Nearly fifty employers recently visited Colchester Army Reserve Centre to meet local Reservists and find out first-hand what they get up to on a normal training evening.
Reserve units who train at the centre in the evenings and at weekends put on a range of interactive displays including a field hospital, radio equipment, military police riot gear and military vehicles.
As well as having an opportunity to meet with the Reservists and talk about their training, employers learnt how they could support their local Defence community. Regional Employer Engagement Director Kristina Carrington spoke to the audience about the benefits associated with partnering with Defence and how they could pledge their support via the Armed Forces Covenant and Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.
It was at this point in the evening that Essex Chamber publically declared their support for the Defence community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant; a promise from the nation that those who serve of have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of the Essex Chamber of Commerce signed the Covenant with Colonel A Jackson, Deputy Commander, HQ 16 Air Assault Brigade. Col Jackson took the opportunity to thank all of those employers present that have already begun their Defence journeys and stated just how critical their continuing support is in ensuring their Armed Forces remain at the forefront of global Defence.
Kristina Carrington commented, “Having the support of Essex Chamber is incredibly valuable to Defence and its people. They set an example to businesses across the county, encouraging others to partner with Defence and further understand this mutually beneficial relationship.”
Lt Col Mary Read, Commanding Officer of 254 Medical Regiment gave the audience an insight into Reservist life. One of the Regiment’s medical squadrons are based at Colchester and when deployed offer medical support in the field and support to their Regular counterparts.