Reserves Day takes place annually as part of Armed Forces Week, to highlight the important role Reserve Forces play in the defence of our country. To celebrate Reserves Day 2026 (Wednesday 24th June) we’ll be sharing the experiences of reservists serving in our region.
Introducing Able Seaman (AB) Carr, a Royal Naval Reservist who serves with the land-based HMS Wildfire in Hertfordshire.
What inspired you to become a reservist?
I had always said that one day I would serve in the military and continue the tradition of service within my family. My father served in the Royal Air Force, and both of my grandfathers served in the Second World War.
Before joining the Royal Naval Reserve, I was attending private military training courses at the European Security Academy in Poland. I was considering a course in maritime security, and I realised that by joining the Royal Naval Reserve I could achieve that goal while beginning my own military service and learning maritime skills from some of the best in the world.
How do you feel you’ve benefited from serving in the Royal Naval Reserves?
The Royal Naval Reserve offered the opportunity to challenge myself, develop new skills, serve my country and be part of something bigger than me while still maintaining a civilian career.
I was particularly attracted by the variety of opportunities available. The Royal Naval Reserve allows ordinary people from all walks of life to gain experiences that simply are not available elsewhere, such as leadership training, overseas exercises, specialist military skills or working alongside Regular personnel.
Tell us about your civilian job.
I’m self-employed, which gives me some flexibility in managing my workload. My civilian work includes security services, security consultancy, locksmith services, drone operations, wi-fi and telecommunications engineering projects, as well as film and television production.
How do you balance your civilian work with your reservist activities?
Balancing civilian life with reserve service requires good planning and organisation. There are times when work commitments, family life, hobbies and military commitments all compete for attention, but I’ve found that the skills developed in one area often benefit the others.
The leadership, discipline and problem-solving skills I’ve gained through being a reservist have helped me professionally. Many of my civilian skills have allowed me to contribute to the Royal Navy in ways I hadn’t originally expected.
What have been the highlights during your time as a reservist?
I have had the opportunity to take part in exercises and training both in the UK and overseas, including working alongside the Royal Marines Reserve and Regular Royal Navy personnel in Norway and Cyprus. I have also been fortunate to support Naval Command with photography and videography projects, producing content that has been used across official Royal Navy publications and media channels.
One of my proudest moments was receiving the Commanding Officer’s Prize, presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, in recognition of my contribution to the Royal Naval Reserve.
I was also honoured to receive the Herbert Lott Efficiency Award from Naval Command Headquarters and to be awarded the Matthews Cup at the Tower of London by the Commander Maritime Reserves. These were incredibly proud moments, not only because of the awards themselves, but because they reflected the hard work, commitment and support of the people I have served alongside.
Another unforgettable experience was representing the Royal Naval Reserve at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Marching into formation alongside members of all three Armed Forces in front of His Majesty King Charles III was an absolute honour and a moment I will never forget.
However, the real highlight has been the people. The friendships, camaraderie and shared experiences are what make Reserve service truly special. Whether on drill nights, exercises, training weekends or deployments, you quickly become part of a team that supports one another and works towards a common goal. Those experiences and friendships are something I will carry with me for life.
What would your advice be to someone who is considering joining the Reserves?
If you are thinking about joining, I would encourage you to take the first step and have a conversation with your local reserve unit.
People often think they need a military background or need to be exceptionally fit before joining, but that simply is not the case. The Reserve Forces are made up of ordinary people with ordinary jobs who want to challenge themselves, learn new skills and make a meaningful contribution.
The opportunities available are incredible. You’ll gain confidence, leadership experience, professional qualifications, lifelong friendships and experiences that most people never get the chance to have. It will not always be easy, but it is genuinely one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
Thank you to AB Carr, on Reserves Day 2026, for representing the Royal Naval Reserve in East Anglia!
