer. My specialisation, however, is Submarine Operations and my operational role is to ensure the safety and effective use of submarines on UK and NATO exercises and operations around the world.
What support do you get to help you balance being a reservist with holding down civilian work?
My employer has recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is currently working towards the [three tiers] of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) awards. They are designed to recognise employers for showing support for veterans, reservists and cadets.
One way my company has done this so far was by supporting me when I took three months of leave last year to deploy with the UK Carrier Strike Group onboard HMS Prince of Wales. Not all employers are as understanding, and I’m appreciative of the enthusiasm my colleagues show for my reserve service.
What skills learned with HMS Wildfire are most useful in your civilian life? And are there any from civvy street that have been useful in uniform?
I always say that my military training has put me out of my comfort zone so may times that it has significantly built my confidence, drive and resilience in ways that my civilian career never really could. This prepares you immensely well for being comfortable with the pressures you find in the office, too – presenting in meetings and so on.
On the other side, my civilian career has given me a broader experience of the world, which combined with my scientific training means I can bring a different perspective and attention to detail to my military role.
What do you feel is the highlight of your time as a reservist?
Going to sea is always a highlight! My deployment last year with the UK Carrier Strike Group, [as] a member of the Submarine Advisory Team, was without a doubt a highlight.
Naturally, with a civilian career, it’s unsustainable to deploy for two to three months every year, but that doesn’t stop you from getting to sea! In May this year, I spent two weeks onboard the Italian ship Cavour, another NATO aircraft carrier – an awesome experience and very interesting to learn more about how to best work with our NATO allies.
Thank you to Lt Tucker, on Reserves Day 2025, for representing the Royal Naval Reserve in East Anglia!
